Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene (HCP/ICHS)

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are self-directed
• Are critical thinkers
• Can manage time and a demanding workload
• possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• are detail-oriented, organized, and committed to achieving excellence in their work.

Level 01

• BIO4322 Microbiology I
• BIO4323 Human Anatomy and Physiology
• DEN4300 Dental Anatomy
• DEN4409 Preclinic Practicum I
• DEN4411 Preclinic Practice Foundations I
• DEN4453 Dental Radiography
• ENL1813S Communications I

Level 02

• BIO4324 Head and Neck Anatomy
• BIO4326 Microbiology II
• BIO4328 Oral Histology and Embryology
• DEN4321 Radiography Practicum II
• DEN4412 Advanced Dental Anatomy
• DEN4414 Preclinic Practice Foundations II
• DEN4416 Dental Materials I
• DEN4422 Preclinic Practicum II
• DEN4471 Oral Disease Prevention
• DEN4473 Dental Hygiene Professionalism and Collaboration

Level 03

• BIO4333 Human Pathophysiology
• BIO4336 Oral Pathology
• DEN4423 Nutrition and Dental Health
• DEN4424 Periodontics I
• DEN4428 Pharmacology
• DEN4430 Preclinic Practicum III
• DEN4432 Preclinic Practice Foundations III
• DEN4434 Dental Materials II
• DEN4479 Diverse Populations

Level 04

• DEN4436 Periodontics II
• DEN4442 Clinic Practicum I
• DEN4446 Research Methods
• DEN4481 Community Dental Health Promotion
• DEN4483 Clinic Practice Essentials I
• DEN4484 Professional Practice and Jurisprudence

Level 05

• DEN4456 Clinic Practicum II
• DEN4459 Clinic Practice Essentials II
• DEN4460 Business Concepts
• DEN4462 Evidence-Informed Practice I
• DEN4480 Oral Health Outreach I
• ENL5507 Career Writing Practicum

Level 06

• DEN4448 Orthodontics
• DEN4464 Dental Hygiene Practice Management
• DEN4469 Evidence-Informed Practice II
• DEN4472 Clinic Practicum III
• DEN4475 Clinic Practice Consolidation
• DEN4477 Comprehensive Case Studies
• DEN4482 Oral Health Outreach II

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Practice professionally and competently within the defined scope of practice and consistent with current regulations and standards of practice
2. 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 healthcare professionals as required
3. Design, implement, and evaluate a range of primary, interceptive, therapeutic, preventative, and ongoing oral healthcare services to meet the unique needs of clients
4. Analyze oral health issues in need of advocacy, identify networks, and promote actions that will support change and facilitate access to care
5. Identify, select, implement, and evaluate quality assurance standards and protocols that contribute to a safe and effective working environment
6. Establish and maintain professional and inter-professional relationships that contribute to client-care safety and positive healthcare outcomes
7. Facilitate the development of specific oral health attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviors in clients by selecting and utilizing principles of teaching and learning
8. Develop and present a model for dental hygiene practice that addresses relevant business principles, current legislation, and standards of practice
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment, and environmental stewardship.

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 practice 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).