Dental Hygiene Schools and Programs in Toronto: Best in 2024

Dental
Sep 4, 2024

In recent years, dental hygiene programs have gained popularity as a career choice in Toronto.

18 month dental hygiene programs in Canada are an excellent ground for advancing in this promising and rewarding field.

This guide will provide insights into the top programs available, helping you select a Toronto dental hygiene school that best meets your needs.

Why study dental hygiene?

A dental hygiene program may be the perfect fit for you if you aspire to:

  • Help patients lead healthier lives.
  • Provide valuable services to others.
  • Enjoy a flexible lifestyle.
  • Educate patients about the importance of oral health.
  • Earn a competitive salary.
  • Advance your career by pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene.

Consider this fulfilling profession where your passion for health and service can truly shine.

Top 5 Best Dental Hygiene Programs in Toronto

A dental hygiene school in Toronto may provide excellent education opportunities for you. 

In this city, you can find some of the best 18 month dental hygiene programs in Canada.

Let's explore them. 

1. Toronto College of Dental Hygiene

The Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries Inc. offers a learner-centered environment that empowers individuals to achieve both personal and professional success through rigorous, up-to-date dental education. 

The college is committed to maintaining a state-of-the-art teaching facility, fully outfitted with high-quality, modern equipment to enhance the learning experience.

This approach ensures that students receive a high-quality, up-to-date dental education, making it the top choice among dental hygiene programs in Toronto. 

Program overview

The Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries Inc. is approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

With competitive tuition and flexible payment options, you can complete the Accredited Dental Hygiene Program in just 18 months.

The college boasts an excellent national and international reputation, providing a paperless environment that prepares students for modern dental practices. 

The curriculum includes a hands-on Orthodontic course and a comprehensive community program, offering valuable practical experience in a supportive learning environment.

Requeriments

Students need to submit the following requirements:

  • An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent qualification.
  • Grade 12 English completed at either the University Preparation Level or College Preparation Level, or an equivalent.
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology or Chemistry completed at either the University or College Preparation Level, or an equivalent.

Additionally, applicants should include any relevant documents, such as post-secondary education credentials and evidence of experience in the field, if applicable.

Mature students, those over the age of 18 without a high school diploma or equivalent, are welcome to apply under the Mature Student status.

2. George Brown College

George Brown College has been training dental hygienists for more than 40 years.

Their Dental Hygiene program provides students with the necessary competencies and skills required to practice as a dental hygienist in Ontario.

This program emphasizes the development of interpersonal communication skills and professionalism, ensuring that students are well-prepared to provide top-quality dental hygiene care.

Program overview

Spanning three years, this comprehensive program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills. 

In the first two semesters, students will practice their dental hygiene skills on manikins, allowing them to refine their techniques in a controlled environment. 

As the program progresses through semesters 3 to 6, students will expand their experience by treating actual clients, both at the on-site WAVE Dental Clinic and through partnerships with public health agencies, teaching hospitals, and community health centers.

This Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. 

Requeriments

Applicants are selected based on their academic achievement.

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following academic requirements:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
  • Grade 12 English (C or U): A minimum grade of 70% is required.
  • Grade 11 Math (M or U) or Grade 12 Math (C or U): A minimum grade of 60% is required.
  • Grade 11 Biology (C or U) or Grade 12 Biology (U): A minimum grade of 70% is required.
  • Grade 11 Chemistry or Physics (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry or Physics (C or U): A minimum grade of 60% is required.

Meeting these criteria is essential for consideration in the selection process.

3. Aplus Institute

Established in 2004, Aplus Institute is a highly reputable dental hygiene college located in Toronto. 

The institute is renowned for offering top-quality education tailored for a successful career in dental hygiene. 

Their rigorous 18-month full-time diploma program is led by industry-leading professionals in dental hygiene and dentistry and is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Program overview

Their dental hygiene program offers numerous opportunities for a rewarding career with solid income, security, flexibility, prestige, and respect, in just 18 months. 

Aplus Institute boasts a state-of-the-art dental hygiene clinic and laboratory equipped with digital and panoramic radiography equipment to cater to all your dental hygiene school needs. 

The students and faculty members provide top-notch dental hygiene services to Toronto and surrounding communities, with a hands-on component integrated throughout the semesters.

At Aplus Institute, they are dedicated to providing students with support in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The small class sizes allow for personalized instruction.

Requeriments

Some minimum academic requirements are:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma 30 Credits (General/Advanced Level)
  • Grade 12 Equivalency – GED Certificate in English, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
  • Grade 12 English.
  • Grade 11 Biology and Grade 11 or 12 in Chemistry and/or Physics.

4. Oxford College

At Oxford College, students can train to become Dental Hygienists in as little as 18 months through their program. 

Participants will gain valuable knowledge on addressing the needs of dental hygiene clients and acquire the skills necessary to provide preventative and therapeutic dental hygiene services for individuals and communities. 

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC)

Program overview

Participants will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for achieving professional success as integral members of a healthcare team.

Throughout the Dental Hygiene program, students will learn how to:

  • Conduct comprehensive dental assessments and provide tailored dental hygiene care.
  • Educate patients on effective oral hygiene practices.
  • Prevent and treat gingival and periodontal diseases.
  • Perform scaling and root planing to maintain optimal oral health.
  • Take dental impressions for creating customized mouthguards and whitening trays.
  • Apply dental sealants to protect teeth.
  • Remove stains to enhance aesthetic appearance.
  • Administer fluoride treatments for added protection.
  • Take and process digital X-rays for accurate diagnostics.

Requeriments

Applying to Oxford College requires filling out the online form on this page.

When an educational counselor follows up with a phone call, you’ll discuss admission requirements and financing options.

5. The Canadian Academy

The Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Community Sciences is proud to be the only career college in Ontario offering a diploma in restorative dental hygiene.

Strategically located in the heart of Mississauga, Ontario, just minutes west of downtown Toronto, CADH is the premier institution for dental hygiene and dental assistant education in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Its central location ensures easy accessibility for students aiming to advance their careers in the dental health field.

Program overview

The dental hygiene program at CADH spans 79 weeks and is recognized as a vocational program by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, with accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. 

CADH features a modern dental hygiene clinic equipped with computers at each operatory, six intra-oral digital imaging stations, and a digital panoramic machine. 

The program's rigorous curriculum equips students with the essential knowledge and skills for entry-level dental hygiene practice. 

Their curriculum provides extensive hands-on practice.

Requeriments

Applicants from Ontario must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.) or equivalent, applicants must provide:

  • Proof of certification in Standard First Aid (SFA) and CPR-C, as well as Basic Life Support (BLS), obtained within the calendar year prior to the program start and renewed annually.
  • A confidential current immunization report completed by a physician.
  • A "Clear" Police Vulnerable Sector Check, valid annually, for work or volunteering with vulnerable individuals.
  • Confirmation from a dentist regarding the applicant's oral health.
  • Verification of a minimum two-day observation in a dental office, unless exempt due to a dental assisting diploma or foreign dentistry training (proof required).

Conclusions

Dental hygiene is an increasingly promising career path. 

There has been a significant rise in job opportunities over the past few years, and there are projections for continued growth. This growth is accompanied by competitive salaries.

On the other hand, as a dental hygienist, you'll have the fulfilling experience of witnessing your immediate, positive impact on your patients' lives.

Feel confident about choosing to pursue a career in any of the Toronto dental hygiene programs. 

As we just reviewed, they offer not only provides a solid foundation of knowledge but also offers extensive practical training.

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