The Pacific University School of Dental Health Science offers a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene studies and a master of science in dental therapy. With a focus on public health and care for diverse, underserved populations, these programs prepare students to work in a variety of clinical settings.
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School of Dental Health Science
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Pacific Dental Clinic
The School of Dental Health Science operates a 16-chair Pacific Dental Clinic at the Pacific University Hillsboro Campus. Open to the public, the Dental Hygiene Clinic provides dental hygiene and dental therapy students with supervised clinical experience while serving the dental hygiene needs of the community.
About the School
Our Mission
To provide an outstanding education that prepares dental professionals to pursue justice through outstanding teaching, evidence-based research, compassionate patient care and exemplary service to the community and the profession.
Our Vision
To create and sustain a reputation of excellence in education, service and scholarship that is widely recognized and respected in both the profession and the community.
Our Goals
The goals of the School of Dental Health Science are:
- Education – Prepare dental allied professionals for leadership roles in clinical practice, public health, education, research, administration and advocacy.
- Patient Care – Provide equitable, inclusive and culturally appropriate patient-centered care that is based on current standards of practice.
- Scholarship – Foster an environment that promotes discovery, application and dissemination of evidence-based research.
- Service – Promote a commitment to service through professional association involvement, community partnerships and interprofessional collaborations.
In Our Programs
- You will find faculty who care deeply about the learning process and are committed to your success in the program
- You will enjoy a broad educational experience which emphasizes communication skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, community service, and professional leadership
- You will learn in a supportive environment which embraces creativity, flexibility, and diversity
- You will study in state-of-the-art classroom and clinical facilities at our Hillsboro Campus along with graduate students in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, professional psychology, pharmacy, healthcare administration and audiology
- You will provide care to diverse patient populations in our 16-chair Dental Hygiene Clinic which provides dental health services to the community with special emphasis on patients who have limited access to dental care
- You will complete clinic enrichment experiences in a variety of healthcare settings which include a dental school, public health clinic, community hospital, Indian Health Services dental clinic, managed care clinics and a long-term care facility
- You will have a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary study with students and faculty in Pacific University's other professional programs and through a broad range of community affiliations
Accreditation
The School of Dental Health Science educational programs in dental hygiene and dental therapy at Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in these U.S. states and territories. Additional student learning outcome and curriculum information is available in the academic catalog.