Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a dental hygienist in B.C., you must register with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and successful writing of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination.

Dental hygienists and dental therapists

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to clean teeth and apply preventive materials; provide oral health education and treatment counselling to patients; identify oral pathologies and injuries; and manage dental hygiene practices. These programs include courses in dental anatomy, microbiology, and pathology; dental hygiene theory and techniques; cleaning equipment operation and maintenance; dental materials; radiology; patient education and counselling; office management; supervised clinical training; and professional standards.

Dental hygiene/hygienist

Dental Hygiene Bachelor's Degrees

Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and services related to oral health promotion and disease and mouth injury prevention. They are employed in a variety of settings including dentists' offices, hospitals, private clinics, educational institutions, public health agencies or they may be self-employed. Dental therapists provide limited restorative dental treatment in addition to dental hygiene services. They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.

Dental Hygiene Diplomas

You can upgrade your dental hygiene diploma to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BScDH). With the equivalent of one year of study, you can become a Dental Hygiene Practitioner (DHP) and be licensed to own/operate a private dental hygiene business.



Bachelor of Science: Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene is to prepare for a career as a dental hygienist as you study both theory and evidence-based practice. In your studies, you'll draw on biomedical, social and behavioural sciences as well as the body of dental hygiene knowledge. You'll learn how to perform key responsibilities of dental hygienists, including health promotion, education, clinical therapy, research, change agent, and administration.

Educational Path

Dental Hygiene Bachelor's Degrees

Programs

Careers