Dental Hygiene
Give people a reason to smile.
- Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada
- Algonquin College Dental Clinic provides the students with clients on-site to practice dental hygiene care under the supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists
- Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam, which, once passed, allows for registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
Yes
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The three-year Dental Hygiene Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, delivered over two and half years, combines theory and hands-on skills to prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in preventive dental health care. It allows you to fulfil the role of the dental hygienist as researcher, advocate, educator, administrator, clinician and health promoter.
This program teaches you how to provide safe and effective dental hygiene care in collaboration with the client, community, and other healthcare providers. This happens through a variety of learning experiences including seminars, case presentations and on-site and off-site practicums. You provide preventive services in our on-site dental clinic under the supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists. These experiences increase your employability upon graduation and help prepare you for the workforce....(read more)
Overview
Give people a reason to smile.
The three-year Dental Hygiene Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, delivered over two and half years, combines theory and hands-on skills to prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in preventive dental health care. It allows you to fulfil the role of the dental hygienist as researcher, advocate, educator, administrator, clinician and health promoter.
This program teaches you how to provide safe and effective dental hygiene care in collaboration with the client, community, and other healthcare providers. This happens through a variety of learning experiences including seminars, case presentations and on-site and off-site practicums. You provide preventive services in our on-site dental clinic under the supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists. These experiences increase your employability upon graduation and help prepare you for the workforce.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam, which, once passed, allows you to register with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.
Once registered as a Dental Hygienist, you may find employment working in:
- general and specialty practices
- healthcare facilities
- community health settings
- research and education
- dental sales
- dental supply companies
- independent dental hygiene practices
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are self-directed.
- Are critical thinkers.
- Are able to manage time and a demanding workload.
- possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- are detail-oriented, organized and committed to achieving excellence in their work.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
BIO4322
Course Name:
Microbiology I
Course Description:
To understand the rationale for infection prevention and control methods, dental hygienists require foundational knowledge of microorganisms... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4323
Course Name:
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Course Description:
Dental hygienists require a solid understanding of the human body to identify connections between general and oral health. Focus is on the s... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4300
Course Name:
Dental Anatomy
Course Description:
Knowledge of dental terminology is the foundation for understanding and learning the content of other dental-related courses. Students learn... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4409
Course Name:
Preclinic Practicum I
Course Description:
Foundational dental hygiene skills are essential for the health of the dental hygienist and for the safety of clients during client care. Fu... + Read More
Hours:
78.0
Code:
DEN4411
Course Name:
Preclinic Practice Foundations I
Course Description:
Through lectures, in-class exercises and assignments, the fundamentals of client care are introduced with an emphasis on client and operator... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4453
Course Name:
Dental Radiography
Course Description:
The nature and principles of x-radiation and methods to safely produce diagnostically useful radiographs are essential to being a Healing Ar... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1927
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4324
Course Name:
Head and Neck Anatomy
Course Description:
Knowledge of anatomical aspects of the head and neck are essential to the practice of dental hygiene. Focus is placed on the relationship be... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4326
Course Name:
Microbiology II
Course Description:
Dental hygiene practice requires an in-depth understanding of disease development and progression. Students further examine microbiology and... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4328
Course Name:
Oral Histology and Embryology
Course Description:
Knowledge of the tissues of the body, development of the structures of the head and neck, embryology of the teeth and recognizing abnormalit... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4321
Course Name:
Radiography Practicum II
Course Description:
Production of diagnostically useful radiographs requires careful image exposure and processing techniques. Through laboratory practice on ma... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4412
Course Name:
Advanced Dental Anatomy
Course Description:
Dental hygienists are required to document client's classification of occlusion and all dental variations and anomalies that may be present.... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4414
Course Name:
Preclinic Practice Foundations II
Course Description:
Fundamentals of the dental hygiene process of care guide student practice with an emphasis on assessment skills and development of the denta... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4416
Course Name:
Dental Materials I
Course Description:
Knowledge of dental materials is fundamental to ensuring the success of a client's dental work. Properties and management of dental material... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4422
Course Name:
Preclinic Practicum II
Course Description:
The opportunity to integrate the knowledge of dental hygiene skills is required for entry to client care practice. Development of competenci... + Read More
Hours:
78.0
Code:
DEN4471
Course Name:
Oral Disease Prevention
Course Description:
Evidence-informed oral health promotion and disease prevention for the individual client is integral to the role of the dental hygienist as ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4473
Course Name:
Dental Hygiene Professionalism and Collaboration
Course Description:
Interaction in the dental healthcare setting requires ethical and effective therapeutic communication skills. Students examine ethical princ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
BIO4333
Course Name:
Human Pathophysiology
Course Description:
