Programme Overview
The Dental Hygienist programme at SPACS prepares students to become competent oral health professionals who work alongside dentists to provide comprehensive dental care. Our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote oral health, prevent dental diseases, and provide therapeutic services under the supervision of licensed dentists.
What You'll Learn
Clinical Skills
- Oral health assessment and screening
- Dental prophylaxis and scaling
- Root planing and periodontal therapy
- Fluoride application techniques
- Dental radiography
- Local anesthesia administration
Theoretical Knowledge
- Oral anatomy and physiology
- Dental pathology and diseases
- Pharmacology in dentistry
- Infection control protocols
- Periodontal disease management
- Nutritional counseling for oral health
Professional Development
- Patient communication and education
- Ethics in dental practice
- Practice management
- Community oral health programs
- Research methods in dental hygiene
- Continuing education requirements
Programme Details
Duration & Structure
- Programme Length: 2-3 years
- Full-time study
- Combination of classroom and clinical training
- Hands-on laboratory sessions
- Clinical externship placements
Entry Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Biology and Chemistry prerequisites
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Health clearance and immunizations
- Background check
Career Opportunities
- Private dental practices
- Public health clinics
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Community health programs
- Educational institutions
- Research facilities
Core Courses
Year 1 - Foundation
Semester 1
- DHG 101 - Introduction to Dental Hygiene
- DHG 102 - Oral Anatomy and Embryology
- DHG 103 - Dental Materials
- DHG 104 - General and Oral Microbiology
Semester 2
- DHG 105 - Periodontics I
- DHG 106 - Oral Pathology
- DHG 107 - Dental Radiography
- DHG 108 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I
Year 2 - Advanced Practice
Semester 3
- DHG 201 - Periodontics II
- DHG 202 - Pharmacology
- DHG 203 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II
- DHG 204 - Community Oral Health
Semester 4
- DHG 205 - Local Anesthesia
- DHG 206 - Clinical Dental Hygiene III
- DHG 207 - Practice Management
- DHG 208 - Professional Ethics
Why Choose SPACS for Dental Hygiene?
State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Modern dental hygiene clinic
- Digital radiography equipment
- Simulation laboratory
- Latest dental technology
Experienced Faculty
- Licensed dental hygienists
- Practicing dentists
- Industry professionals
- Dedicated to student success
Clinical Experience
- On-campus dental clinic
- Community outreach programs
- Hospital partnerships
- Real patient interactions
Certification & Licensing
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are eligible to:
- Apply for licensure as a Dental Hygienist in Jamaica
- Take national board examinations
- Pursue advanced certifications in specialized areas
- Continue education for career advancement
