Dental hygiene schools in Oregon are helping students interested in dentistry, but not ready or able to complete training as a dentist, enjoy a lucrative career in dentistry. Dental hygienists must fulfill licensing requirements in the state where they intend to practice.

Oregon has great appeal and like most dental practices across the country, dental practices are sources of stable and gainful employment in Oregon. Dental hygiene schools in Oregon are prepared to get students ready for state licensing and certification.

Pacific University and Apollo College are the most well-known among the schools offering dental hygiene programs in Oregon.

Dental hygiene schools in Oregon – Associate Degree

As in most states, the dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Both these degrees are stepping stones to stable employment in a clean, bright and safe work environment.

The field of dental hygienist is one on the fastest growing sectors of the health industry. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by more than 36 percent before 2018.

The Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene offered by dental hygienist schools in Oregon is thorough training to begin work immediately. This degree can usually be completed in about 68 hours of study. For this degree, dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer basic courses that prepare students for state examinations. The basic course components are:

• Oral anatomy
• Radiology
• Dental materials
• Principles of nutrition

Students that pass these courses are qualified to:

• Teach patients proper care procedures
• Teach proper gum cleansing techniques
• Provide certain dental care to patients
• Provide informative reports regarding patient conditions
• Assist dentists during check-ups
• Setup equipment for surgery

Dental hygiene schools in Oregon – Bachelor of Science

Some dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer four-year courses that prepare students for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This is a more intensive and much more demanding program than the Associates Degree.

However, the Bachelor of Science degree qualifies graduates for higher wages and more responsibilities. Most of these programs require one year of prerequisite study in human biology, physiology, radiology and anesthesia.

A few dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer the Bachelor of Science through a two-year program. Applicants must have a high school completion certificate and may be required to take standard tests like the SAT.

Why attend dental hygiene schools in Oregon?

If you intend to practice in Oregon, dental hygiene schools in Oregon can put you on course for a rewarding and lucrative profession providing care and giving comfort to patients who need help. Dental hygienists are valuable assets who dentists pay well and try to retain.

Graduates of dental hygienist schools in Oregon can expect starting wag from $22.50 to $35.00 per hour. On the national scene, the average salary of a dental hygienist is $52,000. The top ten percent of hygienists earn an average of $92,000.

To accomplish your mission you must research and enroll in dental hygiene schools in Oregon. Students will gain all the skills and hands-on experience to begin an exciting career where employment is stable and demand is great.

To find dental hygiene schools near you, enter the zip code in the search box on this page. You can also leave your contact details with those schools you wish to further explore, for them to call you and explain their training programs.