Dental Hygiene

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

This course introduces the roles and responsibilities of the dental team, and consists of an overview of theory, which prepares the student for practical clinical experience. Preclinical theory will include introductory knowledge for obtaining accurate health history records and the fundamentals of effectively and efficiently performing basic clinical procedures. The student will be introduced to the history of dental hygiene, its regulations, governance, Standards of Practice, Quality Assurance Program, and its relationship to dentistry. The student will accurately collect, investigate and record health history information; study the importance of ergonomics; basic instrumentation, and response to basic medical emergencies.

This course will focus on the introductory study of oral histology and embryology which prepares the student with an understanding of development of the oral cavity and face. This allows for a fundamental understanding of developmental disturbances of oral and dental tissue, principles of regeneration, oral wound healing and eruption patterns.

This course introduces the student to the study of microorganisms and their impact on the human body, including how they are transmitted and how the body defends against disease. Students will explore the characteristics of microorganisms—particularly bacteria and viruses—beginning with their structure, growth, and modes of transmission. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between pathogenic microorganisms and disease, especially those relevant to dental hygiene.

This course serves as a foundation for understanding the oral anatomical landmarks and the relationship between structure and function. The student will learn detailed anatomy of the teeth and the surrounding structures in and around the mouth, including the skeletal structures, muscular, vascular, and nervous systems of the head and neck region.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of radiation protection and safety, ensuring compliance with the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (1990). Students will learn to recognize and interpret normal and pathological structures on radiographs to apply this knowledge in clinical settings.

This course is a general introduction to the structures and physiology that make up the human body. It provides the basis for the subsequent study of pathophysiology and patient care procedures.

This area relates to the science and clinical aspects of dental materials in restorative dentistry and the various dental specialties. Most of the information will be handled from a theoretical base and some content will include practical demonstration with skill development in the manipulation of these materials. Physical and mechanical properties of dental materials and classification of dental materials are reviewed with particular attention to the dental hygienists understanding of dental materials from a clinical perspective. Emphasis will be placed on those materials associated with dental hygiene assessments, specific clinical procedures and interpretation of materials on radiographs.

This area relates to the profession of dental hygiene and the regulatory context for dental hygiene practice. An overview of the history of the profession, its evolution as a self-regulated profession in Ontario will provide the background for further discussion regarding the Regulated Health Profession Act, 1991, role of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, scope of practice and recognition of dental hygienists as a clinician, oral health educator, health promoter, advocate and coordinator. The significance of standards of practice, quality assurance, ethics and professional associations are explored.

This area relates to the theory and practice of specific dental hygiene skills. Theory relates to the study of the fundamentals of the dental hygiene process of care with particular emphasis on assessment skills, record keeping (charting), positioning, ergonomics, instrumentation, personal safety, and infection control procedures. Practical experiences relate to the concept and principles of instrumentation, debridement and preparation for implementation of additional dental hygiene skills. Additional clinical skills will consist of radiography, client education, coronal polish, application of anticariogenic agents, pit and fissure sealant and application of desensitization agents.

This course is an introduction to oral health promotion for the individual client. Topics include study of approaches to oral health education and interventions for the three levels of prevention. Theories of behavioral change are considered as is an introduction to health determinants as essential to health. The dental hygiene process of care is introduced with emphasis on clinical application. Importance is also placed on oral biofilm and self-care methods for oral disease control. Preventive agents and their use are also explored.

This course is the second part of a two part anatomy and physiology course designed for students enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program and the Dental Hygiene Program. It is a continuation of the structures and physiology that make up the human body. It will complete the study of the body in preparation for the study of pathophysiology and patient care procedures.

In this course, students will develop professional writing and communication skills for the health-care workplace. Students will use the writing process to produce clear, concise, and audience-appropriate correspondence, reports, and professional documents. They will apply plain-language principles, conduct and evaluate research, and use appropriate documentation practices. Students will also develop and deliver visual presentations and use digital technologies responsibly to support research, writing, and professional communication.

