Program Overview

Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program is a self-regulated health service profession concerned primarily with the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of optimum oral health. As a licensed professional, the dental hygienist's scope of practice is regulated by provincial legislation.

The Profession of Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is a dynamic profession that involves the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of oral health. The dental hygiene process of care consists of five components: assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Current practice settings include private dental practice, community health centres, institutions, primary health care centres, home care, and other outreach programs.

The School of Dental Hygiene Mission Statement

The School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Manitoba prepares future dental hygienists to enhance the health and wellbeing of the public through oral health promotion, disease prevention, and therapeutic means. The school aims to produce graduates who are active members of the global health care community.

Practice Requirements

After successful completion of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board Examination, graduates must apply to the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba for a license to practice as a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists must fulfill the requirements of the respective provincial regulatory authorities' licensing bodies. The minimum educational credential for licensure in the province of Manitoba is the Diploma in Dental Hygiene.

Programs

• Dental Hygiene, B.Sc.D.Hyg.
  • Years to Completion: 1-2
  • Total Credit Hours: 19-120
  • Has Co-op Option: No

Admission Requirements

The following is a summary of admission requirements:

• Direct Entry:
  • Manitoba high school graduation, with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S (Specialized), G (General), or U (Dual Credit University)
  • Specific Requirements for the School of Dental Hygiene:
    • A minimum 85% average over the four required courses with no less than 60% in each required course
    • Any English 40S
    • Mathematics: either Applied 40S or Pre-Calculus 40S
    • Chemistry 40S
    • Another academic 40S course
• Advanced Entry:
  • Applicants must successfully complete the following courses prior to application:
    • Any 3 credit hour ENGL course at the 1000 level or higher
    • CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1110 Introductory Chemistry 1: Atomic and Molecular Structure and Energetics and Introductory Chemistry 2: Interaction, Reactivity, and Chemical Properties
    • CHEM 1120 Introduction to Chemistry Techniques
    • PSYC 1200 Introduction to Psychology
    • BIOL 1410 Anatomy of the Human Body
    • BIOL 1412 Physiology of the Human Body
    • STAT 1000 Basic Statistical Analysis 1
    • 6 credit hours of electives (Sociology is strongly recommended)
  • Minimum GPA for consideration: 3.00 with no grade less than C, with the exception of English which requires the minimum grade of C+

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, Degree Completion Program

The program is available to dental hygiene diploma graduates of the University of Manitoba or other accredited dental hygiene educational institutions wishing to complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree on a full-time or part-time basis. Admission to the degree completion program requires:

• A Diploma in Dental Hygiene from either a university or community college program accredited by either the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada or the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation
• The National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) Certificate
• Current licensure to practice dental hygiene in Canada and be eligible for licensure to practice in Manitoba
• All pre-requisite course requirements prior to admission

Prerequisite Requirements

• Option A: For graduates of accredited dental hygiene programs who completed a prescribed pre-professional year of university studies prior to entry into their dental hygiene program
  • Required Prerequisites (minimum C grade in each course):
    • One of the following: REHB 2450 Research Methodology for Medical Rehabilitation, PSYC 2250 Introduction to Psychological Research, PSYC 2260 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology, or equivalent
    • STAT 1000 Basic Statistical Analysis 1 (or equivalent)
• Option B: For dental hygienists who are graduates of accredited two-year programs which did not require a pre-professional year of university studies
  • Required Prerequisites (minimum C grade in each course):
    • REHB 2450 Research Methodology for Medical Rehabilitation (or equivalent)
    • STAT 1000 Basic Statistical Analysis 1 (or equivalent)
    • Free Choice Electives (15 credit hours)

Selection Criteria

Selection is competitive, with 100% based on academic standing for the General Applicant Category. An interview, biographical sketch, and letters of reference are considered within the Individual Applicant Category. Preference will be given to Manitobans in the Individual Applicant Category.