Program Admission
Once you have decided Pacific University's School of Dental Health Science is what you are looking for, the next step is to request an application packet from the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions. You do not need to have completed specific program prerequisite course requirements when you apply, but they must be finished before entering the program.
For more information on how to apply to the School of Dental Health Science, please visit the How to Apply page.
How to Prepare
The School of Dental Health Science faculty believe academic coursework along with life experiences build a strong foundation for success in a professional program. Both your educational and extracurricular activities should provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for pursuing a degree in dental health.
The admission process required for enrollment into the School of Dental Health Science involves two steps:
- Review of your application by the Admissions Committee
- An on-campus interview for all qualified applicants
Dental Hygiene Program
The Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee will consider the following factors in the selection process:
- Strength and breadth of academic record
- Prior dental or health care experience
- Letters of evaluation
- Content of application forms and care with which they have been completed
- Quality of writing ability as demonstrated by personal narrative
- Understanding of the dental hygiene profession
- Type of community activities
- Strength of on-campus personal interview
Based on the review of the application by the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee, applicants will be invited for on-campus personal interviews. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admission decision. It allows the Admissions Committee to assess essential skills and factors which may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, consideration is given to knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career as a dental hygienist, ability to think clearly and logically, self-confidence and verbal expression of ideas.
Degree Completion Program
The Degree Completion Admissions Committee will consider the following factors in the selection process:
- Strength and breadth of academic record
- Prior dental or health care experience
- Content of application forms and care with which they have been completed
- Quality of writing ability as demonstrated by personal narrative
- Strength of on-campus personal interview
Based on the review of the application by the Degree Completion Admissions Committee, applicants will be invited for on-campus personal interviews. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admissions decision. It allows the Admissions Committee to assess essential skills and factors which may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, consideration is given to motivation toward a Bachelor of Science in Dental Health, current and future professional goals, ability to think clearly and logically, self-confidence, and verbal expression of ideas.