University of Technology, Jamaica
Excellence Through Knowledge

Duration: 2 Calendar Years

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The focus of the B.Sc. DH programme is to graduate professional dental hygienists capable of assuming the role of a primary oral health care provider in the ever changing local, regional and international health care systems.

The programme prepares professional dental hygienists with the knowledge, abilities and values to assist individuals and groups to achieve and maintain oral and general health.

The programme is grounded in the foundation knowledge of the biomedical, social and behavioural sciences and related professional disciplines as well as the body of dental hygiene knowledge and theory. Learners are assisted to acquire the abilities of an independent learner and critical thinker who is committed to meet the oral health needs of the public in a thoughtful and respectful manner grounding decisions in the principles of social justice.

The programme exists to respond to the oral health needs of Jamaican residents by providing learners with relevant, community-based and innovative experiences to develop their full scope of practice as dental hygienists.

In cooperation with licensing and accrediting bodies, employers, community groups, other health professionals and the government, the programme will integrate international standards for dental hygiene education.  The programme strives to offer flexible and responsive education that support the educational and labour mobility of graduates, and help to build the capacity for research in the dental hygiene profession.
The programme consists of 6 academic terms delivered in a flow through manner so the programme can be completed within two full calendar years. The programme starts in September of each year and graduation occurs at the end of August.

In future years there will be an opportunity to take a 4th year to become an Oral Health Therapist, a professional who provides restorative and other surgical services for children. Another stream directed to further studies in dental hygiene may also be available; the courses in that stream would be delivered online.  

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must satisfy the following qualifications:

• A minimum of five (5) General Certificate Education (GCE) Ordinary Level A, B, & C or Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), General Proficiency Levels, 1, 2 and 3 (after June 1998) in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and One other pass in an approved subject or their equivalent.
   
• Successful completion of a written questionnaire focused on your knowledge of the dental hygiene profession. It includes 5 broad questions that will provide you with an opportunity to convey your knowledge and understanding of the dental hygiene profession; your written communication ability will also be assessed. This questionnaire will be administered at official test sites throughout the Caribbean.  
   
• Candidates with other types of academic qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the University’s regulations on academic equivalency.
  
  

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the programme having passed the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination of Canada, should find employment as a registered dental hygienist in the public and private sector within Jamaica and abroad. New practice contexts are continuing to emerge as the relation between oral and general health is being increasingly recognized. Health care reform initiatives continue to provide increased access to dental hygiene services by the public.

Graduates often find employment opportunities as clinicians, health promoters, educators, and consultants; these positions involve the public health, post-secondary education, residential care and private sector.  

Employment opportunities throughout CARICOM will be available through the CSME.

Graduates of this course will be in a position to move on to further qualifications. A Masters programme in Dental Hygiene will be looked at.

Graduates of the course of study may also return for an additional year in order to qualify as Dental Nurses.