Master’s-Level Dental Therapy Program Opens at Pacific University

A major shift in the dental workforce is gaining momentum as Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, launches one of the nation’s first master’s-level dental therapy programs, an initiative that could reshape how care is delivered, especially in underserved communities.

Recently approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the program is only the fourth of its kind in the United States and just the second to offer a master’s degree. Its inaugural class will be small, just six students, but the implications are anything but.

Dental therapists are positioned as midlevel practitioners, working under dentist supervision while performing procedures such as basic restorations, simple extractions, and exams. The model mirrors physician-assistant roles in medicine and is designed to extend care into rural areas where provider shortages persist.

For dental hygienists, this evolution may feel like a natural progression. The program integrates dental hygiene education with advanced therapy training, allowing graduates to earn both a bachelor’s in dental hygiene and a master’s in dental therapy. It creates a clear pathway for career growth while reinforcing prevention-focused care models.

However, not all stakeholders are aligned. Many dentists remain cautious, raising concerns about scope of practice, oversight, and potential impacts on care quality. Meanwhile, advocates, including the American Dental Therapy Association, point to growing state-level adoption and successful pilot programs as evidence of safety and effectiveness.

With 14 states already recognizing dental therapy and legislative momentum building, this program represents more than an academic milestone, it’s a signal of where dentistry may be headed next. Click here to read more.