Dental Hygiene

pcc.edu/programs/dental-hygiene

Career and Program Description

Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education and are licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health.

Dental hygienists provide clinical services in a variety of settings such as private dental practices, community health settings, nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, faculty practice clinics, state and federal government facilities, and Indian reservations. In addition to clinical practice, there are career opportunities in education, research, sales and marketing, public health, administration, and government. Dental hygienists may choose to combine positions in different workplace settings and career paths for professional variety. Working in education and clinical practice is one example. Flexible working hours can be a feature of this profession, with opportunities for part time or full time employment.

What does a dental hygienist do?

  • Assess the patient’s oral tissues and overall health.

  • Screen the patient for any oral diseases or other abnormalities.

  • Identify if the patient is at risk for disease.

  • Formulate evidence-based, patient-centered treatment care plans.

  • Perform the clinical procedures outlined in the treatment care plan.

  • Educate patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care. 

  • Evaluate the outcomes of educational strategies and clinical procedures provided.

The general responsibilities of dental hygienists include…

  • Removing deposits such as plaque biofilm, calculus and stains from the teeth.

  • Exposing and processing dental radiographs or digital images.

  • Applying cavity-preventive agents, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants.

  • Administering antimicrobial agents.

  • Providing clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for interpretation by other health professionals.

  • In some states (including Oregon), dental hygienists…

    • Administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide.

    • Place filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings.

    • Remove sutures.

    • Perform root-debridement as a part of periodontal therapy.

    • Polish restorations.

The Dental Hygiene program offers a two-year curriculum that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The program of study prepares students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and regional licensure examinations.

Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program perform exposure prone procedures and are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment during all laboratory and clinical activities that produce airborne particulate matter, or expose students to patients during dental procedures. An exposure prone procedure is one in which there is an increased opportunity for the exchange of blood borne pathogens between the patient and the dental health care provider due to the nature of the procedure being performed.

Safety policies, protocols, and procedures are taught and followed according to OSHA regulations and CDC standards to provide a safe learning and patient care environment. The program policies on Blood borne Pathogens and Infectious Disease are available to applicants upon request. Upon acceptance to the program, students receive extensive training in this area.

Applicants who have an infectious disease or who are carriers of an infectious disease should seek counsel from their physician and the program dean prior to application. The college follows CDC suggested work restrictions for health-care personnel infected with or exposed to major infectious diseases in health care settings, from the CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings–2003, available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm Table 1, attached to and incorporated by this reference to this policy.

All PCC students enrolled in a health care or child care program, including dental hygiene, with requirements for practical experience of field training have to pass a Criminal History Check (CHC) and drug screen as a condition of their acceptance into a medical or other facility for training.

Students who do not pass the CHC and drug screen may not be eligible to complete training at affiliated clinical rotations sites, to sit for licensing or certification exams, obtain state licensure, or be hired for some professional positions. If you believe that your history may interfere with your ability to complete the program of study or to obtaining licensure, or certification in your chosen field, you should contact the appropriate state board or program director.

Computer skills: Students must have acquired basic computer skills including but not limited to: word processing, use of spreadsheets, electronic presentations, internet navigation, email management, and use of software programs or applications. It is recommended that this preparation be completed prior to entry in the program. The Dental Hygiene program requires one course in each of the following areas: nutrition, communications, sociology and psychology.

Applications are accepted each year from January 1 to April 15. Twenty students and twelve alternates are selected each year based upon specific admissions criteria.

Health Admissions Office

Sylvania Campus, Building CC, Room 208
Portland Community College
P.O. Box 19000
Portland, Oregon 97280-0990

For additional help call 971-722-4795 or check the website: www.pcc.edu/dh.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Dental Hygiene

