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Below you will find a series of questions that people commonly ask about the program. The questions have been organized under several different headings that appear as you scroll down the page. When you find a question that you would like answered click on it and the question and the answer will appear at the top of your screen.
When you have read the answer click on to return here. If you follow a link in an answer to a page without the green left border click on you Back button to return to this page. If you have a question that is not answered on this page contact the program coordinator, Wendy Kelly, by phone at (613) 727-4723 ext 5011 or by e-mail.
Applying to the Program
Costs and Financial Assistance
Field Placement
Jobs
Living in Ottawa
How do I apply to the Dental Hygiene Program?
Information about completing your application appears on the college Admissions page.
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Who should apply for this program?
This is a 2 year program designed to prepare graduates to work as Dental Hygienists in a variety of practice settings. Dental Hygienists are preventive specialists that apply the Dental Hygiene Process to promote and maintain oral wellness. Graduates work with people of all ages with varying degrees of
oral needs. Graduates possess a high level of interpersonal communication skills and function in a number of roles including clinician, educator, and researcher.
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Are there any additional tests I have to take in order to qualify for admission to the Dental Hygiene Program?
All applicants must complete testing through the Test Centre, for which a fee of $40.00 (subject to change) is charged. Two tests are administered at the Test Centre: Vocabulary and English Comprehension, Spatial Relations. Results of the tests will be considered in the final evaluation of the applicant. For further information regarding these tests contact the testing centre or visit the Admissions page) .
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When will I know if I have been accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program?
Dates for offers of admission to be sent to applicants appear on the college Admissions page.
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I have some University and Community College courses, will I get credit for any of my previous course work?
If you have course work that you believe is relevant to the Dental Hygiene Program you may qualify for exemptions from some courses. Please review the program curriculum and determine which courses you think you may qualify to be exempted from on the basis of your past education. When you have your list of potential exemptions contact the coordinator of the Dental Hygiene Program and make an appointment to review your information You will need to supply course description information and an official transcript of your relevant past education. The courses you are presenting for consideration should have been taken within the past 5 years and have the minimal acceptable mark of C minus.
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How many people are accepted into the program each September?
In the Fall of 2001 we expect to have a first year enrollment of 50 students.
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How much is tuition for the program?
Tuition costs are outlined on the fees page in the registrar's webpage.
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How much do text books cost?
Text book costs are outlined on the program curriculum pages under the title Fees and Expenses.
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How do I apply for financial assistance?
Information about student assistance is contained on the Financial Assistance page of the Algonquin site.
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What field placements are included in the program?
The Dental Hygiene program provides students with a total of five hands-on field experiences while in the program. Field placement starts in the fourth semester of the program. Students are required to complete field placements as follows: teaching an elementary school class; work in a chronic care hospital; attend an orthodontic practice; present a table top
display for health promotion; one additional activity (from among: hospital dentistry; paedodontic or periodontic specialty office; specialty living centres e.g. nursing home, shelter for the homeless, battered women's shelter). Objectives for each field placement vary depending on the target group. Practicums are arranaged to fit both the student's and the placement office
schedule.
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Can I get a job in the field while I am in the program?
It is possible to work in the field if the student has a Dental Assistant background. A program job board lists a variety of employment opportunities for students and is updated weekly.
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What kinds of jobs are available when I graduate?
Graduates of the program find employment in private dental offices, dental clinics, public health, and education.
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Are there jobs available to graduates of the program?
A formal survey of the 2001 graduating class has not been done; however, many graduates have found part-time employment or short-term employment (vacation or maternity leave). Many graduates split their week between 2 offices.
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What is the average salary earned by graduates of the program?
The average wage of an entry level Dental Hygienist is between $26.00-$28.00 per hour based on an informal survey.
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Does Algonquin have a residenceon campus?
Yes. Information about the residence may be viewed on the campus living centres page
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How do I find a place to live off-campus?
The housing referral service offers support to those applicants looking for off campus housing.
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Where can I find out more about the city?
Ottawa.com is a recently launched web site with extensive information about living in the National Capital Region.
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