Dental hygiene care extends from preservation of a healthy mouth to interruption or prevention of life threatening oral disease. They also work with the disabled, overcoming barriers to attaining health, and with the seriously ill, building defenses against complicating oral conditions. The Oregon Health Sciences University Dental Hygiene Program is the only program in the Northwest offered by a university academic health center. Offered at the junior and senior level of college, the program leads to a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. It prepares graduates for clinical, educational, organizational and managerial roles in dental offices, clinics, nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, health agencies and industry.
Students learn from faculty who are renowned as teachers and scientists.
The curriculum fosters personal and professional development through classes, clinic and community practicums and interdisciplinary programs, providing a sound background for graduate study in dental hygiene or related fields. Career opportunities are increasing and graduates are in high demand. The university offers the opportunity to learn in an environment where humanism prevails, where new knowledge is created, and where the frontiers of health care are advanced. The OHSU Dental Hygiene Program is offered at the junior and senior level of college and leads to a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. Basic, biomedical, social and behavioral sciences are integrated and applied in clinic and community practicums and interdisciplinary educational experiences with other health and allied health professions students.