Baccalaureate and Graduate Degree Options

The majority of dental hygiene students in Canada are enrolled in a diploma program. What happens, though, if students or graduates of diploma programs are interested in continuing with their formal education? Are there benefits to further education for dental hygienists? Which route is the best? It really depends on the individual and his or her goals, aptitudes, and interests. Reasons for returning to education following dental hygiene diploma education may include:

To increase their knowledge base
To enhance their abilities in critical thinking, researching and writing papers
To gain increased personal satisfaction
To take a leading role in the dental hygiene community.
To increase employment opportunities

Guide to Degree Names

BDH—Bachelor in Dental Hygiene
BSc—Bachelor of Science
BSc (Specialization in Dental Hygiene)—Bachelor of Science with a specialization in dental hygiene
BDSc—Bachelor of Dental Science
MSc—Master of Science
MPH—Master of Public Health
PhD—Doctor of Philosophy
EdD—Doctor of Education

Degree Programs

The University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University and the University of Manitoba all offer programs where students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree program that is specific to dental hygiene. The institutions also offer degree completion options for dental hygienists who have graduated with a diploma in dental hygiene and wish to complete baccalaureate studies. Click here for more information.

Many institutions have articulation and transfer agreements with other educational institutions. Contact the institution to see if advanced standing credits can be awarded.

Graduate and Doctoral Programs

The University of Alberta offers a Masters in Medical Sciences (Dental Hygiene); the only graduate program in Canada that is specific to dental hygiene. There are also graduate programs in the United States specific to dental hygiene.

Many dental hygienists also pursue master’s degrees in public health or education, but select a research or capstone project that is related to dental hygiene.