Academic Prerequisites

  • Completion of the following courses or their equivalents  with a letter grade of "C" or higher are required to be considered for application to the Dental Hygiene Program:
    1. WR 121Z or higher
    2. MTH 65 or higher
    3. BI 231 and BI 232 sequence with lab. Students planning to transfer dental hygiene course work to a university baccalaureate degree should take BI 231, BI 232, BI 233 and CH 104, CH 105, CH 106
    4. BI 234 with lab (completed within the last seven years)
    5. CH 102 or higher. These courses are required for entry into the program and may be used to fulfill the AAS General Education requirement.
    6. FN 225
    7. One Psychology course (a comprehensive list of Associate of Applied Science (AAS) approved courses can be found by viewing the general education list).
    8. One Sociology course (a comprehensive list of Associate of Applied Science (AAS) approved courses can be found by viewing the general education list).
    9. One Communication course (a comprehensive list of Associate of Applied Science (AAS) approved courses can be found by viewing the general education list).
  • All prerequisite courses must be complete by the end of winter term prior to the application deadline. Courses planned for spring term will not be considered. Pass/No Pass grade is not acceptable in the prerequisite courses.
  • The Dental Hygiene Program is a limited entry program with restricted enrollment.
    • The admissions process is competitive and based on a point system. Applicants with the highest point totals will be accepted. Completing admission requirements and applying to the programs does not guarantee admission. For our current point evaluation sheet please visit www.pcc.edu/dh. Candidates will be notified of their admissions status by the beginning of June.

Academic Requirements

  • None

Non-Academic Prerequisites

  • All students are required to be immunized against Hepatitis B as well as evidence of immunity to measles. Tetanus immunization and current tuberculin skin test (TST). Test must be within previous twelve months. Positive TST will require evidence of normal chest x-ray (supply upon acceptance).

Non-Academic Requirements

  • None

Dental Hygiene AAS Degree

Minimum 106 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.

Dental Hygiene Degree Courses

DH 101Dental Hygiene Theory I4
DH 102Dental Hygiene Theory II2
DH 103Dental Hygiene Theory III2
DH 104Dental Hygiene Practice I3
DH 105Dental Hygiene Practice II3
DH 105SDental Hygiene Seminar II1
DH 106Dental Hygiene Practice III3
DH 106SDental Hygiene Seminar III1
DH 109Dental Radiography I2
DH 109LDental Radiography Lab I1
DH 110Cariology2
DH 121Oral Health Education and Promotion1
DH 125Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy3
DH 127Prevention and Management of Medical Emergencies3
DH 129Oral Pathology3
DH 201Dental Hygiene Theory IV2
DH 202Dental Hygiene Theory V2
DH 204SDental Hygiene Seminar IV1
DH 204BDental Hygiene Practice IV5
DH 205Dental Hygiene Practice V5
DH 205SDental Hygiene Seminar V1
DH 206Dental Hygiene Practice VI5
DH 206SDental Hygiene Seminar VI1
DH 208Community Oral Health I1
DH 210Dental Radiology II1
DH 210LDental Radiography Lab II1
DH 220Pain Management2.5
DH 220LPain Management Lab1.5
DH 228Head and Neck Anatomy2
DH 230Dental Materials I2
DH 230LDental Materials Lab I1
DH 233Dental Materials II1
DH 233LDental Materials Lab II1
DH 236Dental Hygiene Ethics and Law1
DH 240Dental Hygiene Restorative Theory I 2
DH 241Dental Hygiene Restorative Practice I 3
DH 242 Dental Hygiene Restorative Theory II 1
DH 243Dental Hygiene Restorative Practice II 2
DH 244Dental Hygiene Restorative Practice III 2
DH 246Pharmacology3
DH 250Research Methods and Issues in Oral Health1
DH 252Community Oral Health II1
DH 253Community Oral Health III1
DH 260Periodontology I2.5
DH 261Periodontology II2.5
DH 262 2
General Education: 4 course
Total Credits106

DH 101. Dental Hygiene Theory I. 4 Credits.

Emphasizes the basic principles of the dental hygiene process of care. Introduces foundational concepts required for dental hygiene practice. Covers theoretical concepts which are coordinated with Dental Hygiene Practice I. Corequisites: DH 104.

DH 102. Dental Hygiene Theory II. 2 Credits.

Expands on dental hygiene theory and practice. Emphasizes patient care considerations related to human growth and development, supplemental care, and advanced concepts. Corequisites: DH 105 - Dental Hygiene Practice II.

