Course Descriptions

This course is designed to support your understanding of the dental hygiene profession. It will also introduce you to a care model that includes a problem-solving approach involving Assessment, Decision-making/ Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADPIE). You will be gaining knowledge and abilities related to providing clinical care.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DENY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.

This course will provide you with the background to support your understanding of the complex relationship between oral and general health. You will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck area including an understanding of the human dentition.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.

This course introduces foundational knowledge essential for clinical dental hygiene practice, including the development of assessment and psychomotor skills. It also provides an introduction to radiology theory as the basis for dental imaging.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.

This course in behavioural and social sciences supports you in better understanding humans and the choices they make. You will explore theories of behavioural change to assist you in helping people make healthy choices and develop habits that promote both general and oral health. This foundation will enable you to apply psychological, social, and cultural perspectives in practice, enhancing your ability to support patients holistically.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.

This course provides you with a basic overview of human anatomy and physiology. You will learn about the organization of the human body with a particular emphasis on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. The course work will focus on developing your ability to apply this knowledge to dental hygiene practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.
Note: Students with credit for DETH 105.3 will not receive credit for this course.

This course is designed to assist you in gaining a basic understanding of the health professions and what it means to be a professional. It will highlight the responsibilities of a professional with a focus on understanding professional regulation, ethical reasoning, evidence-informed decision-making, and inter-professional collaboration.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.

This course will include methods of prevention and control of microorganisms, including blood borne viruses such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Immunization, routine practice, additional isolation precautions, sterilization and disinfection, safety, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) are also addressed.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Students must be enrolled in the B.Sc. (DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.3, 102.3, 103.3, 105.3, 106.5 and 108
Note: Students with credit for DENT 388 will not receive credit for this course.

You will be introduced to the clinical environment and have the opportunity to develop your abilities to assess the oral health status of people thus promoting your ability to advise people on basic but important oral health issues. You will be working in simulation settings and with your fellow students to develop these abilities.

Weekly hours: 3 Clinical Service hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3.

This course builds on foundational knowledge and skills developed in previous courses, advancing students' understanding and application of the dental hygiene process of care.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 108.3, DEHY 105.3, and DEHY 107.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3, DEHY 118 and DEHY 115.3.

This course continues to support your understanding of the health sciences. You will learn about general histology, oral embryology, and dental anatomy while also gaining a deeper understanding of microbiology so important to understanding the balance between health and disease.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 108.3, DEHY 105.3, and DEHY 107.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3, DEHY 118.3 and DEHY 115.3.

This course introduces key biomaterials and preventive methods used to support oral health. Students will build foundational knowledge of various products and approaches that help maintain healthy teeth and gums, preparing them to make informed choices in dental hygiene practice and treatment planning.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 108.3, DEHY 105.3, and DEHY 107.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3, DEHY 118.3 and DEHY 115.3.

This course expands your understanding of the behavioural sciences. You will learn foundational theories and practical skills to promote positive oral health behaviour changes and provide patient-centred care. The curriculum focuses on effective patient communication and education, including public speaking, and the principles of creating an inclusive, trauma-informed practice. This course prepares you to assess diverse patient needs and foster a safe, supportive environment for all patients.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 108.3, DEHY 105.3, and DEHY 107.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3, DEHY 118.3 and DEHY 115.3.

This course will provide you with the background to support your understanding of the human body and how it functions to maintain health. You will explore the interactions between the structures of the body cells, tissues, organs, and organ system so that you can better understand the many variables that impact health.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Students must be enrolled in the B.Sc. Dental Hygiene Program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101, DEHY 102, DEHY 103, DEHY104, DEHY 105, DEHY 106. DEHY 107, and DEHY 108.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111, DEHY 112, DEHY 113, DEHY 114, DEHY 116, DEHY 117, and DEHY 118.
Note: Students with credit for DETH 115.3 will not receive credit for this course.

