Dalhousie School of Dental Hygiene Home Page Dalhousie University School of Dental Hygiene . Go to links Facts About Dental Hygienists Dental Hygienists are licensed health care professionals concerned primarily with the prevention of dental disease.
Dental hygienists work with clients and the public to achieve and maintain oral health.
The first dental hygiene program was established in Canada in 1951. From the first graduating class of less than 10, the number of hygienists has grown rapidly over the past years so that today there are approximately 9000 dental hygienists across the country. Students develop the specific clinical skills necessary to provide preventive dental health services to the public. Dental hygienists are eligible to apply for provincial licensure after graduation from a recognized education program. The licensing of dental hygienists falls in accordance with the provincial health care legislation.