Dental Hygiene at Fanshawe College

If being a vital part of a dynamic and important health care team intrigues you and you want a career that is in demand, Fanshawe's Dental Hygiene program will jump start your journey toward professional success.

You'll learn the dynamic skills needed to clean teeth, take x-rays, and promote oral health. You'll study anatomy, microbiology, histology, oral pathology, pharmacology, health promotion. As well, you'll work alongside your professors in a supportive mentoring environment designed to help you succeed. Hands-on clinical experience is provided in a student dental clinic. You'll also complete community placements, and participate in oral health promotion activities at daycare, public school, hospitals and health care settings.This program utilizes simulation learning. Learn more about our simulation labs.

Dental Hygiene career options

When you graduate, you'll be ready to complete the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination. The Fanshawe program is a top performer nationally and routinely achieves a 100% graduate pass rate on the NDHCB examination.

Our graduates then go on to practice as Dental Hygienists in community health, general or specialized dentistry, research, and long-term and institutionalized care environments. You may also continue your studies, and be eligible to transfer credits through our multiple pathways towards a degree such as a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene or Bachelor of Public Health at degree granting institutions such as The University of British Columbia and Brock University.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work independently and collaboratively with health professionals in a variety of practice settings, including general and specialty dental practices, public health programs, hospitals and long-term care settings.