Dental Hygienist Aplus Institute

8th intake starts January 2009.
Info Session - November 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Call Registrar today: 416.222.0500 or Contact us.

The Dental Hygiene Program is a highly competitive and intensive program that combines academic study with supervised clinical experience. The curriculum is designed to incorporate advances in technology in the oral health field and involves courses in the biomedical sciences, oral health sciences, dental hygiene theory and practice, behavioural sciences and health education.

Course instruction is delivered by several methods including classroom teaching, laboratory and clinical teaching, seminars, and small group discussion. Faculty members are educators, practicing dental hygienists and dentists. Evaluation techniques involve written, practical, oral examinations, field work assignments, projects, and written papers.

Graduates of this program must apply to the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) and the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO). APLUS Institute's Dental Hygiene Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

Employment Opportunities

Dental hygienists work in a variety of practice settings such as general dentistry, speciality practices such as periodontics, orthodontics and paedodontics, community health centres and collective living centres, hospitals, educational institutions, research and marketing venues. Dental hygienists are trained to work with a variety of clients including the young, the infirmed, geriatric clients and individuals with special needs.

Although the primary focus of dental hygienists is preventive in origin, dental hygienists provide comprehensive therapeutic services as well. A career in dental hygiene provides excellent income, security, flexibility, variety, prestige and respect and is one of the most popular careers. Dental hygienists are projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through 2010. Median hourly earnings of dental hygienists in Ontario were $33.57 in 2002 depending on experience, location, and employment setting.

Program Details

Biomedical subjects:

Oral Health Sciences:

Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice:

Behavioral Sciences and Health Education:

Admission Requirements Minimum Academic Requirements:

Assessment of Applicants with an International Educational Background:

APLUS Institute will consider applications to the Diploma in Dental Hygiene program from individuals who have received their former education outside the Canadian educational system. Such applicants will be required to fulfil specific criteria, as outlined below · If the applicant’s first language is not English, he/she must complete an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL with a minimum score of 500; or computer-based scored 180; or the TWE (Test of Written English) with a minimum score of 4.0; or IELTS score of 6.0; or MELAB Score of 70.

Additional Requirements for Admission:

Application Procedure

Applicants that have met the minimum academic requirements shall contact the school to schedule a Personal Interview and Pre-Admission Aptitude Test* (if applicable). In order to be considered for entry into the program, prospective students are required to submit official copies of all transcripts, including high school and all other records of academic work along with the completed APLUS Institute Application for Admission Form.

Pre-Admission Aptitude Test (PAAT)

Pre-Admission Aptitude Test is designed to assess general academic ability, knowledge of scientific information, and perceptual ability. It is recommended, that the PAAT be taken far enough in advance to allow for retake if needed. The Pre-Admission Aptitude Test fee is $125.00.

Personal Interview

The personal interview is required and is considered an essential part of the admissions process providing potential students the opportunity to articulate their background, knowledge, experiences, and interest in dental hygiene.

Criteria for Selection

Admissions Committee selects candidates primarily on the basis of academic record in high school or college, PAAT scores (if applicable), letter(s) of recommendation, and interview results. Applicant's motivation to pursue a career in dental hygiene, familiarity with the dental field, extracurricular interests, career goals and leadership potential are also taken in consideration.

Applicants are evaluated using established criteria without regard to national origin, colour, race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender. The Admissions Committee issues Offers of Admission to the successful applicants on a rolling basis. Accepted candidates are obliged to make a non-refundable deposit of $500 (credited to the first semester tuition payment) within 30 days after Offer of Admission if received.

Since the number of qualified applicants usually exceeds the number of available positions, attaining minimum qualifications does not ensure admission. Applicants not receiving initial acceptances are placed on a waiting list and ranked according to their priority score.

Program Duration 18 month: 3 semesters (24 weeks each) with 2-week break between semesters

APLUS Institute Dental Hygiene Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities