vcc.ca
DHYG 2110: Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice 1
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This introductory course facilitates the learners integration of foundational knowledge and the development of attributes and clinical skills essential for novice clinical dental hygiene practice. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, decision-making, and the development of psychomotor skills, interpersonal communication, and professionalism in the clinical context.
Credits
4.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
DHYG 2100.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply infection prevention and control standards and best practices to support client and clinician safety in the clinical practice environment.
- Demonstrate safe, novice instrumentations skills, oral health examinations, and balanced ergonomic positioning associated with clinical dental hygiene therapy.
- Integrate principles of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and evidence-informed approaches into clinical practice decisions.
- Self-assess strengths and limitations and reflect on opportunities for improvement to support integration of new knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrate novice level coordination, collaboration, and time management skills within the clinical practice environment.
- Demonstrate accurate documentation and management of client records in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, and professional practice standards.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 150
Total Hours: 150
Total Hours: 150
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include active, collaborative learning; lecture; experiential learning in simulation, lab, and clinical settings; small group and student partner work; discussion; and self-reflection.
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Passing grade
S - all components of the evaluation plan must be completed successfully
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Clinical Examination |
S |
Formative quality assurance checks per rubric |
|
Clinical Examination |
S |
Periodontal probe assessment per rubric |
|
Clinical Examination |
S |
Universal curettes assessment per rubric |
|
Other |
S |
All professional documentation must be complete according to VCC Clinic and Regulatory Standards. |
Course topics
- Introduction to Clinical Protocols
- Infection prevention and control
- Dental ergonomics and surgical magnification
- Management of the practice environment, including management of documentation and client records utilizing dental software systems
- Instrumentation principles
- Client and oral health assessments including: Medical history, dental health history, vital signs, and head and neck, intra-oral soft tissue, periodontal, dental and occlusal examinations
- Self-reflection and self-assessment of strengths and limitations
Learning resources
Course resource information will be supplied by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.