Health Programs

Dental Hygiene

• 2-Year Diploma Program
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission

The Program

The Dental Hygiene Diploma program at Vancouver Island University is a Commission on Dental Accreditation Canada (CDAC) accredited program. The program provides education in the application of preventative and therapeutic methods of oral disease control and oral health promotion.

The concepts of health education, professionalism, critical thinking, life-long learning, and community service are strongly encouraged in the program curriculum. Students have the opportunity to apply knowledge and gain practical experience in public dental clinics and dental health activities in the community. Strong computer literacy is highly recommended prior to admission to the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be granted a diploma which makes them eligible to apply for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Hygienists of BC (as per their criteria) as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Career Opportunities

Registered dental hygienists are key members of the oral health team. The RDH provides high quality dental care, helps prevent oral disease, and promotes oral health. Graduates apply to the provincial authorities (or equivalent) for registration. Opportunities exist for licensure and registration in over 50 countries where dental hygienists are an integral component of health care.

Graduates can work in a number of settings including: general and specialty dental offices, self-owned independent dental hygiene practices, residential care facilities, hospitals, educational institutions, and community health agencies. RDHs may also work as self-employed contractors, researchers, or sales representatives to dental companies.

More information can be found on the British Columbia Dental Hygienists' Association (BCDHA) website.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

Note: Students laddering into a Bachelor of Dental Science (Dental Hygiene) degree after completion of the Dental Hygiene Diploma need to check with the receiving institution for transferability of prerequisites.

• General admission requirements apply.
• Students must have completed the minimum requirements listed in the prerequisite list (above), or equivalent.
• Biology and Chemistry prerequisites must have been completed within the last 5 years (prior to admission).
• Students must have completed a minimum "B" average on prerequisite courses and, no individual course grade lower than a "C+".
• Submission of a Personal Profile.

Notes on Admission

Acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Diploma program is competitive and will be determined by a combination of GPA and Personal Profile scores. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to submit the following information by mid-August:

• A completed Immunization Requirements Form is required by mid-August. The Health Immunization form must be signed by the public health nurse.
• Evidence of successfully completing a nationally recognized WHMIS course. Note: An online W.H.M.I.S course can be taken through the Vancouver Island University Powell River Campus.
• Evidence of current CPR Level "C" certification or Level HCP (healthcare provider).
• Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork, practicums, or clinical practice will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.

Notes on Registration and Licensure

Authorization for a criminal record check is required to register and license as a dental hygienist in British Columbia. A criminal conviction may interfere with eligibility for registration.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications will be accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a Diploma in Dental Hygiene, students must have met all of the learning outcomes and completed all program courses with a minimum "B-" in each course.

Program Outline

Updated: April 22, 2013