Transfer Credits & Advanced Placement
Transfer credits are not accepted, nor is advanced placement given. Each student must successfully complete all curricular components in the designated time frame and earn a passing grade to remain enrolled and graduate.
Admission Process
Every incoming student must successfully complete the admissions process and meet admissions criteria. After admission to the program, the items listed below will be required and coordinated.
Required Immunization Documentation
Pacific University requires students provide proof of immunizations. Failure to comply with the School of Dental Health Science policy can affect a student’s admission, enrollment, or ability to continue in a health professions program in Pacific University. Students are required to have all current immunizations as recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for health care providers. Oregon Statute requires information about vaccine preventable diseases be given to all incoming university students. Please review this information at www.pacificu.edu/vaccineinfo.
Students are required to provide proof of:
- Two immunizations for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) or reactive titer for each.
- Current immunization for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis (TDaP)
- Immunity to Hepatitis B (Hep B) which includes vaccination series and a positive/reactive quantitative titer:
- Provide documentation of 2 (Hepislav-B) vaccines OR 3 doses of (Engerix-B or Recombivax HB) vaccines, and
- Provide documentation of a quantitative positive antibody titer showing immunity to Hepatitis B.
- Students without a positive/reactive titer and/or those who have not completed the vaccination series must be in the process of receiving the Hep B immunization series prior to matriculation.
- Two immunizations for Varicella administered 4 weeks apart, a positive/reactive titer showing serologic proof of immunity, or diagnosis/verification of a history of Varicella or Herpes Zoster (shingles) by a health care provider.
- If the titer provided is negative, the series must be repeated. A second titer is required.
- Tuberculosis screening negative results within the last 12 months prior to matriculation by one of the following screening options: QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test (QFT), Tspot testing modality, or 2-step PPD TB skin test (2-step PPD requires 4 visits to the provider).
- Students are required to remain in compliance throughout the course of the program.
- Annual influenza immunization required while in the program.
- Students are strongly encouraged to obtain COVID-19 vaccination series and booster (s).
The School of Dental Health Science does not accept immunization waivers, except in the case of a request for a medical waiver. These requests will be reviewed by Student and Employee Health Center clinicians on a case-by-case basis, and if granted, the student will be required to sign an attestation agreement which states they may not be able to complete the DT/DHS program and graduate, due to inability to participate in required supervised clinical practice experiences and/or program activities.
Students will not be able to participate in patient care activities during the program if students have not completed and maintained immunization requirements.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
Upon acceptance and prior to matriculation, students will undergo a criminal background check and a drug screen. A background check and drug screen are conditions of matriculation into the program. Legal offenses that are reflected in a criminal background check may preclude a student’s ability to enroll in the program or to participate in a rotation which would be a prerequisite to completion of the program. Because each jurisdiction has control over licensure, Pacific University is unable to provide its students with legal advice concerning license restrictions for any given jurisdiction related to results of a criminal background check or drug screen. Thus, mere admission into Pacific University’s School of Dental Health Science is not to be interpreted as assurance of acceptance into a required clinical rotation or likelihood of subsequent licensure. For this reason, students who have been convicted of legal offenses are advised to obtain independent legal advice concerning related licensing issues.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
All students must be certified in Healthcare Provider BLS through the American Heart Association (AHA) with an in-person skills verification in order to participate in school activities. We do not accept American Red Cross. Students must maintain AHA BLS certification for the entire duration they are a student.
Health Insurance
Pacific University offers Student Health Insurance. All students are required to carry personal health insurance with coverage comparable to the plan offered by the University. Students currently enrolled in a health insurance plan that provides comparable coverage to the University sponsored plan and that will be in effect through the end of the school year, may be able to waive the automatic enrollment into the university-sponsored plan.
All questions regarding insurance, including questions about the waiver option, must be directed to the Business Office (cashiering@pacificu.edu), as School of Dental Health Science faculty and staff are not involved in the insurance process.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include the physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities which are needed for particular occupations or careers. Students admitted to the program must be able to perform the following essential functions in order to satisfactorily complete the requirement for this program.
Physical Skills: Sit, stand, bend and reach while performing clinical procedures. Function in a structured environment for several hours. Move freely from place to place and maneuver in small spaces. Demonstrate hand/eye coordination, manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity necessary to manipulate a variety of instruments, materials and equipment. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and assist in emergency situations.
Sensory Skills: Read charts, records, small print, typed and handwritten notes. See with measurable depth perception and in low-light conditions. Distinguish color variations and discern shades of black and white. Hear and understand verbal directions. Discern sounds related to patient assessment and treatment. Distinguish smells of various drugs, solutions and materials used in health care settings. Feel subtle differences in surface textures. Recognize changes in patient status.
Cognitive Skills: Comprehend, analyze and synthesize complex science and clinical content. Apply prior learning to new situations. Concentrate on task at hand amidst a variety of environmental distractions. Interpret patient findings, recognize anomalies and make decisions which affect patient care. Use personal computers to complete assignments. Complete standardized tests within established time limits.
Communication Skills: Speak and write English clearly. Provide patients with clear instructions appropriate for their level of understanding. Write clear and legible notations on patient charts. Organize thoughts and ideas into written essays and research papers.
Interpersonal Skills: Interact with individuals, small groups and large audiences. Establish sufficient rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries in order to effectively relate to patients, peers, colleagues, faculty and staff. Demonstrate concern and empathy for a diverse variety of patients.
Professional Skills: Present a professional appearance and maintain personal health. Maintain composure during stressful situations. Work both independently and as a team member. Organize tasks, set priorities and manage multiple projects. Maintain accuracy and confidentiality of patient records. Comply with established policies and procedures. Provide care to all patients regardless of age, race, ethnic origin, physical or mental status or other condition.
Accommodations
The School of Dental Health Science, as part of Pacific University and the College of Health Professions, is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. Pacific University School of Dental Health Science does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, and or veteran status. When requested, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. However, the safety and welfare of patients shall never be put in jeopardy as a result of an effort to reasonably accommodate a student.
Services and reasonable accommodations are available to students covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional information is available on the Pacific University Office of Accessibility and Accommodation Services (OAA) webpages. Students who require accommodations are strongly encouraged to contact the OAA office at 503-352-2171 or email oaa@pacificu.edu. Students who receive accommodations are strongly encouraged to discuss their needs with school administration, appropriate faculty and adjunct clinical faculty preceptors.