Student Experience

Integrates theory with practical experience

The Dental Hygiene program at Algonquin College integrates theory with practical skills and experience. In the first semester, students develop their clinical skills on mannequins and student partners. During subsequent semesters, students practice in a fully equipped Dental Clinic on campus to provide on-site client care services to the community, under the direct supervision of registered dental hygienists and dentists. This is one of the only programs in Canada that provides students with clients and receptionists that confirm reservations, allowing students to focus on their education. Students also present practical case presentations to their peers, and learn to pour models, trim models, fabricate custom mouth guards and whitening trays in the well-equipped dental laboratory.

Working within the community

Students also use their skills in the community, providing free preventative oral care for the street youth of Ottawa, participating in community health fairs, and promoting health activities with various high risk community groups. They also organize an Annual Fun Run/Walk with proceeds alternating between the dental departments of the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.