At Pacific University, we have high expectations for all our students. Are you up to the challenge?
Our Hallmarks
Emphasis On Public Health The need for dental hygiene professionals is growing rapidly, and it is especially high in public health settings. Pacific will provide you with a broad awareness of social, cultural and healthcare issues through coursework and clinical experience. You will complete fieldwork rotations in public health clinics and other community-based settings, gaining practical experience in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Care For The Underserved Our Dental Hygiene Clinic on the Hillsboro Campus serves a diverse range of patients, many of whom have never had dental care. Spanish language and Hispanic culture are incorporated into the program to help prepare you for work with this population. You will complete fieldwork in many different settings, including rotations in migrant farm camps and vineyards, using our dental van and portable equipment.
Broader Scope Of Practice Dental hygienists are assuming a more comprehensive role in private and public practice settings. At Pacific, you will gain confidence in performing advanced clinical procedures, which will enhance your value—and opportunities— in any practice setting. First-time visitors are impressed by our state-of-the- art clinic and instructional technology. We use innovative diagnostic tools, such as digital radiography and intra-oral cameras, and have been a leader in integrating electronic health records into our clinical education.
Focus On Leadership The dental health field is changing rapidly, and we believe that today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, with responsibility for effecting change. We believe that our bachelor’s degree program provides the breadth and the depth needed to prepare you for leadership roles. You will enter the program with a solid foundation of prerequisites; complete a rigorous, year-round two-year program; and leave a community legacy through a senior capstone project.
2
YEARS / 6 SEMESTERS
Program Length
500
hours of direct patient care our students provide to populations that lack access to dental care
32
Students Average Class Size
2,000
Patients A YEAR the Dental Hygiene Clinic Treats
Smile Care Everywhere In 2009, Pacific University started a mobile dental clinic called Smile Care Everywhere. Staffed by our faculty and students, the van travels to local migrant camps, health fairs and elementary schools, providing dental screenings and education. We are proud to offer these services to our community while enhancing the educational experiences of our students.
Interprofessional Experiences Our students have the opportunity to take courses and complete projects with students from the other health professional programs at Pacific. Dental hygiene students also participate in an Interprofessional Diabetes Clinic with students and faculty from the other health professional programs. Through fieldwork rotations, our students gain clinical experience in a variety of interprofessional healthcare settings.
Give Kids A Smile Each year the School of Dental Hygiene Studies partners with the Washington County Dental Society to provide free dental care services to low-income children from our community. The event is a part of National Children’s Dental Health Month and is one of thousands of Give Kids a Smile events nationwide. Together with local dentists and dental hygienists, students provide preventive services, such as cleanings and X-rays, as well as fillings and other restorative procedures. Dental hygiene students pre-screen children at local preschools, Head Start programs and elementary schools to identify those eligible to receive the complimentary care.
Students providing care in off campus fieldwork sites using the SmileCare Everywhere mobile van.
We know you’ve got the smarts. But what about the other qualities that make an exceptional healthcare professional?
