The OHSU program was formally established in 1949. As the first dental hygiene program in the Northwest and Intermountain states, it pioneered dental hygiene in these regions. It maintains that spirit today in the continuing quest for new knowledge and new techniques upon which to build dental hygiene practice. The faculty focus on developing colleagues who have the knowledge and skills to serve as educators, clinicians, advocates, and community and organization leaders in promoting health and advancing oral health care. The university offers the opportunity to learn in an environment where humanism prevails and where new knowledge is created and the frontiers of health care are advanced.
Students learn in association with faculty who are renowned as teachers and scientists.
The dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduation from an accredited program is required to be eligible for the dental hygiene licensure examination. Prerequisite college work may be in progress at the time of application for admission. Only credits from United States or Canadian schools are accepted. Prerequisite college work may be in progress at the time of application for admission.