Program Overview

Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program at the University of Saskatchewan is a three-year Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on dental hygiene care for all people and communities. This program is offered in six terms over three years and utilizes cutting-edge technology, including haptic dental simulators, pre-clinical and clinical areas.

Program Overview

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of dental hygiene care, including the assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation of preventive and therapeutic services, and evaluation of oral conditions.
• Students will learn about the importance of oral health services in various settings, such as hospitals, community centers, residential care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living environments, and services for the homebound.
• The program will cover topics such as:
  • Health sciences
  • Oral health sciences
  • Behavioural sciences
  • General anatomy and physiology
  • Principles and practice for oral health professionals
  • Infection control in dentistry
  • Dental hygiene practice

What You Will Learn

The program is structured into six terms, each with a specific focus:

• Term 1: Introduction to health, oral health, and behavioural sciences, with a preventive focus.
• Term 2: Exploration of general health, oral health, and behavioural sciences, with a focus on prevention, minimally invasive restorative approaches, radiographic techniques, and basic periodontal debridement.
• Term 3: Opportunity to work in the community, sharing oral health knowledge and participating in health promotion activities.
• Term 4: Comprehensive understanding of dental specialties, referrals, and research findings for practice decisions.
• Terms 5 and 6: Development of preventive, health promotion, and therapeutic services within the scope of dental hygiene practice, with continued community work and learning opportunities.

Sample First Year

The first year of the program includes the following courses:

• Fall Term:
  • Dental Hygiene Theory & Practice I
  • Health Sciences I
  • Oral Health Sciences I
  • Behavioural Sciences I
  • General Anatomy & Physiology I
  • Principles & Practice for Oral Health Professionals
  • Infection Control in Dentistry
  • Dental Hygiene Practice
• Winter Term:
  • Dental Hygiene Theory & Practice II
  • Health Sciences II
  • Oral Health Sciences II
  • Behavioural Sciences II
  • General Anatomy & Physiology II
  • Professional Communication
  • Indigenous Health & Wellness
  • Dental Hygiene Practice II

Featured Classes

• Dental Hygiene Theory & Practice I: A 2-credit course that includes a historic perspective of the dental hygiene profession and associated legislation and concepts.
• General Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology I: A 3-credit course that provides a basic overview of human anatomy and physiology.
• Dental Hygiene Practice I: Clinical practice hours that involve working in simulations and with student partners to gain basic abilities in oral health assessments.

Why Study Here?

The College of Dentistry's Dental Hygiene program is the province's only three-year Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, available for direct entry from high school. The program utilizes cutting-edge technology, including haptic dental simulators, and offers a unique schedule that allows students to attend classes in the evenings.

Tuition Estimates

The estimated expenses for students registered in Year 1 of the Dental Hygiene program are:

• SK residents: $40,872.24
• Out of province: $58,032.24
• International: $75,192.24

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Admission qualifications:
  • Regular Admission – high school: Grade 12 standing or equivalent, with a minimum average of 75% on the prerequisite courses.
  • Regular Admission – post-secondary: Minimum average of 60% on 18 or more transferable credit units.
  • Special (Mature) Admission: Proof of age, written submission, and less than 18 credit units of transferable post-secondary coursework.
• Selection criteria:
  • Regular Admission: Academic average (80% weighting) and written statement (20% weighting).
  • Special (Mature) Admission: Special admission package (100% weighting).
• Categories of applicants:
  • Saskatchewan residents
  • Canadian applicants
  • Indigenous applicants
  • International applicants

Applying

The College of Dentistry accepts online applications only, with an application fee of $172 CAD. The application deadline is February 15, and supporting documents are due by March 1.

After Applying

Applicants will be informed of their application status by mid-April and must pay a non-refundable deposit of 15% of tuition to accept an offer of admission.

Important Dates

• January 2: Online application opens
• February 15: Online application closes and application fee due
• March 1: Supporting documents due
• August 1: Final Official High School transcript due
• August 24: Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Screening and immunization records due

College Info

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Dentistry, a dynamic college with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research.