BECOME A LEADER IN ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION

Placement Rate
2009	96%
2008	100%
Hourly Rate $21.00 - $35.00
Average Starting Salary $43,680 - $72,800

The Dental Hygiene program at Oulton College is a Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited program.

Dental Hygiene is a growing profession across Canada. A career as a professional oral health care provider will be exciting and challenging as you work collaboratively with other health care providers to promote and maintain your patient's health. You will play an integral role in the oral health of the population as you educate, promote and deliver dental hygiene services in a variety of settings.

The Dental Hygiene Program is designed to have students learn the foundation knowledge, which forms the basis for dental hygiene theory and practice, critical thinking, professionalism and the promotion of health/wellness. The curriculum also encourages social responsibility, professionalism and independent learning.

The program is based on the integration of the national and provincial standards and a collaborative model for dental hygiene practice. The model includes theory, practice, evaluation, patient care and community involvement.

Off-Site Aptitude Test Request

Course Content

A general description of topics to be covered during this two-year program is detailed below. These descriptions may be modified.

HYG – 101/102 Preclinical Theory and Practice

This course introduces students to the information necessary to maintain an appropriate environment for delivery of dental hygiene care. Fundamentals of safe dental hygiene practice and instrumentation skills are discussed.

The laboratory portion begins students’ development of the skills defined within the dental hygiene scope of practice. Skills are practiced first on manikins and later on classmates in treatment simulation sessions.  

HYG – 103 Oral Anatomy and Assessment Procedures

This theory course covers the recognition of the basic structures and tissues of the oral
cavity in health. Emphasis is placed on procedures required to do oral assessments
of clients and record findings using accepted clinical symbols according to professional practice standards.  

HYG – 104/204 Dental Health Promotion I and II

This theory course teaches communication techniques to facilitate management of clients in the clinical setting and to foster clients’ learning of self care practices related to general and oral health. The role of nutrition in maintenance of optimal health is discussed. As students progress to the next levels of health promotion they will discusses the physical, intellectual, and socio-economic factors which influence clients’ decisions and actions in maintaining their oral health and accessing oral health care. Emphasis is placed on individualizing oral self care messages for clients across the lifespan.  

HYG – 105/205 Radiography I and II

The theory portion of this course introduces students to the history, development and use of radiation in the diagnosis of dental disease. The principles of proper exposure, processing, handling and storage of dental diagnostic radiographs are covered. Radiation hygiene required to protect client and operator from hazardous exposure levels is emphasized.

The laboratory portion of the course allows students to refine exposure techniques for standard intraoral views using manikins. Bisecting angle, paralleling and occlusal plane techniques are studied. Clinical simulations with classmates and exposures for clients are also part of the laboratory requirements. 

HYG – 106 Human Anatomy and Physiology

This theory and laboratory course discusses the human anatomy and physiology pertinent to the dental hygienist’s role in overall health assessment of clients prior to developing
evidence based strategies for their initial and on-going oral care.   

HYG – 201/301/401 Clinical Practice

During this series of clinical courses students will provide education and clinical treatment interventions to clients who require simple to complex protocols for maintenance of oral health. During these courses students will also have class time for discussion of any policy or procedural issues that arise during clinical treatment sessions.  

HYG – 202 Theory of Dental Hygiene Practice

This theory course supports clinical practice by discussing the elements of the dental hygiene process of care and how to apply it in the assessment, planning and delivery of oral care services to clients. Portions of class time are used to discuss issues related to clinical procedures, progress and performance expectations as students gain greater expertise in clinical skills.  

HYG – 203 Health Status Assessment

This course introduces the principles of pharmacology and discusses the basic drug groups and their uses. The relationship of drug therapies for systemic illness to the
implications for planning and delivery of oral care for clients is emphasized.

HYG – 206 Oral Histology and Pathology

This theory course introduces students to the study of oral tissues in health and disease
at the cellular level. Emphasis is on the process of disease and the body’s natural defense mechanisms to counter damage.

HYG – 207 Periodontics

This course examines, in detail, the structures and tissues of the periodontium in health and progressing to states of disease. The factors that initiate and sustain periodontal disease are studied and interventions designed to maintain periodontal health are emphasized. The role of the dental hygienist as a primary health care provider in implementing evidence-based therapies to halt the disease process and assist in regaining and maintaining periodontal health is emphasized. During this course students will explore advanced techniques for treatment of periodontal disease and surgical correction of defects resulting from disease. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative role of the dental hygienist.

HYG – 208/308 Dental Materials and Laboratory Procedures

The theory portion of this course introduces students to the characteristics of dental materials. The properties, proper manipulation and storage of common materials used in dentistry are studied. The laboratory sessions allow students to manipulate materials and create products related to dental diagnosis and treatment.

HYG – 209 Communication

This course emphasizes the importance of imparting or recording information in a clear, accurate and concise manner both orally and in writing. The principles of doing academic research to prepare an oral report or to write a paper are studied and implemented. This course stresses professionally-oriented oral and written skills (memoranda, business letters, analytical reports etc.). Exercises in listening skills and accuracy in information transfer orally and in writing are emphasized. Job search techniques are also discussed.

HYG – 302 Dental Hygiene Practice Standards

This course introduces students to the ethical and legal responsibilities of dental hygiene practice. Discussion centers around the use of pertinent New Brunswick provincial health regulation legislation, Professional Practice Standards and the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics as quality control mechanisms to protect the public from receiving substandard care. Remedies available to clients harmed by practitioners are studied.

HYG – 303/403 Clinic Feedback

During this weekly session students are encouraged to bring topics for discussion from activities and situations which arise during clinical practice. This course provides a regular forum for transfer of pertinent information among students and faculty regarding clinical practice.

