Dental Hygiene Schools In Oregon: Students in Oregon have a number of Dental Hygiene schools from which they can pursue dental hygiene education, many of which prepare students for licensure exams.
Some cooperative education programs are also available. However, students should keep in mind that these types of Dental Hygiene schools do not provide a complete program on a single campus.
Programs lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field and include general education requirements. In addition to classroom and laboratory training, students will complete clinical experiences.
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Are There Dental Hygiene Schools In Oregon?
Yes, there are schools that offer dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) maintain a high level of education in Oregon.
There are currently 5 CODA-accredited programs in Oregon. After you graduate from an accredited program, you will need to pass some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for a dental hygienist license.
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How Much Do Dental Hygiene Schools Cost In Oregon?
You can earn an associate’s degree from either a community college or a technical college; you can get your degree in 20-30 months and it will cost you between $5,000 and $60,000.
On average, studying dental hygiene takes about three years. However, there are programs that can be completed faster and those that also take longer.
The cost of dental hygienist school will depend on the program you choose, the length of the program, and the location of the school. There are many options to help you pay for dental hygienist school, including financial aid and payment programs.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Hygiene Schools In Oregon?
Admission requirements for any of the dental hygienist schools in Oregon can vary from school to school, student status, and many other things.
However, the general criteria or requirements for admission to any of the schools in Oregon that offer dental hygienist programs are as follows:
- You must have a high school diploma from an accredited and recognized institution. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can get a GED or its equivalent.
- You must pass the school’s entrance exams, if there are any for that school.
- You must be prepared to submit all official documents and transcripts from previous colleges attended.
- If English is not your first language, you must take and provide the results of an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL.
- You must complete the application form completely.
- All medical and legal review requirements must be met.
- You must have letters of recommendation and a well-written essay.
- You must have a letter of intent and be prepared for an interview when required.
Due to the competitive nature of admission, a good GPA and a high score in the entrance exam will put you on a higher pedestal. Additionally, having experience in the healthcare industry, perhaps through volunteering, is a plus for you during an interview.
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What Are The Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Oregon?
To work as a dental hygienist, you’ll need to earn at least an associate’s degree in an academic program, pass state and national licensing exams, often take and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene exam, and obtain a state or regional license to practice.
Academic dental hygiene programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There are more than 300 CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs to choose from.
These programs will focus on science and health. They also include clinical and practical approaches to dental hygiene, as well as hands-on learning opportunities. You can go to school to become a dental hygienist in any of the following schools:
Chemeketa Community College
Located in Salem, this community college offers a joint Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program with the Oregon Institute of Technology.
Chemeketa Community College students study required courses such as allied health chemistry, microbiology and medical terminology.
After completing the prerequisites and applying for the professional part of the program, students participate in clinical classes and seminars on dental hygiene.
Eastern Oregon University
Located in La Grande, this university offers joint associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs in dental hygiene. Participating educational partners include Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology and ODS companies.
Eastern Oregon University offers only the general education and compulsory portions of the dental hygiene programs.
Adjunct students study pathology, periodontology and dental materials at UDS. Undergraduate students study courses in dental practice and health care management.
Lane Community College
In this program, you take courses in oral pathology, oral radiology, microbiology, dental materials, pharmacology, anesthesia, and periodontology.
A number of labs are required to help you apply what you learn in class. The program also includes a cooperative education experience that provides you with hands-on work opportunities.
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham Community College Mt. Hood offers an associate degree program in dental hygiene. The 6-quarter program includes traditional lectures, laboratory and clinical classes.
Students study pathology, radiology of the oral cavity, dietetics and pharmacology. Graduates will be able to transfer to a bachelor’s degree.
Oregon Institute of Technology
The Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls offers several dental hygiene programs at various campuses.
The bachelor’s program at Klamath Falls includes clinical experience and field study. The institute also offers an undergraduate program in partnership with Chemeketa Community College.
The hybrid program provides online and on-campus coursework. Oregon Institute of Technology also offers an online bachelor’s degree program for those who have passed the National Board of Dental Hygiene exams.
University of the Pacific
Located in Hillsborough, University of the Pacific offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The university accepts students who have completed the required coursework and several hours of dental observation. T
he dental hygiene curriculum lasts 2 years and includes lectures, seminars and clinics. Students also study periodontology, pain management and oral pathology.
