Mature Student

An applicant, 19 years of age or older who has completed an academic program of study leading to a high school diploma, but has not met the criteria described for applicant requesting admission as High School graduate. This individual may be asked to complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test.

**Note:  All applicants must follow the application process outlined and must supply all documentation described therein. English Language & Mathematics proficiency requirements will apply to all applicants.  Where necessary, an applicant may be required to write a placement test in English. The local institution reserves the right to interview any applicant.

Application Process:

Applicants to the Program  will be considered for admission only when all of the following have been provided.

• Completed application form To download an application form please click here
• Payment of application fee
• Copy of the official birth certificate (Baptismal certificate not acceptable)
• Certified copy of high school transcript from the Ministry of Education or equivalency certificate
• Copy of official transcript of any post-secondary courses/programs
• Two references
• Personal Statement as to why you would like to be a Dental Hygienist
• A personal interview

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission may be assigned to an applicant who has been offered admission to a program. The offer of admission is provisional, based on completion of specified conditions that must be satisfied within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance. Conditions will be stipulated in an admission letter.

Progression

Students must attain a passing grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses
Note

• Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver ‘C’ AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into the Dental Hygiene program and must be current to the year of the program.
• All relevant post-secondary transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Registration Services prior to the application document deadline.

Year 1 – Semester 1

• ANAT 163 Dental Anatomy

Your studies will focus on the basic anatomy of permanent and deciduous teeth. You will study the eruption sequence of the dentitions, the basic structures of the oral cavity and supporting dental structures, and three different numbering systems for identifying teeth.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

• ANAT 164 Embryology and Histology

You will develop an understanding of the embryonic development of the face and oral cavity. You will study the development, microscopic anatomy and macroscopic anatomy of the teeth and supporting structures. You will also study the anomalies of these structures.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online

• ANAT 165 Anatomy and Physiology 1

You will develop an understanding of the structure and physiological functioning of the human body and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. You will acquire knowledge of the interactions of the body parts and systems including cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems will be emphasized.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

Corequisites: ANAT 166

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162

• COMM 167 Effective Reading and Writing

You will review the fundamental reading and writing skills needed to be a clear and effective communicator. The first three units introduce you to vocabulary techniques, reading skills and practical study skills you can use to reinforce comprehension and facilitate research. The next five units present basic writing skills and include the integration of spelling, grammar, punctuation and composition. In the final two units, you will apply the skills you have acquired to writing proposals.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

• DENT 164 Preventive Dentistry 1

The course provides an introduction to the philosophy of preventive dentistry. You will discuss the relationship between dental biofilm and oral disease and the components of preventive dentistry (fissure sealants, fluorides and oral physiotherapy aids). You will become competent in the knowledge and skills required to practice excellent personal oral disease control.

2.0 Credit Units
26.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

• DENT 165 Dental Technology

You will develop an understanding and working knowledge of the basic physical and mechanical properties of dental materials used to take preliminary impressions. You will also make study models of teeth and fabricate mouth protectors. You will have opportunities to practice manipulating the materials and equipment commonly used in dental offices and laboratories (within the dental hygienist’s scope of practice), taking preliminary impressions, pour and trim study models, and fabricate mouth protectors.

3.0 Credit Units
52.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning

Equivalent Course(s): DENT 161

Prerequisites:
ANAT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

• DHYG 161 Health and Safety in the Dental Environment

Lectures and laboratory sessions will help you learn infection control techniques, client/operator positioning, measurement of vital signs and how to manage a medical emergency.

4.0 Credit Units
53.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

• DHYG 162 Dental Hygiene Fundamentals 1

You will develop the basic instrumentation skills needed for periodontal debridement.

4.0 Credit Units
58.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

• HLTH 262 Community Oral Health 1

The course provides an introduction to the health care system and an overview of the significant social, political, cultural and economic forces directing the system. You will examine the role of the dental hygienist in the health care system and develop some basic skills required to function in that role. You will learn practical aspects of public speaking, how to write learning objectives, select and operate audiovisual equipment, and present an instructional session.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
DENT 164 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

• MICR 261 Microbiology

You will gain an understanding of the various types of microorganisms, their role in the spreading of infection and how they can be controlled. You will receive a general introduction to microbiology (which includes a description of the various types of microorganisms and diseases) followed by a consideration of microorganisms in the context of the dental practice.

3.0 Credit Units
46.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online

• SEM_ 161 Orientation Seminar

You will learn how the dental hygienist fits into the workplace and society, and examine the employability skills needed to be successful in the dental profession. You will also have the opportunity to develop study and life management skills that will help you be a successful adult learner. The course content includes teamwork and SIAST and program policies.

1.0 Credit Units
18.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Year 1 – Semester 2

• ANAT 166 Head and Neck Anatomy

You will study the superficial anatomy of the head and neck, and continue with the bones and musculature involved in these regions. You will also discuss blood vessels and lymphatic structures. You will complete a detailed study of the nerves supplying the head and neck (including the maxillary and mandibular dentition).