HYG – 304 Community Health

This course introduces the concept of health as applied to groups or populations. The application of the dental hygiene process of care to assess group needs and plan appropriate educational/treatment strategies is discussed. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of statistics as used to assess needs in groups or populations and their use in program planning.

HYG – 305 Social Science

This course explores human psychological and social development over the life span. Emphasis is placed on the influence of perception, knowledge, needs and motivation on behavior. Students study the mechanisms of behavior in the dental environment and how client behavior can be modified towards habits that foster improved oral health.

HYG – 306 Oral Pathology

This course concentrates on the oral manifestations of systemic disease and the implications for dental hygiene interventions. Specialized radiographic and laboratory techniques used in diagnosis of oral diseases are discussed. Recognition of the indications of common diseases from diagnostic images is stressed.

HYG – 307 Periodontics II

This course traces the embryological development of the facial structures and dentition. Recognition of dental and facial anomalies resulting when the normal process is disturbed is emphasized.

HYG – 402 Clinical Seminars

This course provides an on-going opportunity for discussion of dental hygiene issues that arise in clinic situations. Discussions allow students to appreciate collaboration with
others, both within their discipline and from other disciplines in the delivery of evidence-based care.

HYG – 404 Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Students learn basic biostatistics and how they are used to make decisions regarding delivery of publicly funded dental services to the community. The use of experimental and non-experimental research designs and statistical analyses in determining community needs, designing programs and evaluating the success of intervention strategies is addressed. Students also learn to read, understand and assess the quality of published research and the importance of this in life-long learning as a practicing professional.

HYG – 405 Communications II

Students learn how communication with peers and health care professionals differs from that with other groups. This course concentrates on completion of secondary research techniques: written and oral presentation of findings designed for peer/professional audiences.

The principles and procedures of employment search will be addressed. Students will learn how to write an effective resumé. Strategies for making follow-up contacts with prospective employers and preparing for a job interview will be emphasized.

HYG – 406 Community Health Placements

Field placement activities are designed to familiarize students with the realities of dental hygiene practice in specialty settings. Students will prepare for and complete assignments in designated specialties. 

HYG – 407 Orthodontics Theory and Laboratory

The theory portion of this course discusses the principles of assessment data collection for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Commonly used appliance systems are examined and basics of orthodontic biomechanics and tissue responses to tooth movement are studied.During the laboratory component students practice orthodontic skills on manikins and partners (limited) in simulated clinical
exercises.

The program has been granted accredited status by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada as of December 1st, 2008.

It is very important that each applicant check with the jurisdiction in which they wish to practice to determine specific licensing requirements.

More information on dental hygiene accreditation and licensure in Canadian provinces can be reviewed at the following web sites.

Commission on Dental Accreditation
1 (866) 521-2322
http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/cda/cdac/accreditation/index.asp

Canadian Dental Hygienist association
1 (613) 224-5515
http://www.cdha.ca/content/careers/reg_authorities.asp

National Dental Hygiene Certification Board
1 (613) 260-8156
http://www.ndhcb.ca

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DURATION

20 Months
September to June
(2320 hours based on 30 hours of instruction per week)

ADMISSION REQUIRE-
MENTS

All fully completed applications will be reviewed and rated based on:

• Education (requires official transcript of marks) and minimum requirements
• 3-credit university-level Biologie course with a grade no lower than a "C" or DH 101
  
• 3-credit university-level Chemistry course with a grade no lower than a "C" or DH 102
• 3-credit university-level English course with a grade no lower than a "C" or DH 103
• Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus
• Completed Medical Examination Form
• Confidentiality statement and Confirmation of Observation
• Completed Dental Examination Form
• CPR Level C and First Aid
• Criminal Record Check with no criminal conviction of guilt
• Admission Interview
• Aptitude Test
• Dental Faculty Interview
• TOFEL or other language testing may be required
• Geographical quotas may be considered

Process

• Interested students will apply online or in person by filling out the necessary application form and attaching all required transcripts. *Candidates who apply and do not have transcripts available will be considered once complete.
• Students who meet the minimum requirements will then be invited to an Admission's Interview (includes admission and dental faculty) and an aptitude test.
• After successful completion of the Admission?s Interview and aptitude testing, Candidates may be asked to attend a Dental Faculty Interview.
• The College will make a final decision on acceptance based on all of the information retrieved during the application process. Accepted candidates will be notified as soon as a decision has been made by the Selection Committee.
• Successful candidates then register and guarantee their seat by paying the deposit and completing the necessary forms.
• Usually by May 15th, all seats have been filled but, in the event that seats are still available, new and remaining applicants will be offered a seat, based on admissions process scores.
• Applicants who decline a seat or are not successful must reapply. Seats and /or applications are not reserved for a later intake.

Students may download Dental Hygiene forms by clicking here.

TUITION/
COSTS

Canadian Student:
Tuition: $19,885 per year (No taxes are charged on tuition)
Books and Supplies: approx. $1,650 for year 1 (includes taxes) and $1,250 for year 2 (includes taxes)
Student Protection Fee / Province of NB: $198.85/year
Student Council fee: $50 per year
Non-Refundable Registration Deposit: $1000 (deducted from tuition)

The tuition does not cover the National Exam or Licensing with the New Brunswick Dental Society

International Student:
Tuition: $22,885 per year
Books and Supplies: approx. $1,650 for year 1 (includes taxes) and $1,250 for year 2 (includes taxes)

START DATE/
END DATE

Year 1: September 8, 2010 to June 17, 2011
Year 2: September 7, 2011 to June 15, 2012