When you go for your next dental hygiene appointment, know that you are in good hands. Dental hygiene (DH) grads are coming out of their program at the University of Alberta (U of A) well-trained, and we have the numbers to prove it.
For nine consecutive years, the DH diploma grads have scored above the national average on the certification exam.
"We set high standards for our students," says Sharon Compton, director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the U of A. "So when results like this happen, we are all so proud because we know the students work hard, and their above average exam results are proof."
The National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination has five categories: assessment and diagnosis, foundations, implementation, planning and evaluation, and professionalism, all of which are a reflective of what they take in their program.
Compton notes that one of the minimum requirements for admission in to the Dental Hygiene Program is the successful completion of 24 units of course weight of university transferable coursework in one Fall/Winter academic year (September to April inclusive).
"This requirement helps demonstrate applicants' ability to manage the rigorous course load required to successfully complete the Dental Hygiene Program," says Compton. "The program is intense and challenging."
The news of the above-average-results arrives on the heels of a successful accreditation review, and the announcement of a new Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Dental Hygiene at the U of A.
"The program's achievements are an outcome of the work our faculty, staff and students do every day," says Compton. "It's a team effort, and everyone deserves to be recognized."
On average, the diploma program has 42 students admitted each year.
For nine consecutive years, the DH diploma grads have scored above the national average on the certification exam.
"We set high standards for our students," says Sharon Compton, director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the U of A. "So when results like this happen, we are all so proud because we know the students work hard, and their above average exam results are proof."
The National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination has five categories: assessment and diagnosis, foundations, implementation, planning and evaluation, and professionalism, all of which are a reflective of what they take in their program.
Compton notes that one of the minimum requirements for admission in to the Dental Hygiene Program is the successful completion of 24 units of course weight of university transferable coursework in one Fall/Winter academic year (September to April inclusive).
"This requirement helps demonstrate applicants' ability to manage the rigorous course load required to successfully complete the Dental Hygiene Program," says Compton. "The program is intense and challenging."
The news of the above-average-results arrives on the heels of a successful accreditation review, and the announcement of a new Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Dental Hygiene at the U of A.
"The program's achievements are an outcome of the work our faculty, staff and students do every day," says Compton. "It's a team effort, and everyone deserves to be recognized."
On average, the diploma program has 42 students admitted each year.