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

• ANAT 264 Anatomy and Physiology 2

You will develop an understanding of the structure and physiological functioning of the human body and its adaptation within the external and internal environment. You will continue the study of the human body and how it functions to maintain homeostasis. The immune, nervous, sense, endocrine, digestive and urinary systems will be emphasized.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

Corequisites: ANAT 166

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 262

• DENT 262 Preventive Dentistry 2

Building on the knowledge and skills acquired in DENT 164 (Preventive Dentistry 1), you will learn how to motivate your clients to utilize oral self-care procedures. You will also learn how to plan table clinics for various age and interest groups, and enable others to practice effective self-care.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
DENT 164 Minimum Grade of 60

• DENT 263 Periodontology 1

Your studies will focus on the structure and function of the periodontium, physiologic changes that take place during the process of inflammation, etiology and characteristics of the most common forms of periodontal disease, and concepts related to periodontal therapy. You will acquire the information through a combination of classroom and problem-based learning activities.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
ANAT 264 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and ANAT 164 Minimum Grade of 60 and ANAT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and PATH 268 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and MICR 261 Minimum Grade of 60

• DHYG 163 Oral Assessment 1

Lectures and laboratory sessions will help you learn how to assess a client’s oral health status by examining the periodontium, dentition and tooth structure.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

• DHYG 164 Oral Assessment 2

You will continue to develop your assessment skills by learning to perform oral cancer screenings, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) and orthodontic assessments.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

• DHYG 165 Preventive Techniques

Lectures and laboratory sessions will help you develop the skills needed to provide preventive dental hygiene care.

2.0 Credit Units
34.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

• DHYG 271 Clinical Dental Hygiene 1

You will experience the clinical practice of dental hygiene and integrate theory and practice to provide client care in the SIAST Dental Clinic.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
DHYG 161 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 163 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DHYG 164 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

• NUTR 160 Nutrition

You will develop an understanding of the role of nutrition as it relates to general and oral health and disease. Through your studies you will acquire knowledge of the standards and guidelines for planning and assessing the nutritional adequacy of diets. You will learn about the function and dietary sources of the major nutrients. You will discuss the nutritional needs throughout the lifecycle as well as nutrition-related oral health issues.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Online

• PATH 268 General Pathology

Lectures and class discussions will help you explore common diseases of the body. Dental implications will be emphasized.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

Corequisites: ANAT 264

Prerequisites:
ANAT 165 Minimum Grade of 60 or PATH 262 Minimum Grade of 60

• PSYC 162 Social Psychology

Directed group discussion will help you develop a basic understanding of the concepts of clients, empowerment, the life cycle and the interrelationships of those concepts. You will also develop an understanding of conflict management, attitudes and attitudinal changes, conforming and modelling influences, and sociocultural influences on behaviour and personality.

1.0 Credit Units
20.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

• RDGR 267 Radiology Theory

You will study the principles of radiation physics, biology, chemistry and safety. You will learn how to expose, process, mount and interpret dental radiographs.

1.0 Credit Units
22.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

• RDGR 268 Techniques in Radiology

You will develop skill in exposing and processing high-quality dental radiographs using different techniques and taking high-quality intraoral photographs.

5.0 Credit Units
70.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning

Equivalent Course(s): RDGR 260

Year2 – Semester 3

• ANES 262 Local Anesthesia

You will learn how to administer intraoral local anesthetic injections.

2.0 Credit Units
28.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

Prerequisites:
ANAT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and ANAT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 164 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHAR 266 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

• DENT 266 Dental Specialties

A combination of lectures, class discussions, guest speaker presentations, WebQuests, laboratories, and office visitations at specialty dental offices and seminars, will help you explore the fields of oral surgery, operative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, implantology and cosmetic dentistry. You will also receive an introduction to pediatric and geriatric dental hygiene care and develop an understanding of the complexities associated with initiating a personal dental care program for children and older adults.

4.0 Credit Units
65.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

• DENT 267 Periodontology 2

Your studies will focus on rare and complex forms of periodontal disease, periodontal occlusal trauma, periodontal pharmacology and periodontal surgical techniques. You will acquire this information through a combination of classroom instruction, problem-based learning activities and laboratory practice.

2.0 Credit Units
36.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
DENT 263 Minimum Grade of 60

• DHYG 166 Dental Hygiene Fundamentals 2

You will continue to study the fundamentals of debridement with hand, sonic and ultrasonic instruments. Your instrument sharpening skills will be expanded. You will learn care planning strategies and how to plan and coordinate advanced debridement appointments and the maintenance phase of dental hygiene care. You will also learn how to care for hypersensitive teeth and place and carve temporary restorations.

5.0 Credit Units
71.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

• DHYG 267 Dental Literature & Statistics

The course provides an introduction to understanding and critically assessing technical writing. You will complete a series of assignments that will help you develop an awareness of the processes involved in locating and evaluating professional dental literature. You will also be introduced to basic statistical concepts.

1.0 Credit Units
21.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
COMM 167 Minimum Grade of 60

• DHYG 276 Clinical Dental Hygiene 2

You will integrate the knowledge and experience you gained from previous course work to assess clients and plan, implement and evaluate dental hygiene care. Working under the guidance of an instructor, you will provide dental hygiene care to clients in the SIAST Dental Clinic.

