NO, due to COVID-19, observation hours are NOT required to apply for Fall 2021 admission to the program.

No work experience is needed in order to apply. Check the Application Process & Admissions Detail page for more information. Applicants who have previous dental care experience can earn points at the time of interviews based on the type and length of experience.

We highly encourage students to seek Dental Hygiene public volunteer work. Below are approved outreach organizations. Please be aware, due to COVID-19, volunteer opportunities may not be available, and if available, will be limited.

Compassion Connect (events held all year long)
https://compassionconnect.com/compassion-clinics

Compassion Gresham
https://compassionconnect.com/compassion-gresham

Compassion Sandy
https://compassionsandy.org

Medical Teams International (events held all year long)
https://www.medicalteams.org/volunteer/us-opportunities

Binational Health Fair
Binational Health Fair

Caring Hands Worldwide Free Dental Clinic
https://caringhandsworldwide.org/national

The program is extremely rigorous. It is strongly advised to not work while you’re in the program. If you must work, let us help you make an action plan to see what’s appropriate for your situation. Students are also advised to not make large life changes while you’re in the program (i.e. getting married, have children, etc.) due to the time commitment needed to be successful.

Not at this time.

This happens extremely infrequently. We work hard to insure a student gets assistance should their academics be substandard. Students do not have the opportunity to repeat core dental hygiene coursework—at all. This is why we maintain such stringent admissions standards. With students unable to repeat coursework, we have to know you can handle the rigor of this program. Failure to pass all program courses with a grade of C or better can and usually does result in expulsion from the program.

The course description must include a background in organic and/or biochemistry. The courses listed below from the stated institutions can be accepted in lieu of CH112 or CH106.

• CHEM& 121 and CHEM& 131 from Washington colleges (both courses) 
• CH123 from Oregon State University
• CH102 from Portland Community College
• CH112 from Clackamas Community College

The course description must include a background in organic and/or biochemistry. At MHCC, CH241 can be used in lieu of CH106 but not CH221/CH222/CH223.

Yes! CH112 will meet the Chemistry application requirement for Fall term 2021 admission. However, after this application cycle, applicants must complete CH106 to satisfy the Chemistry requirement.

Immunizations - Accepted students need to provide vaccination records and/or immunity to the following infectious diseases: Hepatitis B, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, and Varicella. Students must also demonstrate they test negative for Tuberculosis (TB). Accepted students need to begin confirming their immunizations as soon as accepting their position in the program.

Criminal background checks and drug testing - The program requires students to complete a criminal background check and drug screening after acceptance. Please note, this drug screening will check for drugs that contain, amphetamines, barbiturates, opioids, benzodiazepines and marijuana. If you are taking any prescribed medication that may contain these drugs you will need to meet with the program director before completing the drug screen. If you have concerns about your background and success in the program, please attend an informational session to discuss your concerns with program faculty.

If you have a criminal history, we strongly encourage potential applicants to call the program director at 503-491-7128 and/or the Oregon Board of Dentistry at 971-673-3200 and inquire about whether or not licensure is possible in your situation. It is often handled on a case-by-case basis at the time of licensing application, so do not wait until you have completed your education only to find that you may be ineligible for licensure, which is required for employment.

Orientation for accepted students– A mandatory program orientation will be held for accepted students in late spring / early summer each year. Attendance is required.

Item*	Cost
Instruments & equipment includes loupes & light, ultrasonic scaler, and curing light	$7,725
Uniforms / Name Tag / Safety Glasses and miscellaneous clinic expenses and supplies	700
Immunizations and Background Check	200
Books (2 yrs./DH only)	1200
Licenses – National, Western Regional Boards & Oregon Licensure	3,300
Professional Dues	340
Current Lab/Clinic Fees	8,100
College Service Fee ($49/term x 7 terms) + Access Fee ($39/term x 7 terms)	616
Tuition (approximate and based on the current tuition rate as of Fall 2020). To view the current tuition rate, visit www.mhcc.edu/tuition.	11,952
Grand total with fees, equipment, books, insurance, and immunizations	$34,133

*Note: These costs are approximate and are subject to change. Students are responsible for transportation costs to clinical practicum sites. Costs are based on 7 quarters (two years). Books, licensure fees and travel are not included in financial aid reimbursable expenses.

No. For a college degree, you must submit an official college transcript showing the degree earned. This includes foreign transcripts, see https://www.mhcc.edu/internationaltranscript.

Advanced standing for the MHCC Dental Hygiene Program is currently not a part of the approved curriculum by the program’s accrediting body. All applicants accepted into the program are required to complete the entire curriculum.