Dental Hygiene Diploma
   Full-time Program

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Dental Hygiene Diploma Program Description
Dental Hygiene Diploma
Full-time Program
Program Schedule

  Please Note: Dental Hygiene is delivered through Canadian College of Dental Health, an affiliate college to Canadian Therapeutic College.  For additional information regarding Canadian College of Dental Health (CCDH) please click here.
Dental Hygiene Diploma | Program Schedule
Course Code Course Name
Semester One / Year 1
 Dental Materials (DMAT 110)
Dental Hygiene Principles        (PRIN 110)
Dental Anatomy (DNAN 110)
Dental Hygiene Clinic I (CLIN 110)
General Pathology (GNPA 110)
Human Anatomy and Physiology (ANPH 110)
Microbiology and Infection Control (MICR 110)
Oral History and Embryology (OHEM 110)
Radiography Identification (RADI 110)
Semester Two / Year 1
Community Dental Health Theory (COMH 110)
Dental Hygiene Clinic II (CLIN 210)
Dental Hygiene Principles II    (PRIN 210)
General Principles of Pharmacology (PHAR 110)
Head & Neck Anatomy (HNAN 110)
Nutrition (NUTR 110)
Periodontics (PERI 110)
Oral Pathology (ORPA 110)
 Psychology and Communications (PSCO 110)
Radiography Assessment (RADI 210)
Semester Three/ Year 2
Assessing Literature (ALIT 110)
Community Dental Health Practicum (COMH 210)
Dental Hygiene Clinic III (CLIN 310)
Dental Specialties (DSPL 110)
Dental Hygiene Principles III   (PRIN 310)
Periodontics (PERI 210)
Professionalism (PROF 110)

 

Dental Hygiene Diploma | Course Description
Course Code Approx Hrs** Course Description
ALIT 110 22

Assessing Literature
This course will cover the principles of research including a basic approach to the scientific method, formulation of the hypothesis and a logical sequence to the various methodologies and disciplines of research.  An introduction to biostatistics will be presented, and exercises in critical review of the literature in order to apply the principles of research to the clinical and community dental settings will be addressed.  The process of the course will be structured on the dental hygiene process of care and will employ interdisciplinary interaction with oral and written communication skills in order for the dental hygienist to act as a collaborator and contributor of oral health.

ANPH 110 88

Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course is the study of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with organization of the body, leading to covering, support and movement of the body. The regulation and integration of the body, maintenance of the body and nutritional requirements are examined as well as continuity of life.  Knowledge learned of the interrelationships of body organ systems and functions will provide the basis of understanding the human body, while integrating the daily nutritional requirements, to maintain health and prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases.  Aspects of Chemistry and Biochemistry will also be covered in this course.

CLIN 110 132

Dental Hygiene Clinic I
This course is an introduction to the basic theories, principles and procedures used in dental hygiene practice, with primary emphasis on the techniques of radiography and instrumentation used in performing Dental Hygiene diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services.  The dental hygiene student will have an opportunity to practice these techniques on student partners in the clinic. This course provides didactic and clinical experiences, which introduces the student to theoretical and practical aspects related to the practice of dental hygiene.  Introduction to such aspects shall provide a foundation from which the student may develop in order to serve the public.

CLIN 210 264

Dental Hygiene Clinic II
Prerequisite: CLIN 110
This course is a continuation of CLIN 110 which provides didactic and clinical experiences on live case studies, which introduces the student to practical aspects related to the practice of dental hygiene.  This course emphasizes the application of comprehensive client-centred Dental Hygiene Process of care.  The student develops their therapeutic skills and refinement of instrumentation and practical applications.

CLIN 310 264

Dental Hygiene Clinic III
Prerequisite: CLIN 210
This course is a continuation of the application of the comprehensive client-centred Dental Hygiene Process of Care.  Emphasis is placed on the consolidation, refinement and acceleration of dental hygiene skills and practical application of dietary counseling will be utilized in preparation for registration and employment as a dental hygienist.

