PROGRAM LEVEL
The Allied Health Department offers the Associate Diploma in Dental Hygiene Program in three academic years (six semesters) with a total of 71 credits. The Dental Hygiene Program graduates dental hygienists qualified to plan and administer health promotion and oral disease prevention programs, conduct oral prophylactic and simple reparative services in both public and private facilities, and refer patients for specialized services. The curriculum focuses on oral health promotion and disease prevention with emphasis on risk assessment. A dedicated patient care clinic is integral for the application of didactic content and clinical competency testing. Extramural experiences sharpen basic skill development, decision making, and reinforces the team approach the provision of oral health care
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
DETAILED STUDY PLAN
View Study Plan of Associate Diploma in Dental Hygiene Program   (PDF, 0.5 MB , 5 Pages)
Course Objectives
- Survey and record the oral health status of groups and communities.
- Promote community oral health through health education and behaviour modification.
- Examine tissues and take health and dental histories.
- Perform individual preventive and simple reparative treatments.
- Identify and refer persons needing further oral health care.
- Plan and administer oral health services for groups and individuals.
- Evaluate services provided.
PROGRAM INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
a) Apply nursing theories that form the basis for clinical nursing practice in diverse health care settings.
b) Demonstrate interprofessional team competencies in collaborative practice health care models to promote optimal health care outcomes.
c) Utilize evidence-based practice to provide cost-effective and high-quality nursing care.
d) Actively engage in self-assessment of learning needs and professional enrichment and development.
e) Demonstrate comprehensive application of the nursing process to promote, maintain and restore optimum function of clients within the specialty scope of practice.
f) Utilize computerized health information system and health care technologies in advanced nursing practice.
g) Demonstrate competence in an advanced practice specialty clinical setting that promotes optimal health care outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and health systems.
h) Conduct clinical nursing research and disseminate findings to improve nursing practice.
i) Engage in ethical practice in all aspects of the Advanced Practice Nursing role.