Dental Hygienists are health professionals educated to prevent dental disease and help people maintain oral health. Their activities in oral health promotion are both clinical and educational and take place in private dental offices, schools, clinics, hospitals and other settings in the community.
Most Dental Hygienists are employed in private dental offices. There are, however, other areas of practice such as local governments and schools, provincial and federal government departments, industry, hospitals and teaching in allied dental health programs.
In addition in several provinces Dental Hygienists can establish their own practice.
Courses in the dental hygiene program are offered within the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry. The educational program is supplemented by student attendance in Faculty-operated community-based clinics. The School of Dental Hygiene is located on Carleton Campus at Dalhousie University.
The School of Dental Hygiene, Faculty of Dentistry offers a one-year degree completion program.The degree completion program provides dental hygiene diploma graduates the opportunity to further their studies in the field of dental hygiene. Graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene degree. Enrolment is limited to 16 students.
University regulations applicable to the students of all Faculties are found in the general section of this Calendar.
Applicants should seek additional information from the Faculties of Science and Arts and Social Sciences.
The School of Dental Hygiene is committed to increasing the number of qualified dental hygienists who belong to Black or aboriginal peoples of the Atlantic region. Applicants from these groups who have completed the entrance requirements may self-identify to the Admissions Committee in the form of a letter.
Selection of accepted candidates is primarily based on academic performance in the required courses and overall academic standing in university. The Admissions Committee may make use of non-academic factors in the selection process including additional information submitted by applicants.
All applicants must have completed before June 1 of the year of expected entry to the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, at least five full year university level courses*, including a one-term course in introductory statistics.
*A combination of two one-term academic courses in the same discipline is considered equivalent to one-full year academic class. In compliance with Dalhousie University degree regulations, all students must complete at least 45 credit hours at Dalhousie to be granted a degree. The Bachelor of Dental Hygiene courses equal a total of 30 credit hours. Therefore, students who have not completed at least 15 credit hours and/or a diploma in Dental Hygiene at Dalhousie will be required to complete 15 credit hours of elective courses before the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene degree can be awarded. See the Faculty of Dentistry Hygiene website: ( http://www.dentistry.ca) for further details.
| 1. | If the applicant’s first language is not English, he/she must complete an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 580 or computer-based scored 237 or iBT score of 90 (students must achieve 4.0 on the essay or TOEFL writing test); or IELTS score of 6.5; or MELAB score of 81; or CAEL score of 70; or CanTest score of 4.5. | ||
| 2. | Original supporting documents from previously completed education must be provided, including course descriptions, and explanation of the grading system used, and course standings. If this documentation does not clearly indicate completion of the prerequisite courses at a competitive level, the applicant must complete one year of prerequisite university study in North America. | ||
A new application form must be submitted each year in which application is made. Official transcripts in support of the academic record must be forwarded to the Admissions Office, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS B3H 1W2 by the institution or institutions at which the applicant completed pre-profession studies. If the applicant is still engaged in university studies, an interim transcript should be submitted. However, a final transcript must be forwarded on completion of these credits. Dalhousie University regards an applicant's failure to disclose all his/her previous academic experiences to be an academic offence which could lead to subsequent dismissal from the University. Applicants must ensure that all successful or unsuccessful high school and/or university attendance is indicated on the application form. Applicants to dental hygiene must complete the dental hygiene supplementary information form, available in the application package or from the School of Dental Hygiene or the Registrar’s Office, Dalhousie University.
An application will not be considered if the applicant has been required to withdraw from studies at any other School of Dental Hygiene at the request of the Faculty of that institution, unless the application is supported by a recommendation from the Director of that School.
Competitive applicants may be requested to make themselves available for an admissions interview or an orientation session.
On notice of acceptance to the School of Dental Hygiene, applicants must deposit with the Registrar a tutition deposit before a specific date.
These regulations may be amended without notice by the Faculty of Dentistry.
The nature of the programs in the Faculty of Dentistry involve students interacting with patients in a health care environment, and places students in a position of special trust with patients. Therefore, certain Faculty regulations must be adhered to by all students, including but not limited to: requirements for TB testing, immunization and CPR, criminal records and child abuse registry checks, clinic attire and clinical asepsis protocols. All requirements are outlined in the student Clinical Policy and Academic Policy manuals, provided to students at the beginning of each academic year.
Applicants whose immunization results indicate that they are HBeAg positive or who have a viral load >103 genome equivalents/ml will not be accepted into any clinical programs. Dalhousie University will reassess eligibility for admission should the applicant’s status change.
Students who do not acquire immunity from the HB vaccination series or who refuse the HB vaccine are susceptible to acquiring hepatitis B. Applicants in this category will be denied admission based on this criteria. However, after admission, any student becoming HBeAg positive or whose viral load exceeds 103 genome equivalents/ml during the course of their studies will be removed from patient care activities. Such modification of the clinical program may prevent a student from meeting graduation requirements.
