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. Prior to entry into the Dental Hygiene program students must satisfactorily complete CH104, CH105 and CH106, or the equivalent, as well as selected high school level coursework. CH104 must be completed prior to the application deadline.