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

Career Options

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to 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 to practise in the province. See cdho.org (A Guide to the Process of Being Registered as a Dental Hygienist in Ontario) for further information.

Dental hygienists are members of a self-regulated health profession.

Dental hygiene practice settings include:

  • clinical practice
  • community health services
  • hospitals
  • teaching institutions
  • collective living centres
  • research
  • the dental industry

Educational Pathways

Graduates who are an active registrant with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and have current clinical dental hygiene experience for at least one full year are eligible to apply to George Brown's Restorative Dental Hygiene program (S400). Students in this postgraduate program learn to perform advanced restorative procedures and preventative measures and preventative measures. Students interested in advancing their skill set and expanding their scope of clinical practice should consider this program.

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.

Visit and discover life in our campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Sign up to receive tailored resources to make your application, your way.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.