A career as a dental hygienist in Canada offers a wide range of benefits including a comfortable salary, meaningful work, and flexibility to take time off when necessary. It is no surprise then, that every year high school graduates and individuals looking for a career change are setting their sights on this profession.
Like many positions in the healthcare sector, there are a number of strict requirements that ensure dental hygienists receive the training they need to adequately serve the public. If you are thinking about entering this field, it is important to know the steps that you need to take in order to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.
At RDHU, our mission is to transform the field of dentistry by empowering dental hygienists with specialized programs in Ontario. Below we have listed the basic dental hygienist requirements in Canada.
Post-secondary education
After graduating from high school, those looking to pursue a career in this field must apply to a post-secondary institution and enroll in a dental hygiene program. These programs are available both in the form of a bachelor’s degree or a diploma. In Canada, the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators is the governing body that maintains a list of Entry-To-Practice Competencies and Standards. For a Canadian post-secondary institution to obtain approval for a dental hygienist program, these strict guidelines must be met. Over the course of their post-secondary studies, aspiring dental hygienists will become well-versed in oral health sciences, learning how to communicate with patients, and how to prevent potential health issues.
Pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam
Dental hygienists must obtain a license to practice on both a provincial and federal level. In Canada, the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam is the standardized test which confirms the individual’s competency as a healthcare professional. The test consists of multiple choice questions divided into categories such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and more. A portion of the test focuses on professional scenarios, while the majority is based on independent, scientific facts. While the pass rate for this test is over 90% in Canada, it is important to prepare well in advance using resources provided during your post-secondary studies, along with outside sources.
Comply with the CDHO’s Quality Assurance Program
Once you have passed your National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam and are ready to start practicing as a dental hygienist, the work is far from over. In Canada, measures are taken to ensure dental hygienists are upholding the standards that they learn during their studies. These efforts differ from province to province, however in Ontario, we operate based on the College of Dental Hygienists Ontario’s Quality Assurance Program. Under this provincial regulatory body, dental hygienists are expected to continue practicing in compliance with the corresponding rules and regulations throughout their careers. While this is a self-monitored system, reports of non-compliance could cause professionals to lose their license. At RDHU, we offer Quality Assurance coaching to ensure your practice is in compliance.
Specialized education
After entering the field, many dental hygienists feel the urge to hone in on their skills by pursuing further training and education. Areas of specialization such as laser training enables dental hygienists to further contribute to public health, earn a higher income, and explore new areas of interest. At RDHU, we offer both online and on-site courses at our facility in Burlington, Ontario.
Are you interested in pursuing a career as a dental hygienist? This exciting career is full of fascinating opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you are currently practicing as a dental hygienist, contact us today to learn more about how our courses compliment the basic dental hygienist requirements in Canada.
