ObjectivesThis two year program prepares students to practice as primary oral health care providers in a variety of practice environments, including, clinical, education, health promotion and research. Program emphasis is on preparing students to function within their scope of practice, in a collaborative manner, with the client, the community and other health care providers. Seminars, case presentations, community health practicums, and the clinical setting contribute towards developing a professional committed to the principles of quality assurance and continued competency.
Academic titleDental Hygiene Ontario College Diploma
Course descriptionLevel 1 Credits
Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
ANAT-1024 Anatomy & Pathophysiology 3.00
BIOL-1017 Oral Microbiology & Immunology 3.00
DENT-1037 Dental Hygiene Radiography 1 2.50
DENT-1007 Basic Head & Neck Anatomy 2.00
DENT-1008 Dental Hygiene Principles 1 6.50
DENT-1009 Client Assessment 1 2.00
DENT-1010 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 1 2.00
Level 2 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DENT-1029 General Histology 2.00
DENT-1030 Dental Hygiene Principles 2 4.50
DENT-1031 Client Assessment 2 3.00
DENT-1032 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 2 2.00
DENT-3020 Dental Hygiene Radiography 2 2.50
DENT-1041 Professional Issues 1 1.00
DENT-1035 Clinical Practicum 1 4.50
NUTR-1006 Nutrition: A Socio-cultural Look 3.00
Level 3 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DENT-3008 Dental Hygiene Principles 3 1.75
DENT-1038 Dental Hygiene Process of Care 1.00
DENT-3010 Clinical Practicum 2 1.50
DENT-3011 Community Practicum 1 1.75
PHRM-3016 Introductory Pharmacology 1.00
Level 4 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DENT-3012 Advanced Head & Neck Anatomy 2.00
DENT-3013 Oral Histology & Embryology 2.00
DENT-3014 Periodontology 1 2.00
DENT-3015 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 3 3.00
DENT-3017 Dental Specialties 3.00
DENT-3018 Clinical Practicum 3 5.50
DENT-3019 Oral Pathology & Pharmacology 3.00
DENT-3021 Gerontology & Oral Health 2.00
Level 5 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DENT-5002 Orthodontics 2.00
DENT-5003 Periodontology 2 3.00
DENT-5004 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 4 2.00
DENT-5005 Professional Issues 2 3.00
DENT-5006 Clinical Practicum 4 9.00
DENT-1039 Dental Hygiene Business Issues 1 2.00
HLTH-3009 Multiculturalism in Health Care 3.00
Level 6 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DENT-5008 Clinical Practicum 5 3.25
DENT-5009 Community Practicum 2 1.00
DENT-5010 Dental Hygiene Business Issues 2 1.00
Gen Ed - Electives
Take 3 General Education Credits -
Normally taken in Level 1
ANAT-1024 - Anatomy & Pathophysiology
This introductory course involves the study of the structures and functions of the human body. The major body systems are presented through an examination of the relationship between structure and function, the concept of homeostasis and the interrelationship of the body organ systems. The material includes an introduction to anatomical terminology, with an examination of each body system. Disease processes will be examined by exploring the underlying concepts relating to alterations in normal body functioning.
BIOL-1017 - Oral Microbiology & Immunology
This didactic and laboratory course introduces the student to the study of general and oral microbiology. An overview of microbiological classifications, ecology, transmission and control will be presented along with an introduction to the body's nonspecific and specific defense mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed on the bacteria, viruses and yeasts relevant to oral health, the provision of oral care, and infection control in the dental environment.
DENT-1007 - Basic Head & Neck Anatomy
This course provides the student with basic knowledge of anatomical and physiological features of the head and neck region; including, surface landmarks, muscles of mastication, major salivary glands, the tongue and lymph nodes. Dental terminology will be introduced through the study of dental morphology, notation systems, oral and periodontal anatomy, and occlusion.
DENT-1008 - Dental Hygiene Principles 1
This course establishes the foundation for the theory and pre-clinical skills required for client care, according to the Dental Hygiene Process of Care Model. Topics include infection control, positioning, armamentaria, instrument design, function and utilization. Skill acquisition occurs through didactic study, manikin practice and intra-oral experience on peers. The dental hygiene scope of practice and the C.D.H.O. Standards of Practice will be emphasized throughout the course.
