Dental Hygiene DHY

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This program is very competitive; applicants will likely need some post-secondary experience to be competitive. The Pre-Health Science program is the recommended preparation for this program.

Literacy Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed. High school courses in Business and Technological Communication would be good preparation.

Math & Science Good math skills are needed (need a grade 11 or grade 12 math course). High school courses in Biology and Chemistry are required for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Able to empathize with others
• Able to make decisions/problem solve quickly and confidently
• Able to cope in stressful situations
• Willing to handle situations involving blood and oral debris
• Strong attention to detail
• Flexibility – able to successfully adapt to changing situations
• Ability to accept & comply with professional standards
• Enjoy working with and caring for people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Prepared to work with vulnerable people
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work within tight timelines

Useful background experience for this program would be 

A part time job in customer service.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Places you may find yourself employed include 

Private dental offices, independent dental hygiene practices, institutions (for example, hospitals, continuing care centres, correctional facilities), public health, community health, homecare and other outreach programs, the armed forces, government or regulatory bodies, research or consulting companies, dental insurance or supply companies, or post-secondary institutions.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Work regular office hours but may work some evenings and weekends.
• Most clinical procedures require sitting, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.
• Dental hygienists must use safety glasses, masks, gloves, and proper sterilization and disinfection techniques to prevent the transmission of disease to themselves or their patients. Safety precautions also must be observed when taking x-rays and using certain chemicals.
• Dental hygienists may be required to lift young children into a dental chair or help transfer adults from wheelchairs into the dental chair.
• The most common occupational hazards are back, neck and shoulder problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Working in close proximity to members of the public.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Assess oral health conditions
• Develop individualized treatment plans for clients
• Use pain management techniques
• Advise clients about oral health care and the link between oral diseases and systemic diseases
• Expose, develop and interpret x-rays for dental hygiene treatment
• Use fine motor skills in the use of delicate hand instruments and precision power instruments to provide clinical therapies such as crown and root debridement and oral prophylaxis (removing tooth surface deposits and stains) and other non-surgical therapies for periodontal disease
• Apply tooth cavity prevention  and desensitizing agents
• Implement prevention programs
• Refer to other health care professionals as appropriate.

In community (public) health settings, dental hygienists may:

• Conduct needs assessments and surveys
• Implement preventive and health promotion programs
• Provide preventive therapies such as debridement and oral prophylaxis
• Apply tooth cavity prevention and desensitizing agents
• Counsel parents, students, seniors, and caregivers about oral health care
• Complete school oral health inspections and visit classrooms to explain the importance of oral hygiene and proper diet, and provide instruction in the care of teeth and gums
• Develop oral health policies for continuing care facilities
• Promote oral health for all age groups.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board Examination
• College of Dental Hygienist of Ontario (CDHO)

• Ontario Dental Hygienists Association (odha.on.ca)
• Canadian Dental Hygienist Association (cdha.ca)

• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at many different schools. More information.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024