Frequently asked questions
See information about applying to Dental Hygiene and application FAQs.
Is the Vanport Building the only location offering this
program?
Yes, all 51°µÍø Dental programs are located at the Vanport Building in downtown Portland.
Is it required to be a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) to apply? Do CDAs have a better chance of being accepted into the program?
No, being a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is not required to apply to the Dental Hygiene program. However, applicants who have completed or are in progress with their DANB CDA can earn 7 points in the application scoring for healthcare experience.
What type of degree will I earn upon completing the program?
Graduates of the 51°µÍø Dental Hygiene program earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
What’s the difference between an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene?
Both degrees allow graduates to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) and other regional board exams required to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). A bachelor’s degree offers additional education and prepares dental hygienists for key roles in educational and other settings.
Can I transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree?
51°µÍø’s courses are fully transferable to four-year institutions. 51°µÍø Dental Hygiene students can transfer their general education credits and dental hygiene program electives to various institutions for bachelor’s degree completion programs. It’s important to speak with an advisor at the institution you plan to transfer to, as they will make the final determination on which 51°µÍø credits are transferable and accepted.