9.0 Credit Units
130.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Corequisites: DHYG 279

Prerequisites:
NUTR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 271 Minimum Grade of P and RDGR 268 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 262 Minimum Grade of 60 and ANES 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PSYC 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 267 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

• DHYG 279 Clinical Integration 1

Participation in clinical seminars related to clinical techniques, clinical judgment, case studies, trends in oral self care and practice management will provide you with opportunities to integrate theory and practice in providing dental hygiene care. The integration of evidence-based practice and research concepts into clinical practice will be emphasized. You will also participate in a two-day office visitation at a private practice office where you will observe a licensed dental hygienist at work and learn about the day-to-day functioning of a dental hygiene practice.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Corequisites: DHYG 276

Prerequisites:
NUTR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 271 Minimum Grade of P and RDGR 268 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 262 Minimum Grade of 60 and ANES 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PSYC 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 267 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DHYG 166 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

• HLTH 274 Community Oral Health 2

You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to meet specific oral health needs of community groups. You will learn formal and informal information gathering techniques and study situational leadership styles. You will assess and plan community oral health programs, health promotional events and educational activities for needy and/or under-serviced populations and/or community groups in Regina and/or other local communities.

4.0 Credit Units
61.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
COMM 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 161 Minimum Grade of 60 and HLTH 262 Minimum Grade of 60 and PSYC 162 Minimum Grade of 60

• PATH 269 Oral Pathology

Case studies will help you explore some of the more common diseases of the oral cavity.

2.0 Credit Units
26.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
PATH 268 Minimum Grade of 60 and ANAT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and ANAT 164 Minimum Grade of 60

• PHAR 266 Pharmacology

You will study the principles of pharmacology and their application to dental hygiene practice. You will also examine how drugs that clients take to treat medical conditions might influence dental hygiene care.

1.0 Credit Units
20.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

Prerequisites:
( ANAT 264 Minimum Grade of 60 or PATH 262 Minimum Grade of 60) and PATH 268 Minimum Grade of 60

Year 2 – Semester 4

• DENT 266 Dental Specialties

A combination of lectures, class discussions, guest speaker presentations, WebQuests, laboratories, and office visitations at specialty dental offices and seminars, will help you explore the fields of oral surgery, operative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, implantology and cosmetic dentistry. You will also receive an introduction to pediatric and geriatric dental hygiene care and develop an understanding of the complexities associated with initiating a personal dental care program for children and older adults.

4.0 Credit Units
65.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

• DENT 267 Periodontology 2

Your studies will focus on rare and complex forms of periodontal disease, periodontal occlusal trauma, periodontal pharmacology and periodontal surgical techniques. You will acquire this information through a combination of classroom instruction, problem-based learning activities and laboratory practice.

2.0 Credit Units
36.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
DENT 263 Minimum Grade of 60

• DHYG 267 Dental Literature & Statistics

The course provides an introduction to understanding and critically assessing technical writing. You will complete a series of assignments that will help you develop an awareness of the processes involved in locating and evaluating professional dental literature. You will also be introduced to basic statistical concepts.

1.0 Credit Units
21.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
COMM 167 Minimum Grade of 60

• DHYG 269 Dental Hygiene Practice

You will study professionalism, ethics, jurisprudence, the regulation and organization of the dental hygiene profession and the inter-relationship of dental hygiene with other groups (including dental specialties). You will also examine the trends and issues concerning the practice of dental hygiene in Canada and the possible future roles for dental hygienists.

1.0 Credit Units
19.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

• DHYG 277 Clinical Dental Hygiene 3

With minimal guidance from instructors, you will continue to provide dental hygiene care to clients in the SIAST Dental Clinic.

13.0 Credit Units
190.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Corequisites: DHYG 280

Prerequisites:
PATH 269 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHAR 266 Minimum Grade of 60 and DHYG 276 Minimum Grade of P

• DHYG 278 Clinical Dental Hygiene 4

You will continue to provide dental hygiene care to clients in the SIAST Dental Clinic and progress towards the competency required of an entry-level dental hygienist. You will concentrate on the transition from the role of student to that of a graduate dental hygienist.

15.0 Credit Units
230.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Corequisites: DHYG 280

Prerequisites:
DHYG 277 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)

• DHYG 280 Clinical Integration 2

Participation in clinical seminars related to clinical techniques, clinical judgment, case studies, trends in oral self care and practice management will provide you with opportunities to expand the integration of theory and practice in providing dental hygiene care. The integration of evidence-based practice and research concepts into clinical practice will be emphasized. You will also spend one day at the University of Saskatchewan working with the dental students presenting case studies and providing advice and instruction on debridement methodologies.

4.0 Credit Units
65.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Corequisites: DHYG 277    DHYG 278

Prerequisites:
DHYG 279 Minimum Grade of 60

• HLTH 275 Community Oral Health Projects

You will have an opportunity to implement and evaluate community oral health programs, health promotional events and educational activities for needy and/or under-serviced populations and/or community groups in Regina and/or other local communities.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
HLTH 274 Minimum Grade of 60