DENT-1009 - Client Assessment 1
This course introduces the student to the concepts, procedures and terminology required to complete dental hygiene assessments. Client profiles include medical, dental and social histories and extra and intra-oral examinations. Emphasis is on the completion of accurate and comprehensive assessments, according to the Process of Care Model, dental hygiene standards of practice and regulations relating to record keeping. The student will be required to integrate and apply theory from concurrent Level 1 courses.
DENT-1010 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 1
This course provides the student with the information and skills related to promoting oral self care and wellness. The major dental diseases and the preventive measures used to control them are introduced to provide an overview of the disease-health continuum as it relates to oral health. Emphasis is on the aids, techniques and agents that can be utilized to promote oral health. Increasingly advanced principles in health psychology will be presented in subsequent Health Promotion and Disease Prevention courses.
DENT-1029 - General Histology
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the microscopic study of cell cytology and the basic tissues of the body, including the epithelium, muscle, nerves, and connective tissue. A histological background is provided for the study of general embryology and the development of human tissues. This information establishes a foundation for further study in oral histology and embryology, including the histological changes with oral diseases and developmental disturbances important in dentistry.
DENT-1030 - Dental Hygiene Principles 2
This course is a continuation of Dental Hygiene Principles 1. The student will apply the Dental Hygiene Process of Care and scientific evidence based knowledge to the performance of designated preventive and therapeutic procedures. Emphasis will be on the manual instrumentation required for assessments and debridement. The student will be expected to integrate theory from other courses, monitor her/his own progress, demonstrate initiative and work in a collaborative manner with faculty and peers.
DENT-1031 - Client Assessment 2
This course builds upon Level 1 didactics and experience. Emphasis is on the theory required for obtaining and recording a comprehensive client profile. Through clinical images and case studies the student will begin to discriminate pertinent and significant findings from those within the normal range and will recognize conditions that require special consideration relating to dental hygiene care. The dental hygienist's role in the prevention and management of medical emergencies will also be discussed.
DENT-1032 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 2
This course builds upon the basic theory presented in Semester I, with a continued study of disease prevention strategies according to the A.P.I.E. Model.Through small group assignments and case studies the student will conduct target group analysis, develop learning and behavioural outcomes and identify appropriate teaching strategies. The student will develop an oral health presentation for a specific community target group with the implementation and evaluation components delivered during the community practicum in Semester 3.
DENT-1035 - Clinical Practicum 1
In this course the student will begin to acquire the cognitive and psychomotor skills for clinical practice. Dental hygiene treatment will be provided to peers and clients with a lower degree of difficulty in terms of clinical challenges.Emphasis will be placed on applying the A.P.I.E. Model, according to current legislation and the CDHO Standards of Practice. The student will be responsible for assimilating and integrating associated course material, self assessing and implementing appropriate improvement strategies.
DENT-1037 - Dental Hygiene Radiography 1
This course provides a basic knowledge of radiation generation, factors influencing image formation, radiation hazards, and safety codes. The student will be introduced to dental radiography equipment and the techniques for exposing, processing, and mounting radiographs. Quality assurance and asepsis control considerations will be emphasized. Application of the "Process of Care" model (A.P.I.E.) will be outlined with all aspects of client exposure, safety and radiographic protocol considerations.
DENT-1038 - Dental Hygiene Process of Care
This course expands upon the didactic and practical study of dental hygiene principles as they relate to client care. Through the analysis and application of the five components of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care Model, the student will identify the elements required for the provision of comprehensive and competent dental hygiene care.
DENT-1039 - Dental Hygiene Business Issues 1
This course examines entrepreneurial aspects relating to the practice of dental hygiene. Topics include telephone techniques, marketing, appointment management, procedure codes, billing practices, filing and inventory systems. Skills relating to research using contemporary technology are enhanced through small group presentations.
DENT-1041 - Professional Issues 1
This course introduces the student to dental hygiene practice in Ontario and Canada. Topics will include professionalism, National and Provincial legislation for oral health care providers, and dental related associations and regulatory bodies. The evolution of dental hygiene to a professional status will be discussed through an examination of the history of dental hygiene and its relationship with other stakeholders in the area of oral health care.
