Dental Hygiene Program (S134)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Training dental hygienists for over 40 years.
Program Overview
The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to practice as primary oral health-care providers. This three-year program focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills and professionalism while applying the dental hygiene process of care. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to function effectively within a collaborative relationship including the client, the community and other health-care providers.
Full Description
The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to practice as primary oral health-care providers.
This three-year program focuses on applying the dental hygiene process of care while developing interprofessionalism, client-centred care and interpersonal communication skills. Students have the opportunity to gain confidence in their learned skills while working with clients in our on-site WAVE Dental Clinic.
Emphasis is placed on preparing students to function effectively within a collaborative dental team that includes:
- the client
- the community
- other health-care providers
Students and clients collaboratively evaluate care provided by delineating short-term and long-term goals and employing strategies for continued care.
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination. (Note: Additional fees apply.) Successful completion is one of the requirements for registration by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) to practise in the province. Visit the CDHO website (A Guide to the Process of Being Registered as a Dental Hygienist in Ontario).
Your Field Education Options
Field experience plays an important role in this six-semester program.
In semesters 1 and 2, students will practise newly learned dental hygiene skills first on manikins. In semesters 3, 4, 5 and 6, students will build on the dental hygiene process of care and will progress to treating real clients both at our on-site WAVE Dental Clinic, and off-site with various community partners such as public health organizations, teaching hospitals and community health centres.
Our onsite WAVE Dental Clinic spans nearly 40,000 square feet and boasts an impressive 75 dental chairs, an additional 14 chairs complete with x-ray facilities, and 24 enclosed dental suites equipped for aerosol generating procedures. The Clinic provides a safe and controlled environment where students can practice their skills under the supervision of qualified oral health care professionals. Throughout their field experiences, students will learn to provide care across the lifespan, treating clients that range from simple to complex oral health-care needs.
The progression of practice is designed to help learners gain confidence in their knowledge of the various processes, instruments and techniques required to be a successful dental hygienist.
PLEASE NOTE: Travel to off-site placement sites may be required. Clinical hours include early mornings that can extend into the evening.
Interested in this program but need more competitive marks? Consider enrolling in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (A108) program. This program will help you develop new and strengthen existing skills in math, biology, chemistry, physics, and communication. PLEASE NOTE: While successful graduates of the (A108) program will be eligible to apply to this advanced diploma, it does not guarantee entry into this program.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Dental Hygiene graduates interested in furthering their career beyond clinical practice should consider applying to our NEW Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene) (S305) fully online program. This degree completion program is the first of its kind in Ontario! In just three-semesters you will earn a degree focused on subject matter that is specific to the field of Dental Hygiene. Visit our Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene) (S305) page for more info.
For information on future study options, see the Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
Courses are under review and subject to change.
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BIOL 1024 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BIOL 1034 | Microbiology and Infection Control |
| DENT 1060 | Dental Hygiene Principles I |
| DENT 1093 | Dental Anatomy for the Dental Hygienist |
| DENT 1166 | Dental Hygiene Pre-Clinic (Full Year Course) |
| DENT 1126 | Dental Radiography I for the Dental Hygienist |
| DENT 1124 | Introduction to the Profession of Dental Hygiene |
| COMM 1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| or | |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ANAT 1058 | Head/Neck Anatomy for Dental Hygienist |
| DENT 1061 | Dental Hygiene Principles II |
| DENT 1127 | Dental Radiography II for the Dental Hygienist |
| DENT 1066 | Dental Materials |
| DENT 1129 | Oral Histology and Embryology |
| BIOL 1044 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| DENT 1166 | Dental Hygiene Pre-Clinic (Full Year Course) |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts (if required) |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DENT 2061 | Introduction to Periodontics |
| DENT 2062 | Clinic I |
| DENT 2063 | Dental Hygiene Principles III |
| PHAR 2005 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I |
| HLTH 2060 | Introduction to Community Health |
| DENT 2060 | Introduction to Research Methods |
| DENT 2064 | Preventive Dentistry |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DENT 2031 | Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist |
| DENT 2071 | Advanced Periodontics |
| DENT 2072 | Clinic II |
| DENT 2073 | Dental Hygiene Principles IV |
| DENT 2074 | Oral Health Care Access the Lifespan |
| HLTH 2070 | Health Promotion |
| PHAR 2010 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II |
| ISHU 1035 | Indigenous Studies |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DENT 3031 | Community Field Practicum (full-year course) |
| DENT 3032 | Clinic III |
| DENT 3033 | Ethics and Jurisprudence |
| DENT 3034 | Dental Hygiene Practice Management |
| DENT 3035 | Evidence-Based Practice |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DENT 3042 | Clinic IV |
| DENT 3043 | Workplace Readiness |
| DENT 3044 | Health Policy |
| DENT 3045 | Orthodontics for the Dental Hygienist |
| DENT 3030 | Comprehensive Case Studies in Dental Hygiene |
| DENT 3031 | Community Field Practicum (full-year course) |
Please note that Dental Hygiene is a full-time program. Classes may be scheduled Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Electives
* Additional electives need to be taken throughout the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Practise 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 ongoing 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 that 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.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
† There will be additional costs to the program in each year of study, including textbooks, appropriate laboratory/clinical attire and personal protective equipment. There is a minimal fee charged to the student for equipment on loan during the academic year.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U) – A grade of 70 per cent or higher is required.
- grade 11 math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U) – a grade of 60 per cent or higher is required.
- grade 11 biology (C or U) or Grade 12 (U) – a grade of 70 per cent or higher is required.
- grade 11 chemistry or physics (U) or grade 12 chemistry or physics (C or U) – a grade of 60 per cent or higher is required.
Please note: Mature applicants are eligible to test for English only.
Please note: Subject to competition, applicants may be required to have grades above the minimum stated.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English, math or science.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR S134
Pre-placement Health Form
- Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
- All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the Pre-placement website.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR S134
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (must be valid annually)
- In compliance with the requirements of our onsite clinic and our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
- The Police Vulnerable Sector Check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months.
This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered "vulnerable persons" under the law.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that the Police Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for "individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s)."
- Students are required to keep the original copy of their Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Students who are unable to provide a "clear" Police Vulnerable Sector Check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a "not clear" status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
- Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
- The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.
Covid-19 vaccination is highly recommended for oral health care workers and those working with vulnerable populations. Hospitals, long term care facilities and some community agencies continue to require COVID-19 vaccines for placements. Students who are not vaccinated may not be able to attend external clinical or field placements. As a result, this may pose a risk of meeting the requirements for program completion.
The onsite WAVE (Wellness, Applied Learning, Visionary, Education) dental clinic will not require vaccination but is highly recommended. Use of PPE will be required in all onsite clinics.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Contact sdhprograms@georgebrown.ca for information about the Dental Hygiene Program.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
