Dental Hygiene at Oxford College: We’ve Spent Twenty Years Training Clinical Professionals for a Rewarding Career
Oxford College’s 18-month Dental Hygiene diploma is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). Built for freshers and people already working in the dental profession.
Hybrid delivery: theory online, clinical training in person.
Two campuses in the Greater Toronto Area (Mississauga and Scarborough).
Program Overview
Join the 18-Month Dental Hygiene Program at Oxford College.
Offered at our Mississauga and Scarborough campuses.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and is regulated under the Dental Hygiene Act, 1991.
Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) exam, with up to three attempts permitted. A pass qualifies graduates for registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO), the credential required to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Ontario.
92.1%
National Dental Hygiene
Certification Board (NDHCB) board exam pass rate (2025)
Source: NDHCB, 2025
20 Years
Training dental hygienists at Oxford College
0.5%
Industry unemployment rate vs 7.1% national average
Source: CDHA 2025 Job Market and Employment Survey, n=3,003.
18 Months
to a diploma
Built for People Ready for a Rewarding Career
- If you’re a dental assistant or new to the dental field, you’re already building the patient care and clinical workflow foundation this profession needs, or you’re ready to start. This program is your credentialed step up, from assisting to leading client care as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
- If you’re a mature career changer looking for a credential that leads directly to employment rather than another exploratory program, this is an 18-month commitment that ends in a regulated profession with a 0.5% unemployment rate.
- If you’re a healthcare professional (a nurse, a personal support worker, or a health sciences graduate) looking for a stable, well-paying clinical career with a defined scope and steady demand, dental hygiene offers you career security.
- If you’re an internationally trained dental professional, your clinical knowledge is an asset here. You’ll need to be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person to register with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) and earn your Dental Hygiene credentials, but your existing training gives you a head start.
- You’re a new graduate, giving you the confidence to start your career. A dentistry background isn’t required.
Why Choose Oxford College’s Dental Hygiene Program
We have trained dental hygienists for twenty years. Our track record is evident in how this program is built.
- Hybrid delivery model
A condensed, full-time program. Theory is taught online. Clinical training happens on campus, at one of two campuses. - Two campuses across the Greater Toronto Area
Mississauga and Scarborough, including our new Scarborough facility, which opened in March 2026. - Multiple intakes a year
Cohorts fill every five months. Semester 1 is currently 100% full at both Mississauga and Scarborough. - Our alumni come back to teach with us
Approx 30% of our instructor pool is an Oxford Grad.
How Oxford College Compares
You’re likely comparing a few dental hygiene programs right now. Here’s how we compare against other colleges.
| Dimension | Oxford College | PUBLIC Colleges | OTHER CAREER collegeS |
| Duration | 18 months | Up to 36 months | 18 to 22 months |
| Delivery | Hybrid | In-person | Mixed (hybrid and in-person) |
| Campus locations | 2 (Mississauga, Scarborough) | 1 | 1 |
| CDAC accredited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Years in operation | 20 | 40+ | Varies, 20+ |
| Board exam pass rate published | 92.1% (2025) | Published | Published |
| Tuition transparency | Yes ($39,995, hybrid) | Yes | Inconsistently published |
| Cohort composition | Multi-cultural, both men and women, equal split, and all ages represented | Mostly direct-from-high-school entry.” | Mixed |
We are one of the only hybrid dental hygiene programs in this comparison, and the only one offering all four: CDAC accreditation, an 18-month timeline, hybrid delivery, and multiple campus locations.
Here’s How Our Graduates Have Performed
| Board exam pass rate | 92.1% NDHCB (2025) |
| Graduation rate | 91.25% (2025) |
Where our graduates work
- Private dental practices
- Public health units
- Community dental clinics
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Long-term care facilities
- Independent dental hygiene practice ownership
- Work internationally (Dubai, UK, Germany, US)
Message from the Program Director
Oxford College is committed to developing dental hygienists who demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and ethical decision-making, while supporting every student in achieving their academic and career goals.
Anna Ness, RDH, B. A (Hons), M.Sc.
Program Director throughout
Faculty
Nicole Lee, BHS, RDH, is a proud Oxford College alumna with 8 years of experience in the dental hygiene profession. As a clinical and theoretical dental hygiene instructor, she is enthusiastic about giving back to the school that helped shape her own career. Nicole is passionate about supporting students, sharing real-world clinical experiences, and helping future dental hygienists feel confident and prepared as they enter the profession. She truly enjoys watching students grow throughout their education and looks forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of dental hygienists!
Zehra Chowdhury, RDH, MA, BSc, is a dedicