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Dental Hygiene Program – Top Dental Hygienist School in NB​

Duration: 2 Years

Credential: Diploma

Start Date: February & September

Location: Pacific Avenue Campus

Start Date: February & September

Duration: 2 Years

Credential: Diploma

Location: Pacific Avenue Campus

Program Overview

Start your career in oral health care at one of the top dental hygienist schools in Moncton. Starting in either September or February, the Dental Hygiene Program at Oulton College is a comprehensive, hands-on diploma program designed to prepare students for success in dental practices across New Brunswick and beyond.
 
Over the course of this in-demand program, you’ll gain essential clinical and academic training in areas such as preventive care, oral health education, radiography, and periodontal therapy. Training takes place in our fully equipped dental hygiene lab and through clinical placements at local Moncton-area dental clinics, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.
 
As a trusted provider of dental hygiene education in New Brunswick, Oulton College offers a learning environment that combines supportive faculty, cutting-edge equipment, and a career-focused approach.
 
As you near the end of the program, you’ll have the chance to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam (NBDHE), administered by the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC). Passing this exam will open doors for you to apply for a license across Canada and become a Registered Dental Hygienist.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and make a difference in the world of dental health. Join us and take the first step towards a bright future!
 
*Cost breakdown: Book a meeting with one of our Admissions Advisors  for a detailed breakdown of costs and tuition for your chosen program. They can provide tailored information and help you understand all financial aspects. Schedule your appointment today to get all the details you need!

 

Why Choose Oulton College for Your Dental Hygienist Program?

  • Our Dental Hygiene Diploma Program prepares you for a rewarding career as a Dental Hygienist in a 20-month condensed course to quickly get you out into the work force.
  • The program provides you with the experience and knowledge to be successful as a Primary Healthcare Professional in the rapidly growing field of Dental Hygiene.
  • You will apply classroom theory to hands-on experiences in our own state of the art clinic – beginning with practice and simulation on mannequins and continuing to client care.
  • Your education will be challenging and dynamic, providing education in theory, client assessment as well as diagnosis and clinical treatments.
  • Our program provides wonderful opportunities for Community engagement, networking within the Professional association and exposure to guest speakers from all areas of the profession.
  • Oulton College’s highest quality of education has fostered industry relationships and a reputation of excellence.
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • You will receive individual attention from the best in the industry! Our qualified instructors are professionals in their respective fields.
  • We offer a challenging and rewarding Nationally accredited education. You will be ready for success as a Dental Professional!
  • Our program follows the highest of standards. It is one of only two schools in Atlantic Canada to be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
  • Hands-on experience builds confidence and expertise, and you can earn your diploma in less than two years having acquired the necessary knowledge to be a confident Dental Hygienist and professional.
Dental Hygiene Program:
  • Current Technical and Clinical Technologies
  • Client Communications Skills
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Periodontics
  • Radiography
  • Community
  • Histology
  • Oral Anatomy
  • Research/Biostatistics
  • Dental Health
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Management/Local Anesthesia
  • Nutrition

Student Testimonial

Admission Requirements

  • Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED.
  • 3-credit University-Level English course (Minimum “C” grade / 65% average).
  • 3-credit University-Level Biology course (Minimum “C” grade / 65% average).
  • 3-credit University-Level elective from a different subject area (Minimum “C” grade / 65% average).
  • Faculty/ Group Interviews.
  • Meeting with an Admissions Advisor.
  • Successful completion of the health science application process.

The Dental Hygiene program at Oulton College is a professional-level program designed for students who have already completed the necessary university-level prerequisite courses. Admission is highly competitive. While applicants must meet the stated minimum academic requirements, meeting these minimums does not guarantee admission.

Once a candidate has met the academic requirements, they will be guided through the Health Science Application Process, which includes a faculty meeting and aptitude test.
Final admission decisions are based on performance throughout this full application process and the overall strength of the applicant pool.

International students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency, unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction. Please see the international application process here.

Career Opportunities

Our Dental Hygiene Program was created to meet the increasing demand for skilled dental hygienists in various sectors. We take immense pride in producing some of the province’s top dental hygiene graduates. Explore the exciting career paths that await you as a graduate of our Dental Hygiene Program. Here are just a few of the opportunities you can pursue:

  • General Dental Clinics
  • Dental Hygiene Clinics
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Public Health
  • Sales
  • Research
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Independent Clinic Owner

Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to the information necessary to maintain an appropriate environment for delivery of dental hygiene care. Fundamentals of safe dental hygiene practice and instrumentation skills are discussed. The laboratory portion begins students’ development of the skills defined within the dental hygiene scope of practice. Skills are practiced first on manikins and later classmates in treatment simulation sessions.