DH 103. Dental Hygiene Theory III. 2 Credits.

Expands knowledge in dental hygiene theory and practice with a focus on patients with special needs. Emphasis on clinical considerations and modifications in dental hygiene treatment to provide evidence-based care for various populations. Corequisites: DH 106.

DH 104. Dental Hygiene Practice I. 3 Credits.

Provides hands-on training essential for dental hygiene practice. Emphasis on fundamental skills in a supervised laboratory setting in preparation for clinical practice. Covers infection control protocols, instrumentation, and components of the dental hygiene process of care. Practice includes typodonts and student partners. Corequisites: DH 101.

DH 105. Dental Hygiene Practice II. 3 Credits.

Covers the application of integrated multidisciplinary learning in dental hygiene clinical practice. Incorporates laboratory skills into clinical patient care. Focuses on developing clinical competencies at the beginner clinician level. Corequisites: DH 102.

DH 105S. Dental Hygiene Seminar II. 1 Credit.

Provides opportunities to discuss and debrief practical experiences encountered in Dental Hygiene Practice III. Enhances awareness and delivery of patient-centered care by linking knowledge, skill, and critical thinking. Corequisites: DH 105.

DH 106. Dental Hygiene Practice III. 3 Credits.

Covers the application of integrated multidisciplinary learning in the dental hygiene clinical practice. Expands upon foundational laboratory and clinical patient care skills. Continues developing clinical competencies at the beginner clinician level. Corequisites: DH 103.

DH 106S. Dental Hygiene Seminar III. 1 Credit.

Provides opportunities to discuss and debrief about the practical experiences encountered in Dental Hygiene Practice III, designed to enhance awareness and delivery of patient-centered care by linking knowledge, skill, and critical thinking. Corequisites: DH 106.

DH 109. Dental Radiography I. 2 Credits.

Provides comprehensive overview of dental radiography principles and techniques. Incorporates theoretical aspects of dental radiography, establishing a strong foundation in the safe and effective use of radiographic imaging in dental practice. Corequisite: DH 109L.

DH 109L. Dental Radiography Lab I. 1 Credit.

Provides hands-on practical training essential for dental hygiene practice. Covers fundamental skills in dental radiography including patient positioning, exposure techniques, and digital sensor placement. Emphasizes basic intraoral radiographic imaging through practical exercises and simulations on manikins. Corequisite: DH 109.

DH 110. Cariology. 2 Credits.

Examines dental caries including etiology, progression, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Explores the multifactorial disease process, including the role of bacteria, diet, and oral hygiene. Covers prevention strategies and restorative techniques and materials used in caries management, emphasizing a patient-centered approach.

DH 121. Oral Health Education and Promotion. 1 Credit.

Focuses on evidence-based prevention strategies and comprehensive instruction techniques for oral hygiene. Highlights assessing patient needs, creating personalized oral health plans, and effectively communicating preventive measures. Provides the necessary knowledge and skills to educate patients on oral health.

DH 125. Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy. 3 Credits.

Covers oral embryology, histology, dental anatomy, tooth development and function. Provides foundational knowledge required for dental hygiene clinical and restorative practices.

DH 127. Prevention and Management of Medical Emergencies. 3 Credits.

Provides a foundation for critical decision-making in the management of medically compromised patients during oral health care. Emphasizes precautions and treatment alterations for patients with medical complications and protocols managing a medical emergency.

DH 129. Oral Pathology. 3 Credits.

Covers basic pathology with emphasis on oral pathology and systemic disease of the oral tissues and oral environment. Integrates clinical features, histopathology, and treatment modalities. Prerequisites: DH 113.

DH 201. Dental Hygiene Theory IV. 2 Credits.

Presents advanced skills and techniques in periodontal instrumentation, building on foundational knowledge. Covers complex clinical scenarios, ensuring the provision of high-quality periodontal care.

DH 202. Dental Hygiene Theory V. 2 Credits.

Expands on the dental hygiene process of care and exploration of scientific literature to support evidence-based patient care. Focuses on researching medical and psychosocial conditions as they relate to periodontal health and the connection to clinical practice.

