Dental hygienists are important to maintaining good oral health. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat periodontal diseases, educate patients on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and perform scaling and polishing procedures.
If you want to become a dental hygienist in Toronto, Canada, you have to attend one of the dental hygiene programs in Toronto.
There are three accredited dental hygiene programs in this region for you to explore. And in this article, we will explore what these dental hygiene programs in Toronto are, their cost of study, and how they compare.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dental Hygiene Programs in Toronto.
Overview of the Dental Hygiene Profession in Toronto, Canada
As one of the most important professions in the dental health world, it is no surprise that dental hygienists are the most common dental health professionals. They work in a variety of settings and with patients of all ages, from children to seniors.
Dental hygienists perform tasks such as:
- removing plaque and tartar from teeth,
- educating patients about proper oral care,
- assisting dentists in oral surgery and other procedures,
- performing oral cancer screenings,
- giving fluoride treatments,
- providing patient education on home maintenance (such as brushing and flossing),
- assisting with hygiene appointments for patients who cannot come into the office for treatment themselves,
- making impressions or models for crowns or bridges by using putty materials or resin plastic around real teeth taken from models made by a dentist or specialist technician, etc.
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Are Dental Hygienists the Same as Dentists?
Dental hygienists are not the same as dentists. They’re not licensed to practice medicine, and cannot give diagnoses or prescribe medication as a dentist can. As such, dental hygienists are not able to administer anesthesia. Also, becoming a dental hygienist takes a shorter time than dentistry requires.
Dental hygienists equally don’t have the same level of training that dentists do—and this is reflected in their salaries: while it takes seven to eight years worth of schooling for someone to become a dentist, dental hygienists only need two years at an accredited institution (like Dalhousie University).
Dental hygienists are the front line of the oral health care team, and they’re responsible for making sure your teeth are clean. They’ll also take x-rays and perform periodontal therapy.
Using a variety of tools, they’ll scrape tartar off your teeth and give you the most thorough cleaning possible. They’re also responsible for educating patients on how to maintain their oral health at home. In addition to all this, dental hygienists are often called upon by dentists to help with procedures like filling cavities or even performing root canals.
Dental hygienists are also responsible for educating patients on how to maintain their oral health at home.
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Where Do Dental Hygienists Work?
As a dental hygienist, you can work in many different settings. Some of them include:
- Private dental offices
- Hospitals
- Schools and universities
- Community health clinics and nursing homes
Dental hygienists can also open their own practice with the help of a dentist or by themselves.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make in Toronto?
The median yearly salary for dental hygienists in Toronto is $87,847. However, the average annual wage for dental hygienists in Toronto is $81,619.
The average annual wage for dental hygienists working in Canada is $91,357.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Toronto
Becoming a dental hygienist in Toronto is an exciting career choice as there are plenty of job opportunities available and the pay is pretty good.
If you’re interested in working with your hands, have great communication skills, enjoy being around people, and have good manual dexterity then becoming a dental hygienist may be for you.
To become a registered dental hygienist in Ontario, individuals must complete at least 2 years of pre-registration work experience (in addition to their college education) under the supervision of an Ontario Registered Dental Hygienist who has been practicing for at least 2 years.
Once they meet these requirements and pass their provincial exam including the NDHCB examination, they can apply for registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO).
Most newly graduated dental hygienists take positions open to both new graduates and experienced professionals alike.
In many cases, however, employers require more than just basic qualifications from applicants; they also look for qualities such as customer service skills as well as work ethic which can sometimes differentiate between candidates even if they possess similar academic backgrounds.
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Skills and Personality Traits of Dental Hygienists
As a Dental Hygienist practicing in Toronto, here are a few interpersonal skills and personal traits that are required of you:
- You must be detail-oriented.
- You must have excellent communication skills.
- You must be comfortable working with people.
- You must be able to work under pressure, as your patients need you to help them immediately when they come in for treatment.
- Finally, dental hygienists need to multitask because they’re often required to do many things in a short period of time (such as flossing, brushing teeth, and giving x-rays).
List of Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs in Toronto
The following dental hygiene programs in Toronto are the only programs that are currently accredited by the CDHO – a top professional governing body in the medical profession.
Applying to these institutions to study a Dental Hygiene diploma program is as easy as filling out an application form.
- APLUS Institute
- George Brown College
- Toronto College of Dental Hygiene & Auxiliaries
The following are accredited dental hygiene programs in Toronto:
APLUS Institute
Address: Madison Centre, Y950 Yonge Street, Concourse Level, Unit 15, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6KJ.
Telephone: 416-222-0500
The APLUS Institute is a private career college that offers students the chance to earn a certificate or diploma in dental hygiene. Both programs are offered on weekends (optional) and include an internship with a licensed dentist.
In both programs, you’ll learn about dental anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, as well as clinical procedures such as x-ray analysis. The certificate program also includes classes on infection control and ethics.
The cost of tuition is $11,400 per semester (three semesters), or $34,700 for the cost of the program excluding study-related fees. However, it is still the cheapest option for a dental hygiene program in Toronto.
George Brown College
Address: Waterfront Campus, 51 Dockside Drive, P.O. Box 1015, Station B, Toronto, Ontario M5T OB6.
