Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is offered on the Oregon Tech, Klamath Falls campus, and on the Chemeketa Community College campus in Salem, Oregon.

Accreditation

The dental hygiene curriculum is accredited with reporting requirements by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education and/or the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. The program is recognized by the Oregon Board of Dentistry, Oregon Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Program Purpose and Mission Statement

The dental hygiene programs prepare students to enter the dental hygiene profession as registered dental hygienists. Graduates are prepared for national and regional examinations and to meet qualifications for licensure. Bachelor degree graduates are prepared for post graduate education in dental hygiene and other related fields of study.

The program provides an educational environment that fosters respect and encourages critical thinking. Its mission is to educate students to become primary healthcare providers who are well prepared to serve the public in multiple roles and who are empowered to become life-long learners.

Program Educational Objectives

The dental hygiene graduate will be competent in:

1. Cultural Awareness: Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups
2. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:
3. Professionalism, Ethical Practice: Applying ethical, legal, and regulatory concepts in the provision and/or support of oral health care services to comprehensive care and management of patients
4. Lifelong Learning: Demonstration competent knowledge and self-assessment skills necessary for life-long learning
5. Community Health: Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community based oral health programs including health promotion and disease prevention activities
6. Provision of Oral Health Care: Provide oral health care to people in all stages of life and for all periodontal conditions.

Career Opportunities

Dental hygienists are most commonly employed in private dental practices and provide oral health preventive and therapeutic services. Graduates are prepared for licensure as a dental hygienist and with the qualifications to obtain permits and endorsements for expanded practice in such settings as nursing homes, schools, and hospitals. In addition to clinical practice, dental hygienists have careers in the fields of education, research, administration, and public health.

Student Preparation

A science background is essential for individuals interested in any health sciences profession. Students considering a career in dental hygiene should take a college-bound course of study in high school that includes algebra, chemistry, and biology or human anatomy and physiology.

Admissions Procedures

Any student who meets the OIT general admissions requirements may enroll in Pre-Dental Hygiene courses (freshman year). A limited number of seats are available in the professional courses (sophomore, junior, and senior years). Students are selected to enter the professional program through an application process.

The application deadline is in March or April of the calendar year of enrollment. To be eligible for admission into the Dental Hygiene Program the following minimum eligibility requirements must be met:

1. Applicants must have on file with the Oregon Tech Office of Admissions an official Application for Admission to Oregon Tech, accompanied by a $50 non-refundable fee and official transcripts of each college or university attended. Admission to Oregon Tech is independent of admission to the Dental Hygiene Program. All applicants to Oregon Tech are admitted as pre-dental hygiene majors until accepted into the dental hygiene program.
2. Applicants must have successfully completed or be in progress of completing all freshmen pre-dental hygiene courses. Completion of Introduction to Dental Hygiene (DH 100  on campus or DHE 100  online) is required by the end of spring term. All other prerequisite (freshman) courses must be completed by the end of summer term.
3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA in previous college work.
4. Applicants must submit a Dental Hygiene Application for Admission, related forms, including official transcripts, and application fee to ADEA_DHCA.S. Detailed information and forms can be found on the Oregon Tech Dental Hygiene Program web page, www.oit.edu/dentalhygiene.

Program Requirements

Dental hygiene students admitted to the Dental Hygiene Program (sophomore, junior, senior years) must purchase instruments and other supplies to be used during clinical practice and pay additional fees associated with dental hygiene courses. A background check and drug test are required prior to final admission into the professional program.

Graduation Requirements

All courses listed in the curriculum for the catalog year a student begins a program must be fulfilled. Total credits required for graduation are: Bachelor of Science degree, 190. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for graduation. Students must maintain a grade of “C” or better in all courses to continue in the program.

Programs

• Dental Hygiene, BS
• Dental Hygiene, Degree Completion, BS