DH 204B. Dental Hygiene Practice IV. 5 Credits.

Covers the application of integrated multidisciplinary learning in the dental hygiene clinical practice. Emphasizes critical thinking for evidence-based treatment planning and incorporates time management and quality assessment principles into clinic management. Focuses on developing skills at the beginner clinician level, with a focus on periodontal patients. Corequisites: DH 201 and DH 204S. Prerequisites: DH 106.

DH 204S. Dental Hygiene Seminar IV. 1 Credit.

Provides opportunities to discuss and debrief practical experiences encountered in Dental Hygiene Practice IV. Enhances awareness and delivery of patient-centered care by linking knowledge, skill, and critical thinking.

DH 205. Dental Hygiene Practice V. 5 Credits.

Covers the application of integrated multidisciplinary learning in the dental hygiene clinical practice. Emphasizes critical thinking for evidence-based treatment planning and incorporates time management and quality assessment principles into clinic management. Focuses on developing clinical skills at the novice clinician level.

DH 205S. Dental Hygiene Seminar V. 1 Credit.

Provides opportunities to discuss and debrief practical experiences encountered in Dental Hygiene Practice V. Enhances awareness and delivery of patient-centered care by linking knowledge, skill, and critical thinking.

DH 206. Dental Hygiene Practice VI. 5 Credits.

Covers the application of integrated multidisciplinary learning in the dental hygiene clinical practice. Emphasizes critical thinking for evidence-based treatment planning and incorporates time management and quality assessment principles into clinic management. Focuses on developing clinical skills at the competent clinician level.

DH 206S. Dental Hygiene Seminar VI. 1 Credit.

Provides opportunities to discuss and debrief practical experiences encountered in Dental Hygiene Practice VI. Enhances awareness and delivery of patient-centered care by linking knowledge, skill, and critical thinking.

DH 208. Community Oral Health I. 1 Credit.

Explores the connection between oral health and the well-being of the community. Focuses on a foundational understanding of public health principles as they relate to oral health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based dental programs.

DH 210. Dental Radiology II. 1 Credit.

Continues to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in Dental Radiography I. Explores advanced principles and techniques in dental imaging. Expands upon theoretical aspects including extraoral imaging and image interpretation as it relates to clinical dental hygiene. Corequisites: DH 210L.

DH 210L. Dental Radiography Lab II. 1 Credit.

Continues to build upon the foundational skills from Dental Radiography Lab I, practicing advanced radiographic techniques and technologies. Focuses on specialized methods, including both intraoral and extraoral imaging. Emphasizes patient safety and skills practice for patient radiographic procedures. Corequisites: DH 210. Prerequisites: DH 109 and DH 109L.

DH 220. Pain Management. 2.5 Credits.

Explores pain management, fear, and anxiety associated with dental treatment. Covers the neurosphysiology and pharmacology related to the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation. Explores the prevention, recognition and management of local and systemic complications from the administration of local anesthesia including legal considerations. Corequisites: DH 220L.

DH 220L. Pain Management Lab. 1.5 Credit.

Covers the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation techniques for safe and effective patient management of pain and anxiety related to dental procedures. Students serve as patients for each other, applying the knowledge and skills taught in DH 220. Corequisites: DH 220.

DH 228. Head and Neck Anatomy. 2 Credits.

Presents a foundational understanding of the anatomical structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity crucial for dental hygiene practice. Focuses on the relationships between anatomical structures and their implications for patient care.

DH 230. Dental Materials I. 2 Credits.

Covers the basic properties, selection, manipulation, and clinical management of dental materials. Explores a variety of common dental materials and how they are utilized in restorative and prosthodontic procedures, as well as infection control and safety considerations in dental a practice. Corequisites: DH 230L.

DH 230L. Dental Materials Lab I. 1 Credit.

Covers the hands-on application of dental materials, focusing primarily on those utilized in dental offices, with a secondary emphasis on materials used in dental laboratories. Presents the practical understanding of composition, properties, and manipulation of these materials, highlighting their applications in clinical practice. Corequisites: DH 230.