Knowledge of the disease process and specific disease conditions is essential for evaluation of a comprehensive health history. Students exp... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO4336
Course Name:
Oral Pathology
Course Description:
The basic principles of general pathology, recognizing variations of normal findings and oral pathology processes are essential to the pract... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4423
Course Name:
Nutrition and Dental Health
Course Description:
A positive nutritional status is essential for the development and maintenance of oral tissues and prevention of oral disease. Through a foc... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4424
Course Name:
Periodontics I
Course Description:
Knowledge of healthy and diseased tissues of the periodontium and the ability to educate clients is vital to dental hygiene practice. Throug... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4428
Course Name:
Pharmacology
Course Description:
Dental hygienists must understand and interpret pharmacology and health histories to make appropriate decisions about client care. Students ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4430
Course Name:
Preclinic Practicum III
Course Description:
The process of care and development of advanced instrumentation skills and procedures form the foundation from which students begin to build... + Read More
Hours:
78.0
Code:
DEN4432
Course Name:
Preclinic Practice Foundations III
Course Description:
The theoretical foundation to guide students through the transition of the delivery of dental hygiene services from manikins and fellow stud... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4434
Course Name:
Dental Materials II
Course Description:
Knowledge of the theory and clinical properties of dental materials in restorative dentistry and various dental specialties is vital to the ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4479
Course Name:
Diverse Populations
Course Description:
The delivery of oral health care that respects and includes each individual's physiological and psychosocial state, life stage and cultural ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4436
Course Name:
Periodontics II
Course Description:
Knowledge of healthy and diseased supporting tissues of the teeth is essential for preserving the periodontium. Students learn how the disea... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4442
Course Name:
Clinic Practicum I
Course Description:
Through continued practice in the clinical environment, students enhance their application of knowledge, skills and judgment to support clin... + Read More
Hours:
117.0
Code:
DEN4446
Course Name:
Research Methods
Course Description:
Dental hygienists require the fundamental knowledge of research designs and data analysis to generate accurate and meaningful conclusions fo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4481
Course Name:
Community Dental Health Promotion
Course Description:
Creating and presenting effective oral health promotion interventions is a key role of the dental hygienist. Community and dental public hea... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
DEN4483
Course Name:
Clinic Practice Essentials I
Course Description:
As clinical practice advances in client care, case studies and in-class discussions address issues that support ongoing practice and decisio... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4484
Course Name:
Professional Practice and Jurisprudence
Course Description:
A dental hygienist's legal responsibilities as a health care provider must be adhered to methodically. Students develop dutiful regard for t... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
GED1927
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4456
Course Name:
Clinic Practicum II
Course Description:
Ongoing practice in a supervised clinical setting provides an opportunity to further build clinical and communication skills with emphasis o... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
DEN4459
Course Name:
Clinic Practice Essentials II
Course Description:
An examination of clinical issues related to ongoing clinical practice and decision-making skills must be reflected upon and discussed regul... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4460
Course Name:
Business Concepts
Course Description:
The key elements for the development of a business opportunity are explored. A combination of online research, case studies, group activitie... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4462
Course Name:
Evidence-Informed Practice I
Course Description:
Dental hygiene practice requires the integration of the best available evidence, clinical judgement and client preferences. Through in-class... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4480
Course Name:
Oral Health Outreach I
Course Description:
Outreach clinical care, a key role of the dental hygienist, is implemented and evaluated in a variety of community placement settings. Servi... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ENL5507
Course Name:
Career Writing Practicum
Course Description:
Dental hygienists are responsible for providing information about oral health to clients, other professionals and the public. Clear, concis... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1927
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4448
Course Name:
Orthodontics
Course Description:
Integration of theoretical and practical knowledge of orthodontics contributes significantly to the development of a dental hygiene care pla... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
DEN4464
Course Name:
Dental Hygiene Practice Management
Course Description:
Comprehensive knowledge of CDHO Standards of Practice, dental reception, dental insurance and billing are fundamental to the practice manage... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4469
Course Name:
Evidence-Informed Practice II
Course Description:
Dental hygienists must engage in learning opportunities and ongoing professional development throughout their career. Through in-class discu... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4472
Course Name:
Clinic Practicum III
Course Description:
Consolidation of learning is enhanced by self-initiating client care in accordance with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario regulati... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
DEN4475
Course Name:
Clinic Practice Consolidation
Course Description:
Clinical case discussions enhance the foundational knowledge of the student. Strategies are explored to prepare students to write the Nation... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
DEN4477
Course Name:
Comprehensive Case Studies
Course Description:
The development of critical-thinking skills and the application of theory to dental hygiene care is integral to self-initiation. Through an ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DEN4482
Course Name:
Oral Health Outreach II
Course Description:
Dental hygienists play a significant role in promoting and providing oral health care in community settings. An interprofessional collaborat... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as dental hygienists working in general and specialty practices, independent dental hygiene practices, healthcare facilities, such as hospital dental clinics and long-term care facilities, community health settings, research and education, dental sales and dental supply companies.
