Prospective Students

The Clark College Dental Hygiene Program has state-of-the-art facilities with a 30-chair clinic, radiology suite, and a simulation lab with 15 units. the dental hygiene clinic serves area counties providing a diverse patient population. Students are mentored by 5 full-time and 10 part-time faculty members as well as supervising dentists from the commnity. Students also treat patients at off-campus sites in both Washington and Oregon.

As you consider applying to the Clark College Dental Hygiene Program, it is important that you, as a candidate, understand the requirements of the program and the profession. Dental hygiene is a physically demanding career that requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The program requires a 40-hour per week commitment from students for classes and clinical rotations. Reliable transportation is an important consideration. Clinical assignments may be offered at times other than traditional clinical hours, such as evenings (other than Monday-Friday, 5:00am-7:00pm) and/or weekends.

Clark College Dental Hygiene Program Outcomes

1. Integrate the roles of clinician, educator, advocate, manager, and researcher to prevent oral diseases and promote health.
2. Communicate effectively and professionally, using verbal, non-verbal, and written language with patients, colleagues, the public, diverse populations, and other health care providers.
3. Analyze professional behaviors and make appropriate decisions guided by ethical principles and core values.
4. Assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate the provision of optimal, evidence-based, and patient-centered dental hygiene care.
5. Successfully pass all licensing exams.
6. Demonstrate the skills necessary to stay current in the profession with a rigorous and robust emphasis on the study of current research.