Dental Hygiene - BS

University of the Pacific

Take advantage of the full Pacific experience by enrolling as a first-year dental hygiene major, or apply for the program as a transfer from another college or university.Pacific has created a distinctive accelerated Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene for highly qualified students. In addition to clinical practice, the baccalaureate hygiene degree allows entry into many positions in teaching, research, administration, public health, private industry and other areas of hygiene practice, as well as application for entry into advanced degree programs.First-year admission to the Dental Hygiene program is competitive and based on merit. A student may apply as a first-year student in a Dental Hygiene major, completing the prerequisite coursework listed below at Pacific. A high school GPA of at least 3.0 is required, as well as courses in biology, chemistry and other college-preparatory classes.CourseworkThe first four semesters of this year-round program focus on general education courses providing a strong science background and a broad base in the humanities. Professional training takes place in the remaining four semesters. The curriculum provides students with knowledge of oral health and disease as a basis for assuming responsibility to assess, plan, implement and evaluate dental hygiene services for both the individual patient and community oral health programs. A foundation in basic and dental sciences is further enhanced with advanced courses in pharmacology, medical and dental emergencies, community oral health, ethics and jurisprudence.Clinical locationThe clinical portion of the Dental Hygiene program takes place at Pacific's San Francisco campus, home to other dental programs offered at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. This provides increased connection to the school's San Francisco-based dental clinics and programs enhanced intraprofessional opportunities in the field of oral healthcare opportunities for dental hygiene students to learn alongside dental students in the DDS, IDS and residency programs and a large base of patients who utilize the school's clinics. The San Francisco campus is a state-of-the-art facility located in the South of Market (SoMa) district and is highly accessible by all major forms of public transportation, including BART/Muni.The Dental Hygiene program at Pacific:Educates individuals who, upon completion of the program, will be professionally competent to provide quality dental hygiene care in an evolving professionProvides patient-centered, quality care in an efficient clinical model that demonstrates the highest standards of service achievableEnsures opportunities for community-based, experiential learningStrives for continuous enhancement through professional developmentPromotes humanistic values that respect the dignity of each individual and foster the potential for growth in all of usApplies theory and data for continuous improvementLeads in addressing the challenges facing the profession of dental hygiene, including dental education and affordable dental care

Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry