10Mar 01
Dental Hygiene Education in British Columbia
Our Position on Dental Hygiene Education
To assure the health, safety and welfare of the public, the British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) believes that entry-to-practice dental hygiene education programs should include a minimum of three academic years of post-secondary education in a recognized institution of higher learning; be an accredited dental hygiene program that meets current provincial and national learning outcomes and competencies; prepare graduates for a full process of dental hygiene care using research-based decision-making principles; and transfer to higher education within the BC transfer system.
The health care delivery climate changes, including increasing scientific evidence associating oral diseases and systemic diseases, increased demand for access to oral health services, and ongoing technological advances, make it imperative that dental hygiene education standards not be reduced, but at a minimum, maintained and enhanced to meet the future oral health care needs of the public.
The British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association supports the national policy and movement of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) towards requiring degree level education for entry to practice in the profession.
To read the full version of the BCDHA Dental Hygiene Education Policy Position Paper 2007 - click here.
Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Diploma education programs are designed to have students learn the foundation knowledge, which forms the basic entry-level credential for dental hygiene theory and practice, critical thinking, professionalism and the promotion of health and wellness.
Upon successful completion of first year university courses in five specified subject areas, an application may be made to one of the two-year dental hygiene diploma programs. The curriculum focuses on oral and clinical science, with an emphasis on health promotion and preventive, motivational and communication strategies.
There are currently six diploma programs located in Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Chilliwack and Nanaimo. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the website of the College of Dental Hygienists of BC to determine eligibility to register as a dental hygienist in British Columbia after graduation.
Dental Hygiene Degree
The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of British Columbia offers 4 entry points into the Dental Hygiene Degree Program – 2 for those who want to become dental hygienists and graduate with a Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene degree and 2 for dental hygienists who want to complete their Bachelor’s degree by building upon their dental hygiene diploma education background. Provided diploma programs are accredited, graduates are admissible to the UBC degree program for degree completion. The degree completion options of the DHDP can be completed entirely online. Visit www.dentistry.ubc.ca/hygiene . Dental hygienists holding a bachelor’s degree may be interested in a Master of Science (Dental Science) Program at UBC.
Master of Science (Dental Science) Program
This graduate program offered by the
Accreditation
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada approves the standards for education and requirements for college and university dental hygiene programs. For information on these requirements please visit Canadian Dental Hygiene Program Accreditation Requirements.
Applicants should contact each of the institutions listed below to receive current information on the application process, deadlines and specific requirements for admission into the dental hygiene program.
Dental Hygiene Diploma Programs in B.C.
Camosun College
Dental Hygiene Program
3100 Foul Bay Road
Victoria, B.C. V8P 5J2
Phone: (250) 370-3189 Fax: (250) 370-3234
Web site: www.camosun.bc.ca
Email: bos@camosun.bc.ca
College of New Caledonia
Dental Hygiene Program
3330 - 22nd Avenue
Prince George, B.C. V2N 1P8
Phone: (250) 562-2131 Local 364 Fax: (250) 561-5870
Web site: www.cnc.bc.ca
Email: askcnc@cnc.bc.ca
University of the Fraser Valley
Dental Hygiene Program
45635 Yale Road
Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 6T4
Phone: (604) 795-2817 Fax: (604) 792-2388
Web site: www.ufv.ca
Email: info@ufv.ca
Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene
3030 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C. V5M 1Z4
Phone: (604) 215-7611 Fax: (604) 215-7660
Web site: www.vancouver-college-dental.org
Email: info@vancouver-college-dental.org
Vancouver Community College
Dental Hygiene Program
250 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1S9
Phone: (604) 443-8453 Fax: (604) 443-8588
Web site: www.vcc.ca
Email: info@vcc.ca
Vancouver Island University
Dental Hygiene Program
900 Fifth Street, Building 180
Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5
Phone: (250) 740-6410 Fax: (250) 740-6225
Web site: www.viu.ca
Email: info@viu.ca
Dental Hygiene Degree Program and Degree Completion Program
University of British Columbia
Faculty of Dentistry – Student Services
#278 - 2199 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z3
Phone: (604) 822-8063 Fax: (604) 822-8279
Web site: http://www.dentistry.ubc.ca/Education/Hygiene/default.asp
Email: fodadms@interchange.ubc.ca
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Vancouver Community College Dental Hygiene Access for Certified Dental Assistants Program The Dental Hygiene Access for Certified Dental Assistants Program (DHAC) is a unique program specifically designed for CDAs as an alternative way of earning a dental hygiene diploma. |