Become a Dental Therapist at Pacific University, Oregon’s Only Dental Therapy Program
Discover what is a dental therapist, what does a dental therapist do, licensure and the salary of a dental therapist
Pacific’s dental therapy program is the fourth accredited program in the U.S., the second to offer a master’s degree and the only dental therapy program in Oregon.
What is a dental therapist? A dental therapist is a licensed oral health care provider that works under the supervision of a dentist. This is a relatively new oral healthcare role, particularly in Oregon, where dental therapists have only been licensed and able to practice since 2021. Working under the supervision of a dentist, dental therapists provide routine, preventative and basic restorative care such as exams, fillings, fluoride treatments, basic extractions and patient education. These professionals often help to expand access to dental care in underserved communities where long wait times or cost make it difficult for patients to see a dentist.
Pacific’s dental therapy program is the fourth accredited program in the U.S., the second to offer a master’s degree and the only dental therapy program in Oregon. Pacific University is a trusted leader in advancing dental therapy education and our program focuses on safety, efficiency, team collaboration and equity in oral healthcare.
What Does a Dental Therapist Do?
Dental therapists help families, children and adults who need timely basic dental care. They often serve patients who have less access to dental care because of location or income. Dental therapists might work in rural communities, at mobile clinics, in tribal clinics, at public health clinics, in correctional facilities and in schools or care facilities. Like physician assistants, they are midlevel providers and work under the supervision of a dentist.
Dental therapists provide basic dental care and some of the treatments patients most commonly need such as:
- Dental exams
- Fillings
- Fluoride treatments
- Basic extractions
- Mouth guards
- Oral health education
Because in the United States, nearly 58 million people live in areas without sufficient dental health providers, dental therapists provide much needed care to underserved communities.
What is the Difference Between a Dental Therapist, aDental Hygienist and a Dentist?
Dental therapists, dental hygienists and dentists are all dental professionals, but each has a unique role in providing dental care.
| Role | Required Education | What You Do |
| Dentist |
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) |
|
| Dental Therapist |
CODA Accredited Dental Therapy Program such as MS in Dental Therapy |
|
| Dental Hygienist |
CODA Accredited Dental Hygiene Program such as BS in Dental Hygiene |
|
Dental Therapy Education and Licensure at Pacific University
Pacific University offers a joint degree program, which combines a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with a concurrent Master of Science in Dental Therapy. In Pacific’s joint degree program, dental therapy students complete rigorous coursework and supervised clinical experiences focused on restorative techniques, radiology, pain management, infection control, community health and patient-centered care.
At Pacific University, dental therapy students experience:
- Hands-on training with experienced faculty
- Community-focused clinical rotations
- Preparation for licensure and employment across diverse care
settings
As mid-level dental care providers, dental therapists do not pursue a doctorate in dentistry like dentists do. Licensure for dental therapists is state specific and typically requires graduation from a board-approved program, successful completion of clinical examinations, and meeting jurisprudence and background requirements. The joint degree program in dental hygiene and dental therapy at Pacific University is three years long, with the first two years being completed concurrently with the dental hygiene program and the final year dedicated to a practicum and specific dental therapy skills.
At Pacific University, faculty support students through exams, clinical competencies and career planning. As you explore your options and prepare for your career, we can advise you on dental therapy and dental hygienist career pathways to help you find your best fit.
What is the Salary of a Dental Therapist?
How much do dental therapists make? Dental therapist pay varies depending on where they work and how long they have been practicing. The average salary of a dental therapist in Oregon is $87,840, with an entry level dental therapist earning an average of $62,821 and a senior level dental therapist earning an average salary of $98,453. Dental therapist pay will be different depending on where a dental therapist works. Because of this, how much do dental therapists make is a question best answered by talking to programs and employers in your area.
Since dental therapy requires fewer years of schooling than dentists need, dental therapists are able to move into their careers more quickly and may also carry less educational expenses.