COMH 110 44

Community Dental Health Theory
The dental hygienist needs to emphasize both prevention and effective delivery of health care services. Dental Hygienists must appreciate their role as change agents in the health professions at the local, provincial and national levels. Changes within the health care environment require the Dental Hygienist to have a general knowledge of wellness, health determinants and characteristics of various communities. This course is designed to provide the dental hygiene student with an introduction to community health concepts. Principles of community health, current community health issues, health care delivery systems, epidemiology and preventative measures are investigated and discussed. The study of oral health/disease in the community and the measurement of these diseases will be introduced. This course will explore the application of the dental hygiene process model of care (assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation) to the community setting. The students will have the opportunity to apply the theory learned to the target population selected as part of the community field practicum.

COMH 210 44

Community Dental Hygiene Practicum
This course is designed to provide the dental hygiene student with the opportunity to integrate the theory portion of community health with practical experience.  All students will develop an overall health promotion program for a selected targeted population.  Each student will be placed with a community health unit.  Health promotion encompasses everything that promotes health, such as policy development, social and economic programs, healthier workplaces, environmental improvement and health and social services.

DMAT 110 44

Dental Materials
This course is designed to develop a clinical understanding of properties, manipulation and uses of dental materials used in clinical and laboratory settings.

DNAN 110 44

Dental Anatomy
This course introduces the student to the detailed anatomy of the oral cavity, the root and crown morphology of the deciduous and permanent dentitions, their supporting structures and functional relationships.  The blood supply, musculature and innervation of the tongue are also discussed including an examination of the sense of taste and the related anatomical features.
Covered topics will also include salivary gland anatomy, the functions of saliva, occlusion, the types of malocclusion, and an overview of local anesthesia with a focus on the structures which are anesthetized by the various types of injection techniques and the possible complications.
The course also emphasizes the recognition of the normal and variations of the normal, features of the human dentition, oral cavity and associated structures within the assessment phase of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.

DSPL 110 44

Dental Specialties
This course defines the various dental specialties including; orthodontics, paedodontics, restorative, endodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery. The treatment modalities of each specialty and the roles and responsibilities of the members of the dental team are included. The interrelationship and collaboration of the dental specialties will be addressed.

GNPA 110 44

General Pathology
Prerequisites: ANPH 110, HNAN 110, MICR 110, OHEM 110
This course builds on the body of knowledge of a variety of courses to give the students knowledge and understanding of any physical disease process. Knowledge gained in the prerequisite courses will be fundamental to understanding any deviations from normal body functions.  The pathophysiology of diseases and their oral implications will be discussed in order to assess the medically compromised client and develop a treatment plan according to the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.

HNAN 110 88

Head and Neck Anatomy
This course introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, oral cavity, deciduous and permanent dentitions and supporting structures.  Their functional relationships will be addressed, including occlusion and root morphology.

This course also emphasizes the recognition of the normal, variations of the normal, features of the head and neck and associated structures within the assessment phase of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.  The study will encompass the nervous, circulatory, muscular and lymphatic systems of the head and neck and spread of dental infections.

MICR 110 44

Microbiology and Infection Control
This course is an introduction to microbiology and infection control as it applies to the dental environment. Comprehensive and systematic prevention of disease spread and proper management of hazardous materials require the interaction of the entire dental team. The material covers basic concepts in microbiology with an introduction to bacteria and viruses, how infectious diseases develop, including oral microbial diseases and blood borne disease agents and a section on emerging diseases.  Specific infection control procedures for the dental team are presented in detail, including the use of aseptic agents, protective barriers, processing contaminated instruments, surface asepsis, aseptic technique, laboratory and radiographic asepsis and waste management.

NUTR 110 44

Nutrition
Prerequisites: ANPH 110, MICR 110
This course is the fundamental study of nutrition with an emphasis on the maintenance of health and the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease.  This course will overview basic nutrition including discussions on vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, trace elements and their related food sources. The role of the dental hygienist in providing nutritional counseling will be included.

OHEM 110 44

Oral Histology and Embryology
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the histology, development, structure and function of the tissues of the face and oral cavity.  This will form the basis for study of dental and orofacial development to begin to understand the origin of developmental anomalies.  The disease and healing process and the histological changes that may occur as the result of dental hygiene interventions will also be addressed.

