What education does a Dental Hygienist need?

Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving a diploma. Receipt of this diploma allows a dental hygienist to take National Dental Hygiene Examination Board, become licensed and to work in a dental office. Some university-based dental hygiene programs may offer baccalaureate and master's degrees, which generally require further schooling. These additional degrees may be required to embark on a career in teaching and /or research, as well as for clinical practice in school or public health programs. Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary, depending upon the specific school. High school-level courses such as health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and English will be beneficial in a dental hygiene career.  Some baccalaureate degree programs require that applicants complete two years of college prior to enrollment in the dental hygiene program. Counselors, advisors and prospective students should contact the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene for their specific program requirements. Dental hygiene education programs provide students with clinical education in the form of supervised patient care experiences. Additionally, these programs include courses in arts (e.g., English, speech, sociology and psychology); basic sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, microbiology and pathology); and clinical sciences (e.g., dental hygiene, radiology and dental materials). After completion of a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists can choose to pursue additional training in such areas as education, business administration, basic sciences, marketing and public health.

If you are interested in applying to the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene click here:  HOW TO APPLY

Accreditation

The agency responsible for accrediting dental hygiene education programs and deciding whether or not they meet the standards for accreditation is the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the Canada. There are approximately 34 Commission-accredited dental hygiene programs in the Canada.

Examination and Licensure

Dental hygienists are licensed by each province to provide dental hygiene care and patient education. Almost all provinces require that dental hygienists be graduates of Commission-accredited dental hygiene education programs to be eligible for licensure. Additionally, almost all provinces require candidates for licensure to obtain a passing score on the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination.  Upon receipt of their license, dental hygienists may use "R.D.H." after their names to signify recognition by the provincial licensing body that they are a Registered Dental Hygienist.