This area relates to the anatomy, histology, and microbiology/pathology of those tissues that surround and support the teeth. Disease processes affecting the periodontal tissues and the fields of preventive and therapeutic periodontics will also be studied with emphasis on the clinical role of the dental hygienist. Integration of knowledge from other courses will support further study in phases of periodontal therapy and periodontal surgery. This area builds on information introduced in earlier semesters.

This course relates to nutrition in the etiology and management of general health. The relationship between nutritional status and health through the lifespan will be explored including the major biological functions of all basic nutrients-water, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Canada's food guide will be utilized as the basis for analysis of qualitative study of diets. Signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies will be reviewed along with nutritional fads. The role of each nutrient in the development and maintenance of the oral cavity will be discussed as well as an introduction to nutritional counseling which will prepare the student for dietary planning and analysis for oral/dental problems. As well, consideration will be given to the role of a nutritionist and dietician.

This course relates to the use of pharmaceuticals to treat general and oral health problems. The study of drugs used in dental treatment will include consideration for their origin, physical and chemical properties, modes of administration and effects on the body system. The subject area also includes a study of the impact of client medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) on oral structures and treatment, pain management and the management of clients with various medical conditions. Attention will also be directed to using and prescribing drugs and pain management within the dental hygiene scope of practice.

This course relates to the transition from pre-clinical to the clinical environment and the application of dental hygiene process concepts, knowledge, skills and judgment in client care. Theory relates to principles of instrumentation, radiographic interpretation with an emphasis on the assessment and planning phases of care. Practical relates to the application and feedback for dental hygiene skills necessary to provide oral healthcare that meets the client's unique needs. Students will apply the dental hygiene process focusing on the assessment phase in a variety of client experiences based on age and difficulty.

This course reinforces the dental hygiene process of care with a specific focus on implementation and evaluation. The student identifies and utilizes advanced diagnosis, care planning, communication skills, and oral self-care education. The student studies all aspects of non-surgical periodontal therapy including its clinical application while demonstrating an interprofessional approach when interacting with others in the work environment. The student will apply different ways to communicate oral health information and oral self-care practices to underserved populations.

This course will be an introduction to human disease and will focus on the fundamental principles of homeostatic mechanisms. The student will explore how alterations in homeostatic mechanisms will disrupt the human body. Mechanisms of disease will be studied by systems and will be examined for the effect that they produce on the structure and function of the body. Common diseases will be used to illustrate concepts.

The student will recognize and record the normal and abnormal conditions which occur both intra and extra orally. Students will be able to apply their knowledge of the classifications and oral manifestations of disease during clinical sessions.

This area relates to the transition from pre-clinical to the clinical environment and the application of dental hygiene process concepts, knowledge, skills and judgment in client care. Theory relates to principles of instrumentation, ultrasonics, radiographic interpretation, subgingival irrigation and pain control with an emphasis on the assessment, planning and implementation phases of care. Practical relates to the application and feedback for dental hygiene skills necessary to provide oral healthcare that meets the client's unique needs. Students will apply the dental hygiene process in a variety of client experiences based on age and difficulty.

This course fosters cultural awareness and competence, health promotion in the context of culture, cross-cultural concepts in health and disease, health literacy, principles of health promotion within multicultural populations and the various theories and models of relevance in culturally sensitive practice. There will also be a focus on gerontology, pediatrics and persons with disabilities.

This course will provide knowledge of universal health care in Canada, its structure and governmental agency relationships. Comparisons of the Canadian health care with other health care systems will be investigated. The role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Canada's Chief Dental Officer will be described. Issues involving healthcare costs, access, equity, multiculturalism, Indigenous health, healthcare reform, interprofessional healthcare and e-health are discussed. The application of the dental hygiene process of care in community public health, health promotion and health related education activities and strategies for its promotion; including marketing, health education collaboration, mass media use in the community organization will be developed. Epidemiological data assessment, current trends, program planning, principles of teaching and learning as key factors for program evaluation will set the foundation for more advanced courses and service-learning practice in community settings.