ORPA 110 44

Oral Pathology
Prerequisite: GNPA 110
This course provides the information necessary for a dental hygienist to identify pathologic oral condition in order to bring them to the attention of the dentist for further diagnosis.

PERI 110 44

Periodontics I
This course provides the student with an introduction to the structures of the periodontium, etiology, pathogenesis and multiformity of periodontal diseases.  The student will than gain an understanding of the Dental Hygienist’s role and responsibilities as a dental team member in the treatment and maintenance of the periodontal disease client. The various currently accepted therapies, expected outcomes and the destiny of periodontal disease research will also be examined.

PERI 210 44

Periodontics II
Prerequisite: PERI 110
This course builds on the body of knowledge learned in Periodontics I.  Emphasis is placed on the various treatment modalities for periodontal diseases including conservative debridement, surgery, osseointegrated implants and tissue regeneration.  The Dental Hygiene Process of Care for the periodontal client is continued here.

PHAR 110 44

Pharmacology, General Principles of
Prerequisites: ANPH 110, HNAN 110
This course is designed to give dental hygiene students the knowledge base to understand a drug’s pharmacology, therapeutic intervention and interaction with other drugs and on individuals with certain pathological conditions. This course will also give the students the knowledge of prescribed medications which may alter the dental treatment prescribed. This is essential to the safe provision of care. Pain management and understanding the various methods of pain control will be addressed.

PRIN 110 88

Dental Hygiene Principles I
This course is designed to provide the theoretical basis and conceptual framework for the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.  The development of critical thinking and problem solving skills is integral to the application of theory in providing comprehensive client-centred care.

PRIN 210 88

Dental Hygiene Principles II
Prerequisite: PRIN 110
This course is a continuation of the theoretical basis for dental hygiene care, taught in Dental Hygiene Principles I.  The conceptual framework for the process of dental hygiene care is further developed.  The continued development of critical thinking and problem solving skills is integral to the application of theory in providing comprehensive client-centred care.  Pain control and anxiety will also be covered in this course.

PRIN 310 88

Dental Hygiene Principles III
Prerequisite: PRIN 210
This course is a continuation of DH Principles II and further develops the theoretical basis and conceptual framework for the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.  The development of critical thinking and problem solving skills are integral to the application of theory in providing comprehensive client-centred care.  This course requires the assimilation of the theoretical knowledge taught in other courses in the context of providing comprehensive client-centred care. In addition this course relates the Dental Hygiene Process of Care to the CDHO Dental Hygiene Standards of Practice.

PROF 110 44

Professionalism
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the basis of dental hygiene practice in Ontario and Canada.  Topics covered include: professionalism, professional conduct, standards and scope of practice, professional organizations, ethics, Quality Assurance requirements, aspects of legislation governing dental hygienists, and current issues facing the profession.  This course is intended to assist the students to appreciate the responsibility they will assume as graduates.  This course will introduce students to the many DH associations to support and enhance the graduate’s career.

PSCO 110 44

Psychology and Communications
This course introduces the student to Psychology and Sociology and helps the student to gain introductory knowledge and abilities to build the students understanding of developmental issues throughout the life span. The student will learn how to interact as a health care professional with clients in different scenarios.  The student will also learn the basic concepts and skills related to communications. The students will be introduced to the Dentrix dental management software and will learn computer skills.

RADI 110 88

RADI 110
Course Name: Radiography Identification
This course addresses the radiographic material as an assessment measure within the Dental Hygiene Process of Care. Radiographic identification of normal anatomic features of the head and neck, teeth and surrounding structures is reviewed. Emphasis is placed upon a equipment, exposure, techniques, processing, processing errors, criteria for the diagnostic quality film/quality assurance and H.A.R.P. guidelines.

RADI 210 44

Radiographic Assessment
Prerequisite: RADI 110
This is a continuation of Dental Radiography Introduction and Identification (RADI 110).  This course is designed as a self reliant program (online) to allow the student to efficiently perform and self evaluate client radiographs and practical assignments for refinement of radiographic technique.

* CTC reserves the right to change the order of courses taught at any time.
** Hours may vary with Holiday Schedules

Dental Hygiene Diploma

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