PATHWAY TO DENTAL HYGIENE DIPLOMA College of New Caledonia

Program Description

Dental hygiene is a fast-growing and rewarding profession for men and women interested in a career in the health sector. Dental hygiene is the 6th largest regulated heath profession in Canada with over 28,000 practitioners. Registered Dental Hygienists are highly educated, licensed and regulated healthcare professionals whose education and practice focus on the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of overall health and well-being. Dental Hygienists can work independent of or alongside a dentist and are an important part of the health care team. Dental hygienists practice in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, independent dental hygiene practice; public health facilities, hospitals, long term care facilities, educational institutions, research and dental industry. Dental Hygienists often have the flexibility to work full or part time in these various settings. Dental hygienists provide services and programs to people of all ages, addressing issues related to oral health. Responsibilities of the dental hygienist include: Patient assessment; identification of patient health status and needs; planning for patient care; delivering education and patient services and assessing the outcomes of care provided. Specific clinical duties may include medical history taking; performing routine head and neck examinations; dental and periodontal examinations; exposing of dental images; oral hygiene education; administration of local anesthetic; scaling of teeth and preventative fluoride applications. To help clients meet their needs in all dimensions of health in their home or in a facility, the program prepares you to help with assessments, communication, and activities of daily living (such as nutrition and personal hygiene).

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