Dental hygiene students begin clinical training with patients

Year 2 dental hygiene students have officially entered the clinical phase of their education, marking a major milestone for the inaugural cohort of the College of Dentistry’s new dental hygiene program. As part of this next stage of training, students are now seeing patients in the college’s newly established evening clinic, gaining hands-on experience while expanding access to oral health services for the public.

Clinical training is a core component of dental hygiene education. Students work one-on-one with patients to develop essential skills, including performing dental cleanings and preventive care procedures. All services are delivered under the close supervision of licensed dental hygienists, ensuring high standards of care.

The model creates clear benefits for both learners and the community. Patients receive professional services at a reduced cost, while students gain the real-world clinical experience required for practice. Dental hygiene cleaning/scaling services at the College clinic start at $40.00.

“This marks an important milestone in the professional development of our dental hygiene students,” said Dean Walter Siqueira. “Entering the clinical phase allows them to translate their classroom knowledge into patient-centered care. It’s an exciting time for our students, faculty, and staff, and a meaningful step forward in the continued growth and impact of this program.”

The dental hygiene evening program represents a new approach to both education and access to care. Launched in fall 2024, the three-year Bachelor of Science degree program was created to help address critical workforce shortages while enhancing oral health care for residents across the province.

According to Carla Ofstie, Academic Director of the program, the structure is distinctive in North America. “Our evening delivery model is truly unique and was designed to remove barriers — both for students pursuing a professional education and for members of the public seeking care,” she said. “By offering clinic hours in the evening, we’re expanding access to dental hygiene services and giving students valuable experience serving a broad range of patients.”

With clinic hours running between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., members of the public can book dental hygiene appointments outside of typical work hours — an option that removes a common barrier to care.

The College of Dentistry is now accepting new patients for dental hygiene services including teeth cleaning, scaling, dental x-rays, fluoride treatments oral health exams. To become a patient, individuals can call 306-966-5056 or visit the College of Dentistry website for more information. Become a patient.