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Dental Hygiene

Vancouver Community College offers the Dental Hygiene Diploma program which leads to registration with the College of Dental Hygienists' of British Columbia and a career as a self-regulating professional.

Graduates have the specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes that make up the entry-level scope of dental hygiene practice. Registered dental hygienists are important members of the oral health care team who offer professional treatment and education that help prevent diseases of the gums, teeth and mouth, as well as support total wellness for individuals and groups. Registered dental hygienists' educate individuals and groups in the relationship between oral and overall health and the development of healthy lifestyles. Registered dental hygienists evaluate research information and techniques so clients receive the best care. Registered dental hygienists are involved in the administration of programs in clinical practices, institutions and community agencies that promote quality, cost-effective oral health services and information.

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Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses

Program Description

The VCC Dental Hygiene Diploma Program is designed to have students learn the foundation knowledge, which forms the basic entry-level credential for dental hygiene theory and practice, critical thinking, professionalism and the promotion of health/wellness. The curriculum also encourages community work, life-long learning and the creation of self-directed learners.

The VCC Dental Hygiene Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). The program is based on the integration of the national and provincial standards and a collaborative model for dental hygiene practice. This model includes assessment, diagnosis/decision making, planning, implementation, and evaluation in various and integrated practice and health care roles including clinical, community, education, health promotion, research and administration.

Students have opportunities to apply knowledge and practice various skills while working with the public in the VCC Clinic. In addition, rotations to a wide variety of health care and community facilities are organized for students to learn and apply skills and knowledge in context.

Classes are Mon to Fri from 9 am-5 pm. Occasionally instructional activities are scheduled on evenings or weekends. Students should plan to review, study and complete assignments for approximately three to four hours per evening. In addition, weekend time is needed to manage course work. The actual time varies from student to student.

Topic

VCC/UBC Baccalaureate Partnership

The VCC Dental Hygiene Diploma Program in partnership with the UBC Faculty of Dentistry leads to a Baccalaureate in Dental Sciences, BDSc (Dental Hygiene) in two ways:

1) Vancouver Community College students currently enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program are eligible to make application for admission into the 4th Year of the BDSc Program during the last year of their VCC diploma.

2) UBC Faculty of Dentistry, in partnership with VCC and other community colleges, offers up to five seats in each community college program for graduating secondary school students who will have the opportunity to qualify to directly access a four-year Bachelor of Dental Science (Dental Hygiene) baccalaureate program (BDSc).

For more information regarding the BDSc (Dental Hygiene) Program as well as admission requirements and deadlines, please consult the UBC Faculty of Dentistry website.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 2 years Diploma Downtown Full-time

Career Prospects

Graduates may apply to provincial authorities for registration. Opportunities exist to obtain registration and licensure in over fifty countries where dental hygiene is an integral component of health care. Specific additional requirements may be necessary depending on the registration and licensing authority. Inquiries concerning registration in BC may be directed to the Registrar, College of Dental Hygienists of BC at 1-800-778-8277 or http://www.cdhbc.com

Registered dental hygienists work in a number of settings including general and specialty dental offices, dental hygiene practices, residential care facilities, hospitals, community health agencies and educational institutions. Registered dental hygienists in BC may also practice as self-employed contractors if they meet current tax laws and terms and conditions for self-employment.

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

COMPETITIVE SELECTION BASIS

1) First-year university transfer credit courses completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) grade or higher which include English (6 credits), Anatomy & Physiology (6 to 8 credits), Chemistry (6 to 8 credits), Psychology (6 credits), a 3 credit Introductory Statistics course and a 3 credit elective course. Laboratory components are required in Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry (where applicants have completed 2nd, 3rd or 4th year courses in the required subject, the highest grades are considered in the GPA calculation)

To check the transferability of first-year university courses, go to the Online Transfer Guide at http://www.bccat.bc.ca. This website lists the credits established for all university transfer courses offered by BC post-secondary institutions. Students can also find a user-friendly guide to transferring at the BCCAT website, by clicking on the "Transfer TIPS" icon on the homepage.