This course will assist you in developing communication abilities to support relationships with the people you serve including individual and families. It is designed to provide you with situations likely to arise in your practices.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 117.3, DEHY 118.3 and DEHY 115.3.

This course will provide you with an understanding of the various dimensions of life as an Indigenous person. It will assist you in exploring the general health and oral health issues faced by Indigenous people, and the impacts on their overall health and wellness.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, DEHY 108.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 118.3 and DEHY 115.3.

In this course, students further strengthen their preventive skills while continuing to develop new clinical competencies, including radiography. Learning progresses from working in simulation settings and with student partners to applying these skills in more advanced settings. This stepwise approach supports skill development, confidence building, and preparation for direct patient care.In this course, students further strengthen their preventive skills while continuing to develop new clinical competencies, including radiography. Learning progresses from working in simulation settings and with student partners to applying these skills in more advanced settings. This stepwise approach supports skill development, confidence building, and preparation for direct patient care.

Weekly hours: 3 Clinical Service hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 1 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 101.2, DEHY 102.3, DEHY 103.3, DEHY 104.3, DEHY 105.3, DEHY 106.3, DEHY 107.3, and DEHY 108.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3 and DEHY 115.3.

This course provides additional knowledge to develop your clinical competencies from a preventive, periodontal, and behavioural science perspective. Radiographic interpretation will promote your assessment abilities and ultimately your dental hygiene diagnoses.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3 and DEHY115.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of pain management in dental hygiene. Students will learn the safe and effective use of local anesthesia, including basic techniques, benefits, and potential risks. Emphasis is placed on understanding how anesthetics work, recognizing possible complications, and evaluating patients to ensure safe care.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3 and DEHY 115.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.

This course will develop your knowledge about the influence of nutrition on general and oral health. It will also add to your understanding of the cranio-facial complex and the associated dentition.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
HYRestriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 115.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3 and DETH 118.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.

This course will provide you with further insights into community practice. You will continue to explore the complex nature of culturally safe care and the unique needs of people living in the community.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 115.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3 and DEHY 118.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, and DEHY 208.3.

This course builds upon previous learning by expanding clinical experiences. Students will continue to develop their skills within the dental hygiene scope of practice while providing comprehensive care to diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on applying knowledge in real-world situations, enhancing clinical judgment, and fostering professional growth through direct patient care.

Weekly hours: 4 Clinical Service hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 111.3, DEHY 112.3, DEHY 113.3, DEHY 114.3, DEHY 115.3, DEHY 116.3, DEHY 117.3, and DEHY 118.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, and DEHY 204.3.

This course focuses on understanding, diagnosing, and treating periodontal and peri-implant diseases using current methods. Students will develop skills in creating treatment plans, communicating with healthcare teams, and applying new approaches to maintain long-term oral health

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.

In this course the principles of pharmacology and drug therapy will be studied including drug actions, indications and contraindications of drugs. The emphasis will be placed on the relationship of pharmacology to the drugs frequently encountered in dentistry and to the practice of dental hygiene.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 213.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.

You will continue to increase your knowledge of general and oral pathology and to explore the multiple and complex connections between oral and general health to support your clinical decision-making.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.

This course is designed to enhance your ability to promote equitable access to oral health care for diverse populations in the community. You will explore oral health programming in community settings aimed at preventing and controlling disease while promoting overall health. Emphasis will be placed on understanding your role in facilitating change, applying the ADPIE process, and integrating advocacy and health promotion principles to support community groups in achieving culturally relevant oral health goals.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, and DEHY 218.3.

This course is designed to expand your dental hygiene judgments and abilities to provide therapeutic, preventive, and health promotion services. You will also have opportunities to apply the ADPIE process to provide culturally relevant services with individuals, families, and communities.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 2 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 201.3, DEHY 202.3, DEHY 203.3, DEHY 204.3, and DEHY 208.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, and DEHY 214.3.

