Program requirements and course descriptions of the University of Manitoba, Dental Hygiene Program can be found online via the U of M course Calendar.

The School of Dental Hygiene is a competency-based program, where progression of specific knowledge and skills is learner/participant-centered.

The 12 Dental Hygiene competencies were created by the Faculty as an accreditation requirement of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. Therefore, on completion of the Dental Hygiene Diploma, students will be able to perform to a specific standard. In order to graduate, students must be competent in all of the following:

1. Practice in an ethical manner.
2. Adhere to the laws and the professional standards governing the practice of dental hygiene.
3. Use a model of care that provides a holistic framework for the practice of dental hygiene.
4. Communicate effectively and collaboratively during professional interactions.
5. Use a client driven approach with diverse populations in all ages and stages of life.
6. Use critical thinking and problem-solving strategies to make decisions drawing upon the best possible evidence.
7. Serve as a client advocate.
8. Contribute to the advancement of the dental hygiene profession through involvement in professionally related activities and associations.
9. Commit to self-assessment and life long learning in order to provide contemporary dental hygiene services.
10. Initiate and provide oral health promotion and disease prevention strategies, which address identified risk factors or oral disease in order to promote optimal oral health.
11. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene interventions designed to facilitate the achievement of optimal oral health.
12. Apply management skills in a variety of professional settings.