DENT-3008 - Dental Hygiene Principles 3
The dental hygiene principles covered in this course continue to provide the knowledge and pre clinical skill base required for therapeutic dental hygiene interventions. Client profiles will be used to assist the student in developing decision making skills relating to individualized dental hygiene treatment plans, according to the Process of Care Model.
DENT-3010 - Clinical Practicum 2
During this four week course the student will gain additional experience in applying the components of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in the clinical setting. The development of critical thinking and problem solving skills is enhanced through the provision of dental hygiene care to clients with an easy to moderate degree of difficulty, in terms of the assessments and treatment required. The integration and application of knowledge and psychomotor skills from related courses continue to be essential for success.
DENT-3011 - Community Practicum 1
This course combines lectures and field practicum activities, including observation sessions in the private practice environment. Oral health presentations developed during the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention II course will be implemented and evaluated in a specific community setting. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the dental hygienist as an educator working collaboratively within the community to promote oral health.
DENT-3012 - Advanced Head & Neck Anatomy
In this course the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems of the head and neck regions are examined in greater depth and are related to client assessments and the identification of relevant pathologies. Paranasal sinus, bones of the skull, root anatomy, occlusion, sites for local anesthetic and temporomandibular joint considerations will be discussed as they apply to dental hygiene care. The changes that occur during aging are identified in terms of their impact on health and disease.
DENT-3013 - Oral Histology & Embryology
Having mastered the fundamentals of general histology, the dental hygiene student will progress to a study of oral histology and embryology. Topics include the general embryological principles related to the formation of the face, neck, oral cavity and dental structures. An understanding of embryological and histological theory will assist the student in his/her assessments along the health-disease continuum and in the provision of evidence based dental hygiene care in the clinical setting.
DENT-3014 - Periodontology 1
This course builds upon the first year didactics and clinical experiences. The etiology, pathogenesis and multifactorial considerations of periodontal diseases are discussed using case studies and clinical slides. The student will be required to integrate relevant curriculum information and to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills for providing client care based on the dental hygiene process of care and scientific evidence based dental hygiene principles.
DENT-3015 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 3
The student applies higher levels of analysis relating to health promotion with an emphasis on the cognitive, physical and emotional needs of diverse populations. Topics include community health, health care delivery systems, and nutrition and oral health. The basic concepts of epidemiology, research design, biostatistics and the use of statistical methods for program planning are explored. The student has an opportunity to learn and/or refine research skills through the investigation and analysis of accepted and controversial therapies.
DENT-3017 - Dental Specialties
This course provides basic knowledge relating to procedures performed in general and specialty practices to enhance the student's understanding of the overall process of client care. Areas covered include treatment modalities, the roles and responsibilities of members of the dental team and the interrelationship and collaboration among the dental specialties.
DENT-3018 - Clinical Practicum 3
In this course the A.P.I.E. Model is developed further through the addition of the dental hygiene Diagnosis component. Client care is provided to a wider range of clients. The student will be required to synthesize data, integrate knowledge from related courses and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to provide evidence based client care. Case studies provide additional opportunities for the development and analysis of treatment strategies according to A.D.P.I.E.
DENT-3019 - Oral Pathology & Pharmacology
This course builds upon the pathology and pharmacology information previously studied. Emphasis is on recognizing the clinical manifestations of physiological, pathological and anomalous conditions in the oral cavity and appreciating the specific drugs associated with them. The student will study the etiology, clinical impact and treatment management considerations of specified abnormalities.
DENT-3020 - Dental Hygiene Radiography 2
This course provides the student with laboratory experience on dexters, as well as the study of special imaging techniques. The focus of the course is on radiographic recognition and assessment. The student will develop skills in identifying normal anatomical landmarks and abnormal or pathological conditions on radiographs. The didactic and practical elements of dental radiography will be applied according to the Dental Hygiene Process of Care Model and CDHO Standards of Practice during clinical sessions.
