Western Oregon University

Pre-Dental Hygiene Preparation

Advisor: Sarah Boomer

Phone: (503) 838-8209

FAX: (503) 838-8072

Dental Hygiene Program Requirements Dental Hygiene is extremely competitive because there are few programs in Oregon. Admission depends on GPA, writing/personal statement, professional/leadership experience, and specific coursework. Most admission points are awarded on GPA and anything lower than a B is detrimental. Many programs have unique requirements, including specialty courses or proficiency exams that are taken at the time of admission. Students typically spend 2 years completing pre-requisite coursework before competing for admission to a Dental Hygiene Program – which WOU does not have on campus (i.e. you will be moving to another place to finish your actual Dental Hygiene training!). These 2 years of pre-dental hygiene courses do not count for a WOU degree and are most suitable for building Health or Education degrees – not Biology. Although this summary is as current as possible, students should ALWAYS check most recent program links above to confirm the following information is accurate as programs do change. I also strongly recommend every applicant fill out specific program applications (for themselves only) at the end of their first year just to see what it feels like and make sure they understand ALL requirements. They should also contact specific program admissions offices to become acquainted with the people who will ultimately be evaluating them.
General Summary of All Program Pre-Requisites – Also Visit Specific Sites Below
	OIT*	PU	PCC	LCC**	MHCC
*Science/Math*
Chemistry	104-6	104	104-6	104-6	104-6
Biology/Anatomy/Physiology	102, 234-6	102, 234-6	102, 234-6	102, 234-6	102, 234-6
Microbiology	318	318	318	318
Algebra	111		099	099	099
Statistics		243

*General Education*
Nutrition	325		325	325
Psychology		201	201	201
Speech	111	112	111	111
Communications Elective		3 credits
Writing/Introduction	115, 135	115	135	135	115 or 135
Technical Writing				321 or 323
Sociology	223 or 224	223	223	223
Social Science Elective		3 credits
Arts Elective		3 credits
Humanities Electives		15 credits
Dental Hygiene	YES*
Medical Terminology	YES*
OIT requires “Introduction to Dental Hygiene,” on-line via OIT’s Distance Education Program; they also will be requiring a Medical Terminology Course likely for the 2010 year applicants, this is not available at WOU – check various community colleges, which offer it on-line. LCC requires a specialty course only they offer - Chemistry/Cell for Health Occupations. Several programs also require additional proficiency exams be taken for admission.* Several programs also have minimum grade requirements for each course – typically B or C. Several programs also require verified observation/practicum hours in a dental setting.

Oregon Dental Hygiene Program Links

Pacific University Program Pacific University 2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR 97116-2328 (503) 352-2131
OIT/ODS Eastern Program, La Grande Specific Admission Information 909 Adams Avenue La Grande, OR 97850 (541) 663-2720
OIT/ODS Program, Klamath Basin Admission Information 3201 Campus Drive Klamath Falls, OR 97601 (541) 885-1331
Portland Community College Program SY HT 206 PO Box 19000 Portland, OR 97280-0990 (503) 452-4908
Lane Community College Program 4000 East 30^thEugene, OR 97405 (541) 463-5638
Mt. Hood Community College Program 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, OR 97030 (503) 491-7691
Idaho State University Program 921 S. 8th, Stop 8048 Pocatello, ID 83209 (208) 282 3796
Mesa Community College Program 1833 West Southern Mesa, AZ 85202 (480) 461 7000

National Association Links

Oregon Dental Hygiene Association
American Dental Hygiene Association

Dental Hygiene Program Requirements

Oregon Dental Hygiene Program Links

National Association Links