Portland Community College
Located in Portland, this college offers an associate degree in dental hygiene that prepares students for state licensure. Credits earned in this program can be transferred to the 4-year program.
Admission to the dental hygiene program at this college is selective, and applicants are selected based on criteria such as GPA, completion of prerequisites, work experience, and essays.
Treasure Valley Community College
Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario offers a 2-year pre-dental hygiene program that prepares students to transfer to a 4-year program.
The Master of Arts program requires courses in writing, speaking, mathematics, biology, anatomy, and physiology. Because colleges have different dental hygiene course requirements, the school recommends that students work with a counselor.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists In Oregon?
The average salary for a dental hygienist in Oregon is $82,850, 11% above the national average salary of $74,680. This equates to an hourly wage of $39.83.
Currently, 3,900 people work as dental hygienists in the state.This is a great time to study as a dental hygienist in Oregon, given the high salary and growing career opportunities.
Salaries for dental hygienists are among the highest in the healthcare industry, and the sector is projected to add an additional 30,000 jobs between 2016 and 2024, representing a nearly 15% increase in employment.
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How Do I Become Dental Hygienists In Oregon?
If you are interested in becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Oregon, you will need to complete at least an associate’s degree in a dental hygienist program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
In addition to online programs, there are currently seven colleges in Oregon that offer dental hygienist programs in cities such as Portland and Eugene. Many of these schools offer both a minimum associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree.
Dental hygiene programs will give you the opportunity to learn and practice a variety of skills necessary to become a licensed dental hygienist. These programs encourage teamwork through group projects and sharing.
You will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene exam as part of the licensing process. The exam is offered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Exams.
Tests are administered through Pearson VUE test centers. The cost of testing is $400. Testing centers are available throughout Oregon, including the cities of Portland, Medford and Salem. The examination should be scheduled 60-90 days in advance.
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Best Paying Dental Hygienists Jobs In Oregon
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon is home to 3,600 licensed dental hygienists (2013) who earn an average annual salary of $79,650 ($38.29 per hour), higher than the national average annual salary for the profession .
Their job prospects are excellent. The state predicts that dental hygienist vacancies in Oregon will increase by 27 percent by 2018.
Registered Dental Hygienist – Kaiser Permanente
Dental Hygenist NaphCare, Inc.
Registered Dental Hygienist – Hood River Dental
Dental Hygienist – The Gleamery
School & Community Oral Health Dental Hygienist – Multnomah County, OR
Registered Dental Hygienist – Flexible Schedule – Aspen Dental
Dental Hygiene Schools In Oregon FAQs
To become a dental hygienist in Oregon, you must obtain a dental hygiene license from the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed a course of study accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) before also successfully passing the required national, regional and state dental hygiene exams. Additionally, a criminal background check is required for all dental hygienist applicants in Oregon.
Under Oregon law, licensed dental hygienists can administer local anesthetics, operate certain high-speed dental cleaning tools, and adjust dentures for patients. For the administration of local anesthetics, training programs for dental hygienists should include appropriate classes in anesthesia. With an additional Oregon anesthesia license, dental hygienists in Oregon can also administer nitrous oxide.
The Oregon Board of Dentistry requires dental hygienists to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their license. Continuing education opportunities must be related to patient care or dental health care.
There are a wide variety of options approved to meet your continuing education needs. In addition, at least 3 hours must be related to dental/medical emergencies. The Oregon Dental Association offers additional information and continuing education programs.
You will need to log your continuing education hours and submit a logbook to your state or Oregon Board of Dentistry to renew your dental hygienist license.
The Oregon Board of Dentistry requires dental hygienists to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their license. Continuing education opportunities must be related to patient care or dental health care.
In addition, at least 3 hours must be related to dental/medical emergencies. The Oregon Dental Association offers additional information and continuing education programs.
You will need to log your continuing education hours and submit a logbook to your state or Oregon Board of Dentistry to renew your dental hygienist license.
Conclusion
Oregon dental hygienists require a state license to practice, and aspiring hygienists can obtain a license from the Oregon Board of Dentistry.
Licensure requirements include completion of a dental hygiene program at a school accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and successful completion of the National Board Examination, Clinical Regional/State Examination, and State Bar Examination.
This article describes the top 10 private, non-profit and public schools that offer dental hygiene or predental hygiene programs in Oregon.
References
- bestaccreditedcolleges.org – Dental Hygiene Schools in Oregon with Certification Program Info
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