Overview

Are you ready for a great career as a professional dental hygienist? Get ready to help your patients maintain great smiles with excellent care and expert advice.

Exploring dental hygiene schools in BC? Study on beautiful Vancouver Island with VIU’s Dental Hygiene Diploma program.

With a rewarding career in dental hygiene, you can help people live healthier lives while working in a people-oriented atmosphere.

The two-year, full-time Dental Hygiene diploma program at Vancouver Island University includes both academic study and clinical practice, and prepares you to work in dental clinics.

The concepts of health education, professionalism, critical thinking, life-long learning, and community service are strongly encouraged in the program curriculum.

Students have the opportunity to apply knowledge and gain practical experience in public dental clinics and dental health activities in the community. Strong computer literacy is highly recommended prior to admission to the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be granted a diploma which makes them eligible to apply for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Hygienists of BC (as per their criteria) as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Dental Hygiene Preclinic

Head and Neck Anatomy

Elements of Dental Hygiene

Dental Histology and Embryology

Radiography

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-03-31 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-01-18 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Credits

76 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Nanaimo, Canada

Disciplines

Dentistry View 20 other Bachelors in Dentistry in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed Immunization Requirements Form is required. The Health Immunization form must be signed by the public health nurse.

Evidence of successfully completing a nationally recognized WHMIS course.

Evidence of current CPR Level "C" certification or Level HCP (healthcare provider).

Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork, practicums, or clinical practice will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Vancouver Island University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

31815 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 31815 CAD per year during 24 months.
National

9942 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 9942 CAD per year during 24 months.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dental Hygiene.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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