DENT-3021 - Gerontology & Oral Health
This course presents the student with a variety ofissues relating to the psychological, cognitiveand social dimensions of aging. The course willassist the student in developing a personalphilosophy of aging as well as applying knowledgeof the aging process in a holistic manner.Emphasis will be placed on the Canadianperspective and the role that professionals playin maintaining and improving the total well beingof the older adult.
DENT-5002 - Orthodontics
This course presents the principles of orthodontics from a theoretical and a practical perspective. The didactic area addresses the fundamentals of dentofacial development, aberrations that may lead to orthodontic problems and the biomechanics of tooth movement, including histologic changes and dental appliances.The practical area includes diagnostic procedures, tooth separation and the application and removal of orthodontic brackets and bands.
DENT-5003 - Periodontology 2
In this course emphasis is placed on disease recognition and developing evidence based dental hygiene treatment plans, according to the A.P.I.E. Model. A collaborative approach to client care and the need for referrals to other dental/health care professionals will be discussed. Topics also include occlusal trauma, temporomandibular joint disorders, surgery, osseointegrated implants, and tissue regeneration. Critical thinking skills are developed through presentations of current and controversial treatment modalities.
DENT-5004 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 4
This course continues with an examination of the delivery of oral health services to a wide variety of individuals within traditional, institutional and speciality practice environments. Partnerships between health care professionals and the community are emphasized. Using case studies, the student will develop and plan programs that respond to the needs of a particular target group. Theory will be supported in Level 6, through field practicum assignments in community based agencies.
DENT-5005 - Professional Issues 2
This course examines trends and challenges in the profession of dental hygiene, collaborative relationships in traditional and non-traditional practice settings, the role of regulatory colleges, jurisprudence, and quality assurance. Professional conduct and responsibilities will be discussed through an examination of workplace dynamics and work related dilemmas. A commitment to the principles of professionalism and quality assurance through professional activities and life long learning will be emphasized.
DENT-5006 - Clinical Practicum 4
In this course the student will continue to develop decision making abilities and clinical skills within a framework of professionalism and dental hygiene standards of practice. Dental hygiene care is provided to a variety of clients, with increasing degrees of difficulty and/or clinical complexity. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a collaborative relationship with the client and assuming a greater level of accountability for all elements of client care.
DENT-5008 - Clinical Practicum 5
During this final clinical component the student will assume complete responsibility for the determination and provision of evidence based, client centered care, according to current legislation and the CDHO standards of practice. Emphasis is placed on the consolidation, refinement and acceleration of cognitive and clinical skills in preparation for registration and entry to practice. Case presentations will be used for analysis and decision making relating to treatment modalities and probable outcomes.
DENT-5009 - Community Practicum 2
The student will expand upon her/his understanding of the role of the dental hygienist as a community health worker through program implementation and evaluation in a variety of field practicum assignments. Collaboration with dental,medical and social professionals through consultations and referrals is presented as the most effective strategy for comprehensive care for clients with special needs. The role of a dental hygienist as an advocate for specialty groups is examined and promoted.
DENT-5010 - Dental Hygiene Business Issues 2
This course addresses the use of computers and information technology in the health care field, with an emphasis on their application in dental hygiene business management. The student will practice basic and advanced word processing skills using current computer software. Case studies will provide the student with opportunities to practice basic dental office management operations using Logic Tech dental software.
HLTH-3009 - Multiculturalism in Health Care
This course will introduce the student to elements of race and culture as the basis for a greater understanding of the impact of multiculturalism to the healthcare system. Through a study of interethnic relations the student will gain insight into the sociological realm of ethnic stratification, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and racism. Theoretical perspectives will be related to the Canadian healthcare system in terms of the impact that race and culture have on the care and understanding of healthcare users.
NUTR-1006 - Nutrition: A Socio-cultural Look
This course presents a view of contemporary nutrition as the interaction between the individual and the environment mediated by food. This course examines the changing medical understanding of the healthy body during various life stages, the history and evolution of diet composition and food preferences, and the development of nutritional standards and guidelines. Controversial issues relating to nutrition and disease prevention strategies are also explored.
PHRM-3016 - Introductory Pharmacology
This course is designed to provide introductory pharmacologic principles to dental hygiene students. Drug nomenclature and classification are stressed, and the student is introduced to common anesthetics and analgesics encountered in dental practice.