Program information

Program description

 

Students prepare for the role of oral health professional specializing in health promotion, disease prevention, and therapeutic care. Course content includes dental hygiene theory and practice, oral health and biomedical sciences, and the practical skills required for clinical practice. In addition, students learn the principles of professional responsibility and communication, health promotion, advocacy and evidence-based health care. Students apply theory to practice starting in a preclinical setting, gradually building the competence to apply skills in a client-care environment. Under supervision, students are supported while providing ethical dental hygiene care onsite in the oral health clinic and in the community. Students are prepared to work with clients and communities of diverse backgrounds and ages with varying degrees of oral health in a variety of settings.

 

This program is highly competitive. Learn about admission requirements for highly competitive programs.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2023	Barrie

Tuition and fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

• This program includes a clinical placement component where you’ll get clinical experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional.
• Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

What are the admission requirements for the Dental Hygiene program?

Dental Hygiene admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent with

• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Math (C or U)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Selection Process

Applicants will be assessed and ranked based on academic grades. A minimum grade of 75% in each pre-requisite subject is recommended.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.

Additional information

It is required that students have Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid prior to commencing the program (On-line courses are not acceptable). It is the student’s responsibility to renew their Level HCP CPR certification annually while in the program. Applicants must have up-to-date immunization records (Clinical Preparedness Permit) in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Completion and submission of this record is required during the first week of classes in order to ensure your placement in clinical and field placement facilities.

Applicants are advised that the clinical requirements of the program and future employment requires good vision (with or without corrective lenses) and visual perception, the ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, and the manipulation of instruments using repetitive motion, fine motor skills, and good manual dexterity.

Applicants with back/neck/wrist or visual problems should discuss individual concerns with the Program Coordinator.

Applicants must also be comfortable speaking in front of individuals and groups.

Registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) is mandatory to practice as a dental hygienist in Ontario. Note: A history of criminal offences or charges of professional misconduct in another jurisdiction or another profession may interfere with your ability to become registered in Ontario. Should either situation apply, you are recommended to seek clarification with the CDHO before applying to the dental hygiene program at Georgian College.

What career paths can I take in dental hygiene?

Your Dental Hygiene diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared with the knowledge and clinical experience required to become a regulated health professional in Ontario. Employment opportunities are found in a traditional dental office as a member of the oral health care team, or as an independent practitioner and proprietor of one’s own practice. Employment opportunities for the dental hygienist are also found in research, community and public health, administration and industry settings.

What courses are included in the Dental Hygiene diploma program?

Course overview

30 Program Courses
4 Clinical Placements
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Dental Hygiene program outline.

• BIOL 1001 – Anatomy and Physiology – Introductory Concepts
• DENT 1013 – General and Oral Microbiology
• DENT 1014 – Dental and Orofacial Anatomy
• DENT 1047 – Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Profession
• DENT 1053 – Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene 1
• DENT 1054 – Oral Histology and Embryology
• Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.