Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to become leaders in promoting oral health by integrating academic studies with hands-on clinical practice. It equips future dental hygienists to provide collaborative oral health care in various settings, working with both clients and communities. The program emphasizes the dental hygiene process of care, fostering critical thinking skills and a client-centred approach, while adhering to the latest standards of practice and ethical principles.

Students will progressively develop their skills, starting with mannequin demonstrations, moving to student partners, and ultimately working with clients in the college’s Dental Clinic.

As dental hygiene is a self-regulated profession, graduates must pass the national board exam and meet registration requirements set by the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Ontario. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

What You’ll Learn

• Practice professionally within current regulations and standards of dental hygiene.
• Evaluate clients’ oral health using health determinants and risk analysis to guide treatment and referrals.
• Design, implement, and assess a variety of oral health care services tailored to individual client needs.
• Analyze oral health issues, advocate for change, and promote access to care.
• Implement quality assurance standards to maintain a safe and effective work environment.
• Foster professional and inter-professional relationships to ensure client-care safety and positive health outcomes.
• Use teaching principles to develop clients’ oral health attitudes, knowledge, and skills.
• Create and present a model for dental hygiene practice that incorporates business principles, legislation, and standards.