Dental Hygiene

This program prepares students to practice as primary oral health care providers in a variety of practice environments, including clinical, education, health promotion and research. Dental hygienists are preventive specialists who provide oral health services based on scientific knowledge and a client-centred model of care.  Program emphasis is on preparing students to function within their scope of practice, in a collaborative manner, with the client, the community and other health care providers. Seminars, case presentations, community health practicums, and the clinical setting contribute towards developing a professional committed to the principles of quality assurance and continued competency.

Graduates of this program must successfully complete the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination to be eligible for registration by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

What You’ll Learn

• Practice in a professional and competent manner within the defined scope of practice and consistent with current regulations and standards of practice.
• Evaluate clients’ oral health status using determinants of health and risk analysis to identify needs, justify treatment decisions and provide appropriate referrals to other health care professionals as required.
• Design, implement and evaluate a range of primary, interceptive, therapeutic, preventative, and on-going oral health care services to meet the unique needs of clients.
• Analyze oral health issues in need of advocacy, identify networks and promote actions that will support change and facilitate access to care.
• Identify, select, implement and evaluate quality assurance standards and protocols which contribute to a safe and effective working environment.
• Establish and maintain professional and interprofessional relationships which contribute to client care safety and positive health care outcomes.
• Facilitate the development of specific oral health attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours in clients by selecting and utilizing principles of teaching and learning.
• Develop and present a model for a DH practice that addresses relevant business principles, current legislation and standards of practice.