2) Proof of English Language Proficiency is required

SELECTION: The 40 applicants with the highest GPA participate in a handwritten candidate's questionnaire in June. Approximately 20 applicants with the highest scores are offered seats. For more information, click here

Upon acceptance:

1) Current "C" certification in CPR

2) Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest xray. For further information about Health requirements click here

3) Criminal Record Search Each applicant is responsible for any costs incurred. Applicants who have drug-related charges should consult with the Registrar's Office prior to applying to the program. The CRS must be received by the Registrar's Office prior to the first day of class. Conviction for relevant offences may preclude registration with the College of Dental Hygienists' of BC after graduation.

Program Status

Accepting applications Oct 1/2009 to April 1/2010

Apply to this Program

Applicants who complete their academic requirements by April 2010 may apply and must include interim transcripts or a registration record for coursework that is in progress.

All post-secondary transcripts must be sealed and official and mailed directly to the VCC Admissions Office from the originating institution. Transcripts must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2010 (except for courses to be completed by April 2010). Late transcripts will not be accepted. For post-secondary courses completed by April 2010, official, sealed transcripts must be postmarked by May 14th, 2010. All documents become the property of the College and are not returned or used for any other application.

Educational documents not from a Canadian or American institution must be evaluated by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). The ICES report should include a Comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's post-secondary education and a VCC Dental Hygiene Supplemental Report. For an evaluation application and current fee information, email ICES at icesinfo@bcit.ca or call toll free at 1-866-434-9197.

After the May 14th, 2010 deadline, applications with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are reviewed. The 40 applicants with the highest GPA will be required to take a structured, written questionnaire (Candidate Questionnaire) on the afternoon of Friday, June 4th, 2010.

There will be no alternative date for the Candidate Questionnaire. Applicants who decline the 2010 program must re-apply. Seats are not reserved for a later intake. Unsuccessful applicants must submit a new application and official transcripts for each year they apply. Transcripts will not be transferred to new applications.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.443.8450. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $3,050 year 1 $3,050 year 2

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $13,322 per year $337 per year

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $88 per year Student union fee $71.07 per year Student union health plan fee $142.15 Student union dental plan fee $135.41 Uniform $30 Laundry $290 per year Other costs Material Fees: $2.60 per credit hour Approximate costs of textbooks and supplies $7500. Examinations and professional fees are $1860

Additional Information

INFORMATION SESSION:
The Downtown Campus Advising Services and Dental Hygiene Departments hold Information sessions in January, April, July and October to answer your questions. Check "Information Sessions and Tours" on the VCC homepage.

To check the transferability of first-year university courses, go to the Online Transfer Guide at http://www.bccat.bc.ca. This website lists the credits established for all university transfer courses offered by BC post-secondary institutions. Students can also find a user-friendly guide to transferring at the BCCAT website, by clicking on the "Transfer TIPS" icon on the homepage.

If you need assistance in course planning, contact Advising Services at 604.443.8453

NOTE: As entry to the Dental Hygiene program requires completion of first year post-secondary education, students currently in Grade 12 are ineligible to apply

More information can be found on the British Columbia Dental Hygienists' Association (BCDHA) website: http://www.bcdha.com.

Health Requirements:

As dental hygiene practice necessitates close contact with patients, it is strongly recommended that successful applicants consider with their physician's advice the following protection for themselves and others: testing and updating of immunization for polio, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella; immunization against Hepatitis A & B, strains of influenza, meningococcal disease and bacterial pneumonia. For more information about vaccinations click here.

Students must have a physical dental examination from a licensed British Columbia dentist prior to entering the program for legal reasons. It is also preferred that your dental and dental hygiene healthcare be complete and current.

Students must be physically and psychologically healthy to be able to perform fine psychomotor skills to practice as a dental hygienist. Physical and mental demands of the profession may worsen back, wrist or shoulder problems. Materials used in oral health care may affect persons living with conditions such as latex sensitivity or other allergies. Please review Important Health Requirements for the VCC School of Health Sciences.

Courses