Students who become HBeAg positive and whose viral load is greater than 103 genome equivalents/mL, have an ethical obligation to report their status to the Ad-hoc Committee on Bloodborne Pathogens (contact Ms. MacDonlad at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia at 421-2209) or to the Infection Control Coordinator, Assistant Dean Clinics, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or Assistant Dean, Academic of the Faculty of Dentistry.
The cost of all immunizations and blood tests are the responsibility of the student/applicant.
During the first weeks of studies, students receive a 2-step Mantoux skin test to establish their tuberculin status.
Annual influenza immunization is required for all students during each year of study.
Students accepted to the program must have a current Level C CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) course.
A full explanation of the Faculty of Dentistry policy related to immunizations may be found on the Faculty of Dentistry website: ( http://www.dentistry.dal.ca).
Such facilities may refuse to accept students in the basis of information contained in the record check or other screening procedure. If the student is unable to complete a clinical requirement due to a failure to meet the record check or screening requirements of the facility; or, if the student is refused access to the facility on the basis of the information provided, such a student may fail the course, and as a result, in some instances, may not be eligible for progression of graduation.
Note that facility requirements may change from time to time and are beyond the control of the University.
Details on the requirements for such documentation and the deadlines for submission of documentation in a timely manner are provided to students by the Faculty of Dentistry after registration in the program.
Students should also be aware that some professional regulatory bodies may require a satisfactory records check/screening procedure as a condition of professional licensure.
Students must be provided with a course outline by the instructor at the first meeting of the class. Program changes, as to content, requirements, etc., may be necessitated and may not be reflected in a given edition of the calendar. Such changes will be included in the course outline provided to students at the first meeting of the class. Instructors may make changes to course outlines at any time. If, however, these changes affect any of the following areas, at least two-thirds of enrolled students must approve the variations in order for them to be valid: (a) assessment components; (b) weight of individual assessment components; (c) examination requirements with a value of 10% or greater.
Students who are granted a course waiver shall, for the purpose of establishing grade point average, have their final grades computed using only the required courses being taken.
Students who are granted a course waiver must complete at least 80% of the program to be eligible for prizes or awards.
Policies and procedures regarding application for and awarding of course waivers are outlined in the Academic Policy Manual.
| 1. | A student may be placed on probation for academic or professional reasons, described in classifications IV, V, VI in the Academic Policy Manual. | ||
| 2. | Probation shall usually occur when there are multiple concerns in one or both of the above parameters. | ||
| 3. | Probation shall only be implemented following thorough review of a student's progress by the appropriate Academic Standards Class Committee. | ||
| 4. | Student(s) on probation must be reviewed regularly at the meeting of the appropriate Academic Standards Class Committee. | ||
| 5. | A student who has fulfilled all of the conditions of probation, in the opinion of the Class Committee, shall be removed from probation and permitted to proceed in the appropriate course as recommended by the Class Committee. | ||
| 6. | A student may not be eligible to sit final examinations and may not be promoted or graduated while on probation. | ||
| 7. | A student who has not met the conditions of probation shall be required to (a) enroll in a supplementary educational program; or (b) repeat an academic year; or (c) withdraw from the Faculty. | ||
A student who has achieved a grade point average of 2.0 and received one or two failing grades may be offered the privilege of taking a supplemental examination(s) or offered the privilege to repeat the year. Successful passing of the supplemental examination(s) prior to commencement of the academic year will permit promotion. Failure to pass the supplemental examination(s) may result in the student being offered the privilege of repeating the year.
A student who has achieved a GPA lower than 2.0 and/or who has received more than 2 failing grades may be offered the privilege to repeat the year or may be required to withdraw from the program.
As an academic requirement, students are assessed in each year on their aptitude and fitness for the profession of Dental Hygiene (professionalism) as described in course outlines and the Academic Policy Manual. A student who, in the judgment of the Faculty, fails to attain satisfactory standard on this assessment may be retired from the Faculty.
Students must prepare exercises, reports, etc. as may be prescribed, and in-class laboratories or practical work satisfactorily before any credit for that course can be given. If Faculty deems it advisable, giving consideration to the student's overall performance and the constraints of time and resources, students may be given the opportunity to clear any deficiencies by means of remedial programs.
Students who, in the judgment of the Faculty, are deficient for any reason in their clinical practice may be required to return for a special clinical session or to repeat the year. The satisfactory completion of this entire clinical session is required in order to allow students either to continue in their regular class or to graduate at the next subsequent Convocation.
In this system; A+ is the highest and C is the lowest passing grade; an INC grade allows an otherwise qualified candidate to fulfil the course requirements within a specified time in a program determined by Faculty; an F is a failing grade which may allow an otherwise qualified candidate supplemental examination privileges, or may disqualify the student from further evaluation without repeating the course and/or the entire academic year.
The Course directors are responsible for defining the requirements for grades.
INC - Incomplete: Students are expected to complete all class work which is required to achieve a passing grade by the prescribed deadlines. Only in special circumstances and with appropriate Academic Standards Class Committee concurrence, or that of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs acting for the ASCC, may an instructor extend such deadlines. Incomplete work in a course must be completed by a time assigned by the relevant Academic Standards Class Committee and approved by Faculty. An INC will be converted to the earned grade if completed by the deadline. Otherwise, the course grade point value will be calculated as 0.0 on the student’s grade point average, and the INC grade will normally be converted to a failing grade, unless the student is given permission by Faculty to withdraw from the course. Students cannot be promoted with INC grades.