This course begins with theory-based student learning before it progresses to the laboratory portion of the course. The theory-based portion of this course is enhanced through learning activities and written exercises in the classroom. The laboratory portion of this course consists of the application of the knowledge and techniques learned in theory. Students will practice and be evaluated on the administration of topical and local anesthetic agents on classmates within the clinical setting.

This course will prepare and allow the dental hygiene students to apply appropriate pain control methods through the administration of topical and local anesthetic agents.

Emphasis will be placed on the pharmacological components of dental anesthetic agents and their interaction with the client’s current condition and medications.

This course is primarily a theory-based student learning course which is enhances by written exercises, diagrams, flow charts and videos.
Students learn the microscopic anatomy and embryology of the tissues and structures of orofacial complex. Emphasis is placed on growth and change. Developmental anomalies are examined through a histological approach to understanding oral conditions.
To undertake the best treatment for the patient, students must first understand what is normal to gain better awareness of the abnormal.

Students are introduced to the concepts of business, entrepreneurship, and alternate practice settings. Developing one’s own growth plan and translating that into the ability to identify opportunities for practice will be explored. Students will learn through class discussion, activities, and group work. The outcome will be the development of a business plan that allows students to explore all aspects to be considered in business set-up and independent practice settings.

This theory course covers the recognition of the basic structures and tissues of the oral cavity in health. Emphasis is placed on procedures required to do oral assessments of clients and record findings using accepted clinical symbols according to professional practice standards.

This theory course teaches communication techniques to facilitate management of clients in the clinical setting and to foster clients’ learning of self-care practices related to general and oral health. The role of nutrition in maintenance of optimal health is discussed. As students’ progress to the next levels of health promotion, they will discuss the physical, intellectual, and socio-economic factors which influence clients’ decisions and actions in maintaining their oral health and accessing oral health care. Emphasis is placed on individualizing oral self-care messages for clients across the lifespan.

The theory portion of this course introduces students to the history, development, and use of radiation in the diagnosis of dental disease. The principles of proper exposure, processing, handling, and storage of dental diagnostic radiographs are covered. Radiation hygiene required to protect client and operator from hazardous exposure levels is emphasized. The laboratory portion of the course allows students to refine exposure techniques for standard intraoral views using manikins. Bisecting angle, paralleling and occlusal plane techniques are studied. Clinical simulations with classmates and exposures for clients are also part of the laboratory requirements.

This theory and laboratory course discuss the human anatomy and physiology pertinent to the dental hygienist role in overall health assessment of clients prior to developing evidence-based strategies for their initial and on-going oral care. Dental Hygiene students are introduced to the structure and function of the human body in health.

This  Dental Hygiene course discusses the human anatomy and physiology of the head and neck pertinent to the dental hygienist’s role in overall health assessment of clients prior to developing evidence-based strategies for their initial and on-going oral care. Students are introduced to the structure and function of the head and neck. Throughout the course, student learning is enhanced through learning activities with skulls and written exercises, as well as diagrams.

During this series of clinical courses, students will provide education and clinical treatment interventions to clients who require simple to complex protocols for maintenance of oral health.

This theory course supports clinical practice by discussing the elements of the dental hygiene process of care and how to apply it in the assessment, planning and delivery of oral care services to clients. Portions of class time are used to discuss issues related to clinical procedures, progress and performance expectations as students gain greater expertise in clinical skills.

This course introduces the principles of pharmacology and discusses the basic drug groups and their uses. The relationship of drug therapies for systemic illness to the implications for planning and delivery of oral care for clients is emphasized.

This theory course introduces students to the study of oral tissues in health and disease at the cellular level. Emphasis is on the process of disease and the body’s natural defense mechanisms to counter damage.

This course examines, in detail, the structures and tissues of the periodontium in health and progressing to states of disease. The factors that initiate and sustain periodontal disease are studied and interventions designed to maintain periodontal health are emphasized. The role of the dental hygienist as a primary health care provider in implementing evidence-based therapies to halt the disease process and assist in regaining and maintaining periodontal health is emphasized. During this course students will explore advanced techniques for treatment of periodontal disease and surgical correction of defects resulting from disease. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative role of the dental hygienist.

The theory portion of this course introduces students to the characteristics of dental materials. The properties, proper manipulation and storage of common materials used in dentistry are studied. The laboratory sessions allow students to manipulate materials and create products related to dental diagnosis and treatment.

This course emphasizes the importance of imparting or recording information in a clear, accurate and concise manner both orally and in writing. The principles of doing academic research to prepare an oral report or to write a paper is studied and implemented. This course stresses professionally oriented oral and written skills (memoranda, business letters, analytical reports etc.). The student will develop the skill to access relevant and credible resources to research a topic of interest to the field of dental hygiene.

