Program description
The Diploma in Dental Hygiene is a 3-year program that prepares students to work as dental hygienists in a variety of employment settings. Dental hygiene is a self-regulated health service profession concerned primarily with the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of optimum oral health. As a licensed professional, the dental hygienists' scope of practice is regulated by provincial legislation. The dental hygiene process of care consists of five components: assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate, which guide dental hygiene practice in every setting. Dental hygienists work in private dental offices, community health centres, educational institutions, personal care homes and various other environments.
Program options
Degree options
Diploma in Dental Hygiene - 3 years
B.Sc.DH Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, Degree Completion Program
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Oral and Dental Anatomy
- Microbiology of Infectious Diseases
- Nutrition
- Periodontology
Professional opportunities
- Clinical dental hygiene
- Dental hygiene educator
- Oral health researcher
- Community health program development
Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation, with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S, G or U.
- A minimum 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Two of the following: Mathematics 40S (either Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S (recommended), or Applied Mathematics 40S), Biology 40S, or Chemistry 40S
Advanced entry option
30 credit hours in U1* (or approved bachelor’s program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
Degree Completion
Direct entry option
Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the program page for entry requirements.
Advanced entry option
This entry option is designed for students who have already completed the Diploma in Dental Hygiene and wish to complete the degree program.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Chemistry 40S, Pre-Calculus Math 40S or Applied Math 40S are required. Biology 40S is strongly recommended.
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the School of Dental Hygiene apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
The only dental hygiene program in the province, the University of Manitoba's School of Dental Hygiene educates students in state-of-the-art preclinical laboratories and clinics providing students with technologically advanced and hands-on training. Students benefit from an education provided by highly trained researchers and clinicians with specialized expertise in their respective fields. Educators in the School of Dental Hygiene are leaders in the profession locally and internationally. Diploma graduates may opt to return to the School of Dental Hygiene to complete their degree.
Important links
Faculty of DentistrySchool of Dental Hygiene
Graduate Programs
