A discourse on dental hygiene education in Canada

Abstract

Over the past decade, the discourse on dental hygiene education has gained momentum in Canada. This review provides insights into the evolution of dental hygiene education in Canada, briefly exploring the history and professional influences for diploma and baccalaureate education within the profession. The profession in Canada has yet to implement a national standardized entry-to-practice educational model, but the recent development of national educational competencies may prove to be a promising beginning. The review also discusses efforts to advance dental hygiene education in recent years, while exploring the political and professional pressures and challenges that remain. Further discourse on education and outcomes-related research can be effective in positively influencing governmental, professional and public opinions of higher entry-level education for dental hygiene which may ultimately result in regulatory change and improved client outcomes.

Self‐Perceptions of Value, Barriers, and Motivations for Graduate Education Among Dental Hygienists

“…The participants frequently commented that an advanced degree would make them “more marketable” and “open more doors” for them. These perceived benefits of improved practical skills and a positive change in career path have been noted in past studies regarding the rewards of increased education 17 , 31 , 32…”

“…In spite of these needs of the profession, individual dental hygienists may be reluctant to pursue a graduate degree due to their perceived lack of value for increased education and barriers to obtaining the education 16 , 17 . A mixed‐methods study published in 2011 sought to identify barriers to graduate education among hygienists (N=160) with bachelor's degrees 16 .…”

Workforce re‐entry for Japanese unemployed dental hygienists

“…The length of education of the dental hygiene programme in Japan was once 1 or 2 years. As with the recent situation in European countries, dental hygiene education in Japan has been moving towards a bachelors degree and postgraduate education under the influence of the changing needs of the community . Since 2010, eight universities have bachelors degree programmes of oral health science, and all of the vocational dental hygienist schools (120) became a 3‐year diploma programmes.…”

Direct access to midlevel dental providers: an evidence synthesis

“…The lack of empirical evidence to clearly demonstrate the benefits of direct access context contrasts with its increasing use across Europe, the United States, Canada, and the southern hemisphere . In Canada, dental hygienists can practice independently in four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba . In the United States, state practice acts and licensure are regulated by law at state level.…”