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