Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Expected duration: 3 years

Licensure information

After successfully passing the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board Examination, graduates in Manitoba must complete the following steps to practice as dental hygienists:

1. Apply to the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba for a license to practice.
2. Meet the requirements set by provincial regulatory authorities.

NOTE: The minimum educational credential required for licensure in Manitoba is the Diploma in Dental Hygiene.

Continuing education

Licensed dental hygienists have the opportunity to further their education by completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.

Professional status

Dental hygiene is a self-regulated health service profession. As licensed professionals, dental hygienists operate within a scope of practice defined by provincial legislation.

Sample course offerings

• HYGN 1232: Oral and Dental Anatomy (3 credit hours)
• HYGN 1236: Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice I (4 credit hours)
• HYGN 1270: Biology of the Head and Neck (3 credit hours)
• HYGN 1340: Communications (2 credit hours)
• HYGN 1352: Community Health I (3 credit hours)
• HYGN 2280: Pharmacology (2 credit hours)
• HYGN 2300: Pathology (3 credit hours)
• HYGN 2316: Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice III (4 credit hours)
• HYGN 2370: Nutrition in Dentistry (2 credit hours)
• HYGN 2380: Pain Management (2 credit hours)

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Direct Entry applicants are those who have not attended a post-secondary institution or have completed fewer than 24 credit hours at a recognized university or college. Direct entry applicants require the following:

• Manitoba high school graduation including 5 full credits at the Grade 12 level in courses vdesignated S, G, U or C
• A minimum 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
  • English 40S
  • Applied Mathematics 40S or Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S
  • Chemistry 40S
  • An academic 40S course

• Direct entry admission requirements

Advanced entry is for applicants who have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of university-level study, including several required and recommended courses at the University of Manitoba or another recognized post-secondary institution.

We encourage you to review the Dental Hygiene advanced entry admission requirements, which provides details on:

• Required courses for admission
• Adjusted Grade Point Average (AGPA) calculation and requirements
• English language proficiency Requirements
• Transfer credit
• Applying as a student from another institution

• Advanced entry admission requirements

If you do not meet the requirements for direct or advanced entry into the Diploma in Dental Hygiene program, you can apply for admission to University 1, the Faculty of Arts, or another program.

Domestic student application fee: $100
International student application fee: $130

Applications to the University of Manitoba are completed online. To begin your application, select the Start or continue your application button. The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit transcripts, proof of English Language proficiency, and other documents.

Preference in admission is given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada. International applicants are not considered for admission except for international students who are sponsored by Canadian agencies.

Learn more about the application process.

Program inquiries

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry – School of Dental Hygiene, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Room D212
780 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2

dent_hygiene@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-789-3683
Fax: 204-789-3948