Students learn the information necessary to maintain an appropriate clinical environment for delivery of dental hygiene care. Students are introduced to the equipment and instruments found in a dental treatment room, their function and maintenance. The fundamentals of client/operator positioning and clinical skills are discussed, explained, demonstrated, and practiced.

Emphasis is placed on safety and infection control procedures required to protect the client and operator during delivery of clinical services. Students have the opportunity to work on instrumentation skills with desktop models using examination instruments, curets and scalers. Students also participate in group discussion activities, presenting new knowledge acquired to classmates. 

Dental Hygiene students will learn to use the terminology of dentistry to allow for accurate communication among dental health professionals. Students learn tooth anatomy and tooth identification using Kilgore tooth models. Dental occlusion, eruption patterns, and the chronology of the dentitions will be discussed. Students will learn the basics of dental anomalies.

Students will also learn to recognize soft and hard deposits of the oral cavity, with the basic structures and tissues of the oral cavity in health being emphasized. Students are introduced to the principles and procedures required to perform oral assessments of clients (extra-oral, intra-oral, hard, and soft tissue examinations, and periodontal assessment). Emphasis is placed on the use of accepted clinical symbols for recording findings in accordance with professional practice standards.

In this course, students will learn various types of communication techniques. It is theory based, and learning is enhanced through roleplay, case studies, group activities and classroom presentations. Students learn how to facilitate management of clients in the clinical setting and to foster clients’ learning of self-care practices related to general and oral health.

Life stage factors that influence clients’ oral health needs and receptiveness to self-care information are discussed. Students also learn the indications for the client’s use of currently available oral care devices, along with techniques and adaptations to facilitate oral plaque control for clients and to focus on individualization.

The theory portion of this course introduces the dental hygiene 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. Students will assess radiographs for diagnostic ability and interpret for dental hygiene care.

Students learn the guidelines and legal implications of prescribing radiographic exposures for clients. The utilization of radiographs within the various aspects of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care will be introduced to prepare students for client care. Expansion of these concepts will take place in HYG 202 Dental Hygiene Theory. The laboratory portion of the course allows students to refine exposure techniques for standard bite-wing views using the paralleling technique on manikins.

Clinical simulations with classmates (no radiation exposure) are also part of the laboratory requirements. During laboratory exercises emphasis is placed on self-evaluation of proficiency. Students will be required to critique the radiographs they produce for diagnostic quality, identify deficiencies, and indicate how results could be improved. Laboratory activities include film placement, exposures on manikins, mounting, interpretation and developing of bitewing
radiographs. 

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.

The body is studied according to its levels of organization, from tissues to organs and major systems, with an overview of microbiology. Specific pathology will also be introduced for each body system. Classes are designed using lectures, videos, peer interaction, diagrams, models, and skeleton to support student learning.

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.

The material is studied according to its levels of organization beginning with the foundation of skeletal structures. The musculature, nervous and vascular systems are introduced with each section building upon the previous section. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of structure to clinical function. Special emphasis is placed on the skeletal, nervous, and vascular systems in order to facilitate student learning in HYG 310.

Throughout the course, student learning is enhanced through learning activities with skulls and written exercises, as well as diagrams.

This course is a theory-based student learning course which is enhanced through learning activities and written exercises to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills which are then applied to effective communication. Student learning is further enhanced through case study activities and roleplay, which develops the critical thinking skills needed for client care.
The student will develop the skill to assess relevant and credible resources in order to research a topic of interest to the field of dental hygiene. Skills developed will be useful in the completion of other course work and for success in the workplace. Independent research time required. 

This laboratory and clinical course continue students’ development of the intraoral treatment skills defined within the dental hygiene scope of practice. During the initial weeks of the course, the focus is on clinical preparation and client treatment simulation in preparation for client care as per learning outcomes in HYG 202 Theory of Dental Hygiene Practice.

During the latter weeks of the course, students provide clinical services to clients with treatment requirements of minimal complexity. In the final weeks of the course, students complete preclinical skills (enamel sealants, finishing and margination of restorations, periodontal dressings, suture removal, SDF, and placing a temporary GIC/ IST) on manikin and/or classmate in preparation for expanded
client care in HYG 301. 

This 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. The early weeks are dedicated to adapting the dental hygiene process of care to prepare for client care. Information is delivered through lectures, group discussions, case study presentation and analysis.
The later weeks of this course supports information required to perform additional clinical skills studied at a pre-clinical and clinical simulation level in preparation for expanded client care in HYG 301. 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.

In this course, students learn principles of pharmacology through the use of lectures, activities and case studies. Basic drug classifications, mechanisms of actions, and uses are identified. Emphasis in this course will be on the importance of collecting a thorough health history from the client and using appropriate references and resources to provide optimal client care. Also stressed will be how medications are used to treat medical conditions that may require alteration of dental treatment regimes.

The pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics for illnesses and conditions will be examined along with the implications of drug use in the planning and safe delivery of oral care for clients. The use of alternative remedies will also be discussed. This dental hygiene course will also examine the components of local anesthetics, along with its action, use, dosing, side effects, and contraindications, in preparation for expanded learning on the administration of local anesthetics in HYG 310. 

This course introduces the student to basic and applied research techniques. Students explore human physiological and social development over a lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the influence of perception, common knowledge, common needs, and motivation on behavior.
The students study the mechanisms of behavior in the dental environment and how client behavior can be modified towards habits that foster improved oral health. Student learning is enhanced through research on a selected topic to improve critical thinking skills related to human behaviors and how the dental hygienist can influence those behaviors.
Students will be required to work in groups to prepare and present a 15 to 20- minute oral presentation on the researched topic. A summary note for class members will be expected to support the presentation. 

This laboratory course is a continuation of Radiography I (HYG 105) and allows students to refine digital radiography exposure techniques for standard periapical and additional bitewing intraoral views using manikins. Paralleling and bisecting techniques are studied.

Students will also simulate panoramic radiography and occlusal techniques. Students are required to gain experience taking radiographs on a client in HYG 201. A modified full mouth series prescribed in HYG 201 will be evaluated as a requirement for this course.

During laboratory exercises emphasis is placed on self-evaluation of proficiency. Students will be required to critique the radiographs they produce for diagnostic quality, identify deficiencies, and indicate how results could be improved. Laboratory activities include clinical simulation with classmates, image placement, exposures on manikins, mounting, and interpretation of case study radiographs using critical thinking skills. 

This course is primarily a theory-based student learning course which is enhanced by written exercises, diagrams, flow charts and videos. Dental Hygiene students will 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 client, students must first understand what is normal to gain better awareness of the abnormal. 

This is primarily a theory-based course in which students distinguish the detailed characteristics of the structures and tissues of the periodontium in health, in the presence of gingival disease and classification and progression of periodontal disease. The course focuses on a detailed analysis of the factors which initiate and sustain the progression of periodontal disease. The relationship of periodontal disease to systemic conditions is examined with a focus on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and preterm low birth weight babies.
Student collaboration on case studies enhances the understanding of client presentation which is then further integrated in dental hygiene client clinics with periodontal assessment.  

During this weekly session, two dental hygiene students per week present to the class topics for discussion from activities and situations which arise during Clinical Practice II. Students are also required to keep a journal of daily clinical experiences. Journals will periodically be submitted for instructor review and feedback. Class participation is mandatory.

This course provides a regular forum for transfer of pertinent information among students and faculty regarding clinical practice. 

This dental hygiene clinical course continues students’ development of clinical skills defined within the dental hygiene scope of practice. During initial weeks of the course the use of ultrasonic instruments, periodontal files, air abrasive polishing systems, application of topical anesthetic, sensor placement and radiograph interpretation is continued in preclinical and clinical simulation exercises with classmates.

During the remaining weeks of the course, students provide clinical services to clients with treatment requirements of increasing complexity. The major focus is on the development of individual clinical skills as outlined in published competencies (see Appendix 1). Specific criteria for acceptable performance of the learning outcomes are detailed in the DH Clinic Manual. The applicable section is noted for reference. On a rotational basis, each student will assume the role of reception and sterilization for clinic sessions. 

Students are introduced to the ethical and legal responsibilities of dental hygiene practice.  Dental hygienists are given the trust of society and with that trust come rights and responsibilities. Discussion on attaining and maintaining competency in dental hygiene are obligations that dental hygienists accept in completing a formal education.
Provincial and national health regulation legislation and policies are reviewed. Professional Practice Standards and the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics as quality control mechanisms to protect the public from receiving substandard care are studied. Jurisprudence and legal requirements pertaining to dental care are discussed.
This course is primarily a theory-based student learning course in which critical thinking is enhanced through case study activities, roleplay and assignments relevant to the dental hygiene profession.

During this weekly session, two dental hygiene students per week present to the class topics for discussion from activities and situations which arise during Clinical Practice II. Students are also required to keep a journal of daily clinical experiences. Journals will periodically be submitted for instructor review and feedback. Class participation is mandatory.

This course provides a regular forum for transfer of pertinent information among students and faculty regarding clinical practice. 