Telephone: 416-415-2000
Toll-free: 1-800-265-2002
TTY: 1-877-515-5559
George Brown College offers a 3-year diploma program in Dental Hygiene. The program is an affordable, flexible, and convenient option for all three schools.
George Brown College’s reputation as one of Toronto’s most innovative colleges has earned them international acclaim.
Their dental hygiene program is no exception—it’s an exceptional example of what can be accomplished when top educators are given creative freedom to take their field in new directions.
George Brown College’s dental hygiene program is the only one in Ontario that offers a 3-year diploma. This allows students to get into the workforce much later, but as experienced healthcare practitioners, to say the least.
The cost of tuition is $17,858 per year.
Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries
Address: 28 Vanley Crescent, Toronto Ontario M3J 2B8.
Telephone: 416-423-3099
Toll-free: 1-866-923-3099
Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries is a college that offers two diploma programs in dental hygiene.
The first, which is available at the school’s main campus only, is a program that includes classroom instruction as well as clinical placement in various hospitals, offices, and other facilities throughout Toronto.
This 18-month full-time program has a reputation for being one of the best dental hygiene schools in Toronto; it is widely applauded for its excellent lecture delivery, small class sizes, professional faculties, and its accessibility for commuters.
To apply to this school, students will need to fill out an application form and forward to the school by mail, e-mail, or fax. Students will also need to provide transcripts to the school during application.
The school picks it up from there and contacts successful candidates who are then invited for an interview in a bid to make the final list of admitted students.
The applications are done on a rolling basis, and the earliest classes start in mid-October, 2022. TCDHA is a great school and it presents itself as a truly world-class dental hygiene school in Toronto, and possibly Canada, in general.
The cost of tuition at TCDHA is $45,800.
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Below are FAQs About Dental Hygiene Programs in Toronto:
What is the length of the program?
The length of time required depends on your program. Some dental hygiene programs are designed to be completed in two years and some in three.
The requirements for each school may vary, so make sure to check with them before applying.
How much does it cost?
Tuition fees vary by institution, but students can expect to pay around $11,000 – $25,000 per year for tuition alone (that’s not including books or other expenses).
With this said, it’s important to note that some institutions offer more affordable options through scholarships and grants as well as payment plans if needed.
What does it take to get accepted into an accredited dental hygiene program?
Each university sets its own requirements for admission; however, there are a few things you can do ahead of time:
- take prerequisites from high school or college courses;
- undergo a criminal background check;
- provide proof of fluency in English language skills (or any other languages required by specific schools);
- make sure all academic credentials have been verified through official transcripts, etc.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
If you’re thinking about becoming a dental hygienist, it’s important to understand that the program takes two to three years to complete.
Most people who attend a college or university will have this training as part of their bachelor’s degree.
The good news is that you can apply for your license once you’ve graduated from dental hygiene school, so it’s not necessary to wait until then before entering the workforce.
After all, the sooner you start working as a dental hygienist, the sooner you’ll be able to earn money doing what it is that interests and excites you.
What GPA do you need to study Dental Hygiene?
The GPA you need to study dental hygiene depends on the program you apply to. In general, most schools require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (out of 4), with some requiring even higher GPAs.
The bottom line is that a strong GPA will help you get into dental hygiene school and graduate with flying colors.
However, keep in mind that high grades aren’t the only factor when applying for dental hygienist programs; other factors such as letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities will also play a role in determining if an applicant gets accepted or not.
So, even if your grades are lower than what the average applicant has, but have good recommendations from teachers or employers and have participated in extracurricular activities in which you gained professional experience, then there’s still hope for getting accepted into one of these great dental hygiene schools in Canada.
What is the difference between a Dental Hygiene degree and a Dental Assistant degree?
Dental Hygiene degrees are typically two to three years in length, whereas a Dental Assistant degree is typically one year.
Both programs focus on patient care, but the Dental Hygiene program takes longer because it covers more topics. The Dental Hygiene program also includes clinical training and courses that cover dental science, such as oral anatomy and physiology. A Dental Assistant program does not include these courses.
Can I work abroad if I am going to get my dental hygiene degree in Toronto?
Yes. You can work and practice Dental Hygiene abroad while pursuing a degree in Toronto at any of the institutions listed in this article.
Although they may be some state board requirements that you must pay attention to and adhere to before you are granted a license.
What are some of the top reasons why people choose to attend university in Toronto?
Thinking of studying in Canada, too? Some reasons why people choose to attend university in Toronto include:
- Great reputation for quality education.
- The large population of international students in Canada (many of whom are from China).
- Affordable tuition fees compared to other cities like New York or London.
- Overall, it is an easier process to migrate and settle down in Canada than in most other top countries like the UK.
What about science lab requirements?
Some programs require students to complete a series of labs that cover topics like anatomy/physiology, microbiology, pathology/toxicology, nutrition/pharmacology and ethics/law/policy making up an entire semester; other programs may require only one lab per semester or less.
Wrapping It Up
We hope this guide has been helpful to you, and that you’re able to find a dental hygiene program that fits your needs.
Remember: if you have questions about any of the programs listed here or anything related to dental hygiene in Toronto, feel free to comment below and we’d respond in the best way we can. We’d love to hear from you!
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