DH 233. Dental Materials II. 1 Credit.

Continues to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in Dental Materials I. Covers additional dental materials used in the provision of dental hygiene clinical restorative procedures. Corequisites: DH 233L.

DH 233L. Dental Materials Lab II. 1 Credit.

Continues to expand on basic dental materials skills covered in Dental Materials Lab I. Provides hands-on practice including manipulation of dental materials used in the provision of dental hygiene clinical restorative procedures. Corequisites: DH 233.

DH 236. Dental Hygiene Ethics and Law. 1 Credit.

Explores ethical and legal principles, and professional conduct specific to the dental hygiene practice. Reviews ethical dilemmas, patient rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural competence. Promotes ethical decision-making, ethical practice and compassionate patient care.

DH 240. Dental Hygiene Restorative Theory I. 2 Credits.

Provides a basic introduction to restorative dentistry, focusing on theory and practical skills needed for dental hygiene restorative patient care. Focuses on dental materials, techniques, and procedures used in restorative dentistry and caries management in preparation for hands-on laboratory activities. Corequisites: DH 241. Prerequisites: DH 110, DH 113, DH 230.

DH 241. Dental Hygiene Restorative Practice I. 3 Credits.

Develops introductory proficiency in restorative procedures through hands-on learning on typodonts. Emphasizes foundational skills in preparation for applying permanent restorations on patients. Corequisites: DH 240. Prerequisites: DH 110, DH 113, DH 230.

DH 242. Dental Hygiene Restorative Theory II. 1 Credit.

Introduces concepts and clinical protocols in preparation for restorative patient care, including four-handed dentistry, alternative restorative techniques, and caries preventive measures. Prerequisites: DH 240, DH 241.

DH 243. Dental Hygiene Restorative Practice II. 2 Credits.

Provides comprehensive training in restorative dentistry. Reinforces foundational skills in performing restorative procedures, focusing on hands-on practice in the clinical setting. Covers a range of restorative services, emphasizing the development of essential clinical techniques and patient care skills. Corequisites: DH 242. Prerequisites: DH 240, DH 241.

DH 244. Dental Hygiene Restorative Practice III. 2 Credits.

Provides a culmination of comprehensive training in restorative dentistry. Improves upon and reinforces clinical skills in performing restorative procedures, focusing on hands-on practice in the clinical setting. Covers a range of restorative services, emphasizing clinical techniques and patient care skills. Prerequisite: DH 243.

DH 246. Pharmacology. 3 Credits.

Provides a foundational understanding of pharmacological principles and their application in dental practice. Explores the classification, mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and interactions of various drugs commonly encountered in dental healthcare.

DH 250. Research Methods and Issues in Oral Health. 1 Credit.

Explores research methods, dental public health, ethics, and evidence-based decision-making in oral health. Promotes skills to understand, analyze, and apply research findings in dental hygiene practice.

DH 252. Community Oral Health II. 1 Credit.

Continues discussing the fundamentals of community oral health, and strategies for improving oral health outcomes in diverse populations. Covers topics including community needs assessment, program planning, and specific target populations in preparation for student-designed community outreach projects.

DH 253. Community Oral Health III. 1 Credit.

Continues discussing the fundamentals of community oral health, and strategies for improving oral health outcomes in diverse populations through implementation of student-designed community outreach projects. Covers topics including program evaluation, public health careers and promotion of dental hygiene in public health.

DH 260. Periodontology I. 2.5 Credits.

Covers the etiology, histopathology, and clinical manifestations of diseases and conditions of the periodontium. Explores the relationship between systemic disease, periodontal diseases and related risk factors.

DH 261. Periodontology II. 2.5 Credits.

Continues building upon Periodontology I by focusing on advanced topics in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical management of periodontal diseases. Examines the interconnections between the oral-systemic link and periodontal disease, guiding clinical decision-making in the context of comprehensive dental hygiene care.

DH 262. Career and Practice Management. 2 Credits.

Covers dental practice management including: productivity, remuneration, risk management, quality assurance and team building skills. Prepares graduates for employment including licensure requirements, professional job application documents, and interviewing techniques.