W - The grade of W is recorded for courses in which a student withdrew with Faculty approval. No grade value is recorded. It should be noted that all courses for a given year must be successfully completed before a student is promoted or graduated.
A Cumulative Grade Point Average is calculated by adding the total weighted grade point equivalents earned and dividing by the sum of the adjusted course weights for all courses taken. The Cumulative GPA is used for the awarding of certain prizes, awards and scholarships.
Supplemental examinations are normally written after July 15 and before August 10, and are normally written at Dalhousie, unless approval is obtained to do otherwise.
Application for admission to a supplemental examination must be made on or before July 15th. Application forms may be obtained from the Dean of Dentistry's Office and must be accompanied by a supplemental examination fee.
On passing a supplemental examination or evaluation, a notation is made on the transcript that the course is passed by supplemental activity, and no grade point value is assigned. If the student fails the supplemental examination or activity, a grade of F will be recorded for that course. Failing grades must be replaced by passing grades before a student is promoted to the next year of the program. Failure of supplemental examination(s) may result in the student being offered the privilege of repeating the year.
In the case of illness or injury, the student may be required to present a valid medical certificate documenting the illness/injury. In the case of a student missing a test/examination, a medical certificate will be required before a rescheduled test/examination is planned or a clinic penalty/suspension is removed. In the case of a serious personal problem, the student will be required to submit to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, a confidential written statement documenting the reasons for absence. Re-scheduled examinations will not be granted without written approval of the Assistant Dean.
Students are required to attend all assigned clinics. Penalties for not attending clinics are indicated in the clinic course outline.
Failure to report to classes or clinic or to report an absence due to injury or illness as required may result in suspension of clinic privileges and may limit a student’s right to appeal an unsatisfactory course grade or the failure of an academic year. Written policies describing the responsibilities of students in such cases are available to all students in the Academic Policy Manual.
| 1. | Student Kit Fee - these fees vary according to the students year of study. | ||||
| a) | Consumable Kit, which includes uniforms, stethoscope, PSP plates, gloves, laundry, lockers and manuals etc. | ||||
| b) | Equipment Kit, which includes preclinical equipment, blood pressure cuff, loupes etc. | ||||
| 2. | Academic Clinic Fee - Major clinical equipment, instruments and facility renewal fees. | ||||
| 3. | Technology Fee - Laptop computer (lease), peripherals, software, clinic infrastructure and IT Support. | ||||
| 4. | Electronic Textbook Fee - Electronic textbooks and supporting Vital Source software | ||||
Students are financially responsible for lost or damaged items. Diplomas are withheld pending the return of or payment for missing/damaged items.
Diploma in Dental Hygiene (DH) 2012/13
|
|
Electronic Textbooks |
Technology fee |
Academic Clinic fee |
Student Kit fee |
Total |
|
Year 1 |
$1,142.00 |
$1,908.00 |
$2,500.00 |
$3,073.00 |
$8,623.00 |
|
Year 2 |
$1,142.00 |
$1,908.00 |
$2,500.00 |
$902.00 |
$6,452.00 |
It is estimated that students will spend approximately $150.00 in second year on expenses related to completion of special projects and transportation to external clinic rotations.
Bachelor of Dental Hygiene 2012/2013
|
Electronic |
Textbooks |
Technology fee |
*Academic Clinic fee |
Student Kit fee |
Total |
|
Year 1 |
$0 |
$0 |
$625.00 |
$918.00 |
$1,543.00 |
*The BDH Academic Clinic Fee for academic year 2013/14 will increase to $1250.00
Student Kit Fee: If for any reason, a student withdraws from the program during the first official week, in any year, they will be granted a full refund of the fees charged in that year. A refund in the first week requires the return of all kit items to Dental Stores. There will be no refunds after the first official week of the program.
Academic Clinic Fee: There are no refunds of the Academic Clinic fee.
DH Technology Fee: A student who withdraws from the program during the first official week, will be entitled to refunds as follows:
Year 1 - Full refund of the fees charged in that year upon the return of all equipment and peripherals, with original packaging, to the Coordinator of Building Services. Returned items will be subject to inspection prior to refund.
Year 2 - 50% refund of fees charged in that year. Students who withdraw in year 2 will keep their laptop and peripherals.
There will be no refunds after the first official week of the program.
Electronic Textbook Fee: If for any reason, a student withdraws from the program, in any year, they will be entitled to a pro-rated refund of the fees charged in that year. Access to all titles on the Vital Source bookshelf will be terminated immediately upon withdrawal.
| 1. | Learn and develop skills and strategies for working effectively to address complex problems and issues with other professionals, colleagues and clients/consumers/patients; and | ||
| 2. | Develop an awareness of, and respect for, the expertise, roles and values of other professionals, colleagues and clients/consumers/patients. | ||