This course will expand your knowledge of the recognized dental specialties, emphasizing the importance of intraprofessional collaboration within dental disciplines to enhance patient care. It will also provide you with an appreciation of the full scope of oral health services available.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 302.3, DEHY 304.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.

This course will continue to deepen your understanding of the growing evidence supporting associations between oral and general health. It will also increase your knowledge of pharmacology, nutrition, and pathology to support the development of your diagnostic and treatment planning abilities.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 304.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.

This course introduces students to the foundational knowledge and understanding of oral health care for individuals with special needs. It emphasizes adapting clinical assessments and preventive strategies to address the diverse requirements of these populations. Students will learn to identify challenges and begin applying appropriate clinical modifications in supervised settings, with practical applications reinforced through clinical practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Students must be enrolled in the B.Sc. Dental Hygiene Program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 211, DEHY 212, DEHY 213, DEHY 214, and DEHY 218.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 301, DEHY 302, DEHY 304, and DEHY 308.

This course explores the many dimensions of leadership in dental hygiene, extending far beyond clinical practice and preparing students for entry-to-practice and professional growth. Uniquely designed to expand career pathways both within traditional dental settings and in broader health, business, and community contexts, the course emphasizes leadership as a cornerstone of effective and adaptable practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 302.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.

These practice experiences will help to expand your understanding of the ADPIE process. You will increase your abilities to provide holistic, person-centered services with individuals, families, and communities as well as continuing to develop your self- and peer-assessment abilities that are so critical to health professionals.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 211.3, DEHY 212.3, DEHY 213.3, DEHY 214.3, and DEHY 218.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 302.3, DEHY 304.3, and DEHY 303.3.

This course strengthens your ability to coordinate, manage, and evaluate care for individuals with complex needs. It focuses on periodontal assessment and treatment planning for advanced stages of periodontal disease. Students will gain skills in diagnosing, classifying, and developing dental hygiene care plans for complex periodontal cases.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 302.3, DEHY 304.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 312.3, DEHY 314.3, DEHY 318.3, and DEHY 313.3.

This course offers additional experiences to integrate your knowledge of general and oral health care, addressing its multiple complexities. You will explore the scope of dental hygiene practice through problem-based learning cases that unravel the many issues requiring attention. The course learning outcomes emphasize the ability to analyze complex health issues within a community context and to integrate interdisciplinary perspectives for patient-centered care.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 302.3, DEHY 304.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 311.3, DEHY 314.3, DEHY 318.3, and DEHY 313.3.

This course explores current issues in dental hygiene in Canada and internationally while emphasizing the use of research to support evidence-based decision making. Students will strengthen critical thinking, research appraisal, and professional writing skills by analyzing quantitative and qualitative studies and communicating critiques effectively. These competencies build the foundation for integrating current evidence into oral health care practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Students must be enrolled in the B.Sc. Dental Hygiene Program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 301, DEHY 302, DEHY 303, DEHY 304, and DEHY 308.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 311, DEHY 312, DEHY 314, DEHY 318.

This course challenges dental hygiene students to apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in community oral health. Building on previous experiences, students will design, implement, and critically evaluate health promotion programs targeting diverse populations, including underserved groups. The course emphasizes leadership, advocacy, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing students to lead effective and sustainable community engagement initiatives.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 302.3, DEHY 304.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 311.3, DEHY 312.3, DEHY 318.3, and DEHY 313.3.

These clinical practice hours provide you with opportunities to refine all aspects of the ADPIE process of care as you work collaboratively with the members of the clinical team and others in the community to support the oral health of community members.

Restriction(s): Restricted to students in Year 3 of the B.Sc.(DH) program.
Prerequisite(s): DEHY 301.3, DEHY 302.3, DEHY 304.3, DEHY 308.3, and DEHY 303.3.
Corequisite(s): DEHY 311.3, DEHY 312.3, DEHY 314.3, and DEHY 313.3.