Students will experience the role of the dental hygienist as advocates in the community by applying knowledge of the public health model to dental health issues. The roles of Health Canada and Provincial government personnel in the development of health policy, program planning and implementation are discussed and used for a framework to identify and plan programs for local populations. Students will gain knowledge on the history and role of public health in Canada and the USA.
This dental hygiene course is primarily a theory-based student learning course which is enhanced through learning activities, critical thinking through case study activities and written exercises and complemented by guest presentations relevant to a variety of community health agencies. Students are introduced to a variety of community health settings in which they will perform needs assessments regarding the development and implementation of community health plans.
Students will be able to critique, select and develop presentations for dental health promotional material for groups of people across the lifespan. Field placement activities are designed to familiarize students with the realities of dental hygiene practice in specialty and community settings. Students will prepare, educate, and participate in designated specialties and community placements. Decision making skills are applied as students choose and develop community projects based on student interest and identified community need determined by the presentations of various community agencies seeking dental health input and activities.
Verification of attendance and student participation as well as project evaluations will be required from all agencies.

The implications of medically compromised clients will be examined and discussed in relationship to oral manifestations, prevention of problems, and treatment modifications. The student will apply their knowledge of medications, diseases, and risk assessment using case studies to enhance critical thinking for clinical situations.
Weekly discussion of 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 will be required to research and present information on assigned topics relating to medically compromised presentations. Each group will prepare and present a 30- 45- minute oral presentation with summary notes on each topic for distribution to classmates to be used as a reference for medically compromised presentations. Classroom activities will include lectures and group discussions using medical histories, clinical charts, radiographs, and pictures to enhance student learning, critical thinking and problem solving relating to medically compromised cases. 

Primarily a theory-based student learning course, enhanced by case studies to facilitate learning of oral diseases and oral manifestations of systemic diseases. Through evaluation and comparison, abnormal features and characteristics are identified. Critical thinking is applied to recognize normal presentation in comparison to abnormal or disease states.
Dental hygiene students learn to distinguish the etiology, host response, classification, and recognition of common oral diseases as well as treatment modalities. Students apply this knowledge to investigate causes of head and neck lesions encountered during dental hygiene care. 

This course is a continuation of Periodontics I (HYG 207). Students learn detailed characteristics of the structures and tissues of the periodontium as periodontal disease continues to create more advanced tissue destruction. The dental hygienist role in the 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. Students complete a research paper on an approved topic relevant to periodontics. Participation in group discussions and activities surrounding periodontal therapies and maintenance is facilitated to enhance critical thinking skills in these areas of study. Students must also do a 3-4 hour observation in a periodontal office by end of 1st term. 

This course consists of practical application of  basic theory from HYG 208. The clinical portion of this course introduces students to the clinical and laboratory skills related to the dental hygiene scope of practice. The completion of clinical skills and laboratory project assignments will be evaluated.
Laboratory sessions allow students to manipulate materials and create products related to dental diagnosis and treatment.

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 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 clinical course continues students’ development of the clinical treatment skills defined within the dental hygiene scope of practice. Students provide clinical services to clients with dental hygiene treatment requirements of any level of complexity including clients with special needs. Students are required to complete comprehensive evaluations on clients of varying degrees of difficulty. Self and instructor assessment will be performed.

This is a theory-based class in which students learn the importance of proper nutrition in the maintenance of general and dental health across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the role of nutrition in oral conditions and oral manifestations of systemic conditions using critical thinking through the analysis of case studies.
Students participate in collaborative group exercises to promote understanding of the Canada Food Guide and the labeling of products. Techniques for dietary analysis for the prevention of oral diseases are analyzed. Students collect nutritional data to formulate an individualized dietary analysis and counseling for clients.

This course provides a regular forum for transfer of pertinent information among students and staff members regarding clinical practice. Students are also required to bring current issues relevant to health care in general or dental hygiene practice for class discussion as well as keep a journal of daily clinical experiences. Journals will periodically be submitted for instructor review and discussion.
Facilitation related to conflict resolution, inter-professional collaboration, licensure, noncompliant clients, ethical dilemmas, and other subject matter of interest to students will be provided.

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.

This course will introduce the students to epidemiology and its uses in dentistry within community health research. Students learn how communication with peers and health care professionals differs from that with other groups.
This course concentrates on the completion of secondary research techniques: written and oral presentation of findings designed for peer/professional audiences. Students are required to research approved topics and critique quantitative and qualitative research in preparing evidence-based presentations for health professionals.

Field placement activities are designed to familiarize students with the realities of dental hygiene practice in specialty and community settings. This course is the practical application of theory from HYG 304. Students will prepare for and complete two assignments in designated specialties.
Decision-making skills are applied as students choose and develop community projects based on student interest and identified community need determined by the presentations of various community agencies seeking dental health input and activities. Verification of attendance and student participation as well as project evaluations will be required from all agencies. 

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