GENERAL INFORMATION

Think you might want to be a dental hygienist?  Get more information on what we do, educational requirements, employment outlook, and average wages here here  and here !

OREGON DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAMS

Complete List

DENTAL HYGIENE CAREERS

What sort of work do you want to do?

Clinical Hygienist

Provide oral health care to the public under the supervision of a dentist in a private office

Public Health Hygienist

Work with a public agency such as the state, indian reservations, the military in either clinical or administrative capacities

Educator

Work with students and administration in a collge or university setting to educate our future workforce

Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (formerly Limited Access Permit)     

Audio Presentation about the LAP in Oregon
Legislation allowing dental hygienists to practice unsupervised in state approved facilities was passed in 1997.   The Oregon Board of Dentistry has established rules to implement this legislation and is now issuing a Expanded Practice permits to dental hygienists.
Check out our page just for these special hygienists!    Click here

DEGREES IN DENTAL HYGIENE

So you're ready to apply for dental hygiene school.  Do you know what type of degree you are getting?

Associates (AA)- A two year (18 months of study) degree that prepares you for the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam as well as a clinical exam.  This degree type is limited to working in private practice settings.  If your school is properly accredited, you can use this education to pursue a Bachelors degree later if you choose.  Check with your school to see if your credits will transfer to other insitutions. You will also have to complete basic four year college courses if you haven't already.

Bachelors (BSDH) - Two years of basic college courses, followed by two years of dental hygiene education.  You take the same board exams and receive the same licensure as an Associates degree hygienist, but are allowed to work in public health settings as well.  You are also eligible to apply for college teaching positions. 

Degree Completion Programs - Do you have an Associates degree but want to do something different?  If your credits are from a properly accredited institution, you can usually complete your Bachelors degree online.  So be sure to check with the school you are considering, whether your credits will be transferable!

Masters - Not required for clinical work, but if you think education or research are your dream fields, then be prepared to go after this degree eventually.

LICENSING

What state do you want to work in?  Every state has different licensing regulations.

Oregon

List of other states licensing information

FINDING WORK

So you have your degree and your license and all you want to do is get going?  Check the usual places such as newspaper ads, jobs websites and drop your resume at offices you think you might want to work at.  In addition, check out these links:

ODHA CLASSIFIEDS PAGE                   ODHA JOB RESOURCES PAGE

ADHA CAREER CENTER