Advanced College Diploma - Dental Hygiene (S134) at GBC - George Brown College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-24

Program overview

Program Overview

The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to practice as primary oral health care providers. This three-year program focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills and professionalism while applying the dental hygiene process of care. Students will learn to work effectively as part of an interprofessional health-care team, adopting a client-centered approach to care.

Program Structure

The Dental Hygiene program is structured over a duration of three years, consisting of six semesters. The program is delivered in a full-time format, with classes scheduled Monday to Friday. Key features of the program include:

Hands-on practice at the on-site WAVE Dental Clinic, which spans nearly 40,000 square feet and includes 75 dental chairs.
Field education experiences with community partners such as public health organizations and teaching hospitals.
Progressive learning, starting with manikin practice in the first two semesters and advancing to real client care in subsequent semesters.
Opportunities for students to evaluate care and help clients set health goals.

Students will also have the chance to engage in various external practical field education experiences, enhancing their learning and professional development.

Featured Experiences

Field education experiences at the on-site WAVE Dental Clinic and off-site with community partners.
Hands-on practice with manikins in the initial semesters, transitioning to real clients in later semesters.
Access to a state-of-the-art clinic environment with supervision from qualified oral health-care professionals.
Collaboration with an interprofessional health-care team to provide comprehensive care.
Clinical hours that may include early mornings and evenings, providing a realistic work schedule experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Dental Hygienist: Provide preventive oral health care and education to patients, working in private practices or clinics.
Community Health Worker: Engage with communities to promote oral health awareness and access to dental services.
Public Health Educator: Develop and implement programs to educate the public on oral health issues and preventive care.
Research Assistant: Support dental research initiatives, contributing to studies on oral health and hygiene practices.
Dental Hygiene Instructor: Teach and mentor future dental hygiene students in academic or clinical settings.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in the field of dental health.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-06-24

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Advanced College Diploma in Dental Hygiene (S134), applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Applicants must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent qualification.
Grade 12 English (C or U) with a minimum grade of 70% is required.
Grade 11 Math (M or U) or Grade 12 Math (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60% is required.
Grade 11 Biology (C or U) or Grade 12 Biology (U) with a minimum grade of 70% is required.
Grade 11 Chemistry or Physics (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry or Physics (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60% is required.

For mature applicants (19 years of age or older without an OSSD), they may take the Admissions Assessment for English or consider upgrading to achieve the necessary credits in English, Math, or Science.

It is important to note that applicants may be required to have grades above the minimum stated due to competition.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International students should refer to the International Admissions page for specific country requirements.

Upon acceptance into the program, students must complete mandatory Pre-placement requirements, which may take up to 10 to 12 weeks. This includes:

Providing proof of medical records (e.g., TDAP shot, MMR, Varicella, Hep B blood test reports/titres, and Two-Step TB Skin Test).
Obtaining a clear Vulnerable Sector Check, renewed annually.
Basic Life Support certification, renewed annually.
Annual flu shot and mask fit test, renewed every two years.

Students who do not comply with the program’s health policy and non-academic requirements may be excluded from the clinical practicum, jeopardizing their academic standing and successful completion of the program.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Advanced College Diploma - Dental Hygiene (S134) program, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency if English is not the first language in their country. The following English language tests and their respective minimum scores are accepted:

George Brown English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program: Level 8
IELTS (Academic): 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill band
TOEFL: 80 (online), with a minimum of 20 in each skill band
Duolingo English Test: 110 overall score, with a minimum of 90 in production score
MELAB: 80
PTE (Academic): 54 overall, with a minimum of 50 in each skill band
CAEL: 60 overall
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 169 or more, with no individual skill below 162

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!