This course introduces basic qualitative and quantitative research methods for evidence-based practice in the health fields. Students will be able to explain the fundamental principles of research methodology and apply these principles to develop a research proposal. The students will discuss the ethical issues involved with research and demonstrate knowledge of relevant ethical foundations.

This course relates to the clinical environment with a particular focus on the evaluation phase of knowledge, skills and judgment to support the Dental Hygiene Process of Care. Practical experiences will occur in traditional, non-traditional dental hygiene and interprofessional/intraprofessional settings. Students will apply advanced instrumentation techniques when treating the periodontal client and present their findings in a case study.

This course will build upon a basic knowledge of statistics as it relates to the principles and methods used in health research. Students will examine the use of scientific research in professional practice and learn to critically appraise scientific articles and make sound clinical decisions using an evidence based process.

This course relates to learning through community experiences and oral health programs aimed at a target population. Experiencing interactions with clients and populations that do not access traditional dental/dental hygiene services will allow students to gain more insight into unique community needs. Students will gain experience with needs assessments, program planning, service delivery and evaluation, as well as interprofessional collaboration in a community setting.

This course will focus on the role of the dental hygienist in the recognition of malocclusion, client preparation for orthodontic therapy and the maintenance of the client's oral and periodontal health during and after orthodontic treatment. Fixed and removable orthodontic appliances will be studied along with periodontal aspects of adult orthodontics. Regulatory responsibilities and the orthodontic practice environment will also be studied; students will gain practical lab experience with associated clinical skills such as: placement and removal of brackets, bands and placement of arch wires.

This course has been designed to provide the student with a thorough comprehension of the entrepreneurial process as it relates to business start-up. Students will examine various entry paths to an entrepreneurial career and the rewards and challenges associated with those options. Students will learn how to identify and assess business opportunities and ideas as well the components of a business plan.

The student will integrate didactic and clinical knowledge gained throughout the Dental Hygiene program to assess and present case studies. Consolidation of knowledge will be brought forward through clinical cases, peer evaluation and mentoring in an effort to encourage collaboration, develop supportive relationships and to ensure competence in effective evaluation, decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

This course relates to the clinical environment and the consolidation of knowledge, skills and judgment to support the dental hygiene process of care. Practical experiences will occur in traditional dental hygiene, non-traditional dental hygiene and interprofessional settings. Students will display more independence in making clinical decisions and managing client care.

This area will focus on the aspects of a dental or dental hygiene practice related to dental reception, dental insurance and billing as well as practice management standards as outlined by the CDHO. Students will be exposed to the responsibilities and realities of operating an independent dental hygiene practice. The relevance of operating polices, documentation management and health and safety will be considered as it relates to the dental hygienist as an employer.

In this area of study the student will examine the impact of health policy on self and society. An overview of how policies are determined, developed and evaluated will be studied. The role of advocacy by individuals in society, as well as stakeholder groups will be considered as they relate to the influencing of policy directions. Particular attentions will be focused on oral issues in need of policy decisions and oral health care policies in Canada.

This course will focus on the legal and regulatory aspects of dental hygiene that will prepare the student for registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO). A detailed review of the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), Dental Hygiene Act (DHA) and regulations affecting dental hygiene practice in Ontario. Particular emphasis will be placed on recognizing the mandatory reporting obligations, the complaints and discipline process and quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the CDHO quality assurance program guidelines. Cases for study and discussion will also provide the student an opportunity to further understand the types of ethical and legal dilemmas that may be encountered in the practice of dental hygiene.

This course is intended to provide a foundational knowledge for administering local anesthetics. The theory portion of the course is a self-study to prepare for preclinical practice on a model for injections and on each other for injection sites. Once theory is successfully completed, students will be scheduled for clinical sessions to participate in exercises with a partner and on a model.