This course introduces students to the ethical and legal responsibilities of dental hygiene practice. Discussion centers around the use of pertinent New Brunswick provincial health regulation legislation, Professional Practice Standards, and the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics as quality control mechanisms to protect the public from receiving substandard care are covered. Remedies available to clients harmed by practitioners are studied. The principles and procedures of employment search will be addressed. Students will learn how to write an effective resume. Strategies for making follow-up contacts with prospective employers and preparing for a job interview will be emphasized.

During this weekly session students are encouraged to bring topics for discussion from activities and situations which arise during clinical practice. This course provides a regular forum for transfer of pertinent information among students and faculty regarding clinical practice.

This course introduces the concept of health as applied to groups or populations. The application of the dental hygiene process of care to assess group needs and plan appropriate educational/treatment strategies is discussed. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of statistics as used to assess needs in groups or populations and their use in program planning.

This course explores human psychological and social development over the life span. Emphasis is placed on the influence of perception, knowledge, needs and motivation on behavior. Students study the mechanisms of behavior in the dental environment and how client behavior can be modified towards habits that foster improved oral health

This course concentrates on the oral manifestations of systemic disease and the implications for dental hygiene interventions. Specialized radiographic and laboratory techniques used in diagnosis of oral diseases are discussed. Recognition of the indications of common diseases from diagnostic images is stressed.

This course is a continuation of Periodontics I . Students learn detailed characteristics of the structures and tissues of the periodontium as periodontal disease continues to create more advanced tissue destruction. Examination of surgical and non-surgical phases of periodontal therapy and post-operative periodontal health maintenance are emphasized. Treatment modalities are investigated using systematic reviews and position papers from the American Academy of Periodontology. The implications and dental hygiene care of dental implants are examined.

The implications of medically compromised clients will be examined in relationship to oral manifestations, prevention of problems, and treatment modifications. Discussion of client case studies will expand the students’ understanding of the dental hygiene process of care and provide students with comprehensive information on the clinical management of clients, especially those with special needs, in the planning and delivery of oral care.

Students learn basic biostatistics and how they are used to make decisions regarding delivery of publicly funded dental services to the community. The use of experimental and non-experimental research designs and statistical analyses in determining community needs, designing programs and evaluating the success of intervention strategies is addressed. Students also learn to read, understand and assess the quality of published research and the importance of this in life-long learning as a practicing professional.

Students learn how communication with peers and health care professionals differs from that with other groups. This course concentrates on completion of secondary research techniques: written and oral presentation of findings designed for peer/professional audiences.

Field placement activities are designed to familiarize students with the realities of dental hygiene practice in specialty settings. Students will prepare for and complete assignments in designated specialties.

The theory portion of this course discusses the principles of assessment data collection for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Commonly used appliance systems are examined and basics of orthodontic biomechanics and tissue responses to tooth movement are studied. During the laboratory component students practice orthodontic skills on manikins and partners (limited) in simulated clinical exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dental Hygiene (DH) program at Oulton College?

Oulton College’s Dental Hygiene program in Moncton, NB, is a hands-on, career-focused education that prepares students to become Registered Dental Hygienists. The curriculum combines academic learning with clinical experience in a dental hygienist school setting.

A dental assistant primarily supports dentists by preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, managing patient records, and assisting during dental procedures. In contrast, a dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who performs preventative dental care, such as cleaning teeth, taking dental X-rays, conducting oral health assessments, and educating patients about proper dental hygiene. While dental assistants focus on clinical support and administrative tasks, dental hygienists provide direct patient care and are qualified to perform more advanced dental procedures.

Yes, Oulton College is an accredited dental hygienist school in Moncton,  New Brunswick, officially recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). This accreditation ensures that Oulton College’s Dental Hygiene Program meets rigorous national standards for quality education and clinical training, preparing students for successful careers as licensed dental hygienists in Canada.

The program runs full-time for 20 months and includes classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, and supervised client care in Oulton’s on-site dental hygiene clinic.

Career opportunities for Dental Hygiene graduates include working as Registered Dental Hygienists in private dental practices, community clinics, and public health programs. Graduates may also pursue careers in orthodontics, periodontics, sales, research, education, insurance, or even as independent clinic owners. Bilingual graduates may have expanded opportunities across Atlantic Canada.

Students at Oulton’s dental hygienist school receive hands-on training in our on-site clinic and through placements in dental offices. The dental hygienist program includes experience in radiography, periodontal therapy, preventive care, and client education—key components of a quality dental hygienist school education.

A high school diploma and three university-level courses (Biology, English, and one elective) are required. Additional steps may include an interview, aptitude testing, and immunizations. Speak with an Admissions Advisor for full details.

Yes. International students are welcome and must meet English language proficiency requirements unless they’ve studied in an English-instruction school for at least three years.

Graduates are prepared to write the NDHCE and apply for licensure as Registered Dental Hygienists. The program also provides a strong foundation for further education or specialization in areas such as public health, research, or dental education.

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Please Note: Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.