The Dental Hygiene program at Mt. Hood Community College is six quarters in length, leading to an associate degree. Academic instruction in basic and dental sciences is integrated with instruction in dental hygiene therapy, dental procedures, and work in clinical settings to provide a total learning experience for the dental hygiene student. Having completed the program and passed National and Regional Board examinations for dental hygienists the graduate can be licensed to practice. Some institutions and agencies require a baccalaureate degree for employment. To this end, many courses in the Mt. Hood Community College dental hygiene curriculum are transferable to four-year colleges and can be applied toward a bachelor s degree.
Admission is based on meeting application deadlines and satisfactory completion of criteria.
Applications may be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office. Salaries vary and are commensurate with experience and scope of duties. Opportunities for dental hygienists are excellent, particularly in smaller communities outside of Portland. The personal requirements necessary to succeed as a dental hygienist begin with a strong belief in the importance of good oral health and include an aptitude for the biological sciences. Of prime importance is manual dexterity and a genuine interest in and ability to work with people.