Search Text:  

Admission Requirements - US & International Applicants

The School of Dental Hygiene accepts up to 42 students each year to the two-year Diploma in Dental Hygiene program. Before June 1 of the expected year of entry to the Dental Hygiene program, applicants must have completed at least five full-year university classes, including one half-year class in introductory statistics.

The School of Dental Hygiene is committed to increasing the number of qualified dental hygienists who belong to black or Aboriginal communities of the Atlantic region. Applicants from these groups who have completed the entrance requirements may self-identify to the Admissions Committee in the form of a letter.

Selection of accepted candidates is primarily based on academic performance in the required classes and overall academic standing in university. The admissions committee may make use of non-academic factors in the selection process including additional information submitted by applicants.

Applicants with the best academic record have the greatest chance of admission. Most accepted applicants have an average of B (74-79%; or a GPA of 3.0) or better.

Competitive applicants will be invited to a one-day orientation session. Information will be provided on the Dental Hygiene curriculum at Dalhousie through presentations and small group discussions with faculty members and students. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit an office to observe a dental hygiene practitioner, and to find out as much as possible about the career of dental hygiene through the Canadian and American Dental Hygiene Association websites.