Graduates must hold a credential as a Registered Dental Hygienist to practise in Ontario. In the final level of the program, students apply to the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) to write the national exam upon graduation. Successful candidates are then eligible to apply for registration with the dental hygiene regulatory body in Ontario, the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO).
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Practice in a professional and competent manner within the defined scope of practice and consistent with current regulations and standards of practice.
- Evaluate the client`s 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 inter-professional 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 dental hygiene practice that addresses relevant business principles, current legislation and standards of practice.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- The fees to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam (NDHCE) and to obtain CDHO registration are approximately $1250, plus applicable taxes. These fees are current at the time of publication and are subject to change. Further information may be obtained by browsing the CDHO (www.cdho.org/) and NDHCB (www.ndhcb.ca/) websites.
- Hardcopy books, supplies and clinical items (uniforms, clinic shoes, lab coat, exam gloves, protective eyewear, masks, gowns and loupes (optional) cost approximately $11,500 (subject to change) for the program duration.
- See www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials for more information about books.
- Select items can be purchased at the campus store.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Mathematics, Grade 11 or 12 (MBF3C or MAP4C equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
- All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
International Applicants:
International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4-months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Accepted applicants must complete ParaMed Requirements:
- Vulnerable Sector Police Check (annual)
- Clinical/Field Pre-Placement Health Form by week 8 of Program Start Date
- Immunization for Hepatitis B is required
- An immunization form for returning students must be submitted prior to the start of Level 04.
- Provide evidence of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate at the Basic Life Support (BLS). All CPR certification or recertification courses must include a hands-on component. Online CPR courses are not acceptable. This requirement must remain current until all program requirements are met.
- N95 mask fit testing.
- Provide evidence of a current Standard First Aid (13-hour course) certification. This requirement must remain current until graduation from the program.
- Provide evidence of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Ontario Health and Safety Awareness (OHSA) Training certification. These courses meet program requirements are free to registered students and can be accessed through the Algonquin College website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/safety-security-services/home/occupational- health-and-safety/health-safety-training-resources/.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.
Successful completion of clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Dental Hygiene program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Lab, Clinic and Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible to participate in lab, clinic and placement activities, you must submit proof of a clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your lab, clinic and placement activities.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take 8-10 weeks to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.
Application Information
DENTAL HYGIENE
Program Code 1927X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Please be advised that the Dental Hygiene program may have evening and Saturday classes scheduled.
Academic Year Schedule:
Year 1:
Level 01: September - December
Level 02: January - April
Level 03: May - August
BREAK TERM: SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
Year 2:
Level 04: January - April
Level 05: May - August
Level 06: September - December
Students should be aware that if a course is in a failing position at the end of the term, a Supplemental Privilege (FSP) may be granted if warranted. FSP evaluations may be scheduled for the week prior to the start of the next term. Students must be available for FSP evaluations during this time period.
Completion of all Level 01, 02 and 03 requirements is mandatory before progressing to the subsequent levels of the program.
Contact
Michelle Atkinson
Program Coordinator
Room J117
A graduate of Canadore College and Western University, Michelle is the coordinator of both the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs and also teaches in both programs. Michelle is a current CDHO Council member and a past President of ODHA.
Jodie O'Brien
Clinic Coordinator
Room J123
A graduate of Cambrian College and the University of Ottawa, Jodie teaches science-related theory courses and is a clinician in the Algonquin College dental clinic. She has practised as a dental assistant and dental hygienist. As a clinical dental hygienist, Jodie worked in an orthodontic and periodotic specialty practice. She is a member of the Canadian Dental Hygienist Association and the Ontario Dental Assistants Association. Jodie was a nominee of the National Capital Educator’s Award in 2008.
Sofia de la Barra
Professor
Room J117
Sofia de la Barra is a full-time Professor at Algonquin College. She is an Honours graduate of the Dentistry Program at the Universidad de Chile (Santiago, Chile). After moving to Canada, she obtained her Dental Hygiene diploma from Algonquin College, and holds a Teacher Development Program certificate of completion from Durham College. Sofia’s teaching philosophy is to facilitate student learning while promoting self-knowledge and social conscience. She strongly believes in the AC values of respect, integrity, learning, and caring. Sofia is also a regular item writer and reviewer for the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (previously NDHCB), and participates in ongoing professional development activities.
Michelle Atkinson
Professor
A graduate of Canadore College and Western University, Michelle is the coordinator of both the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs and also teaches in both programs. Michelle is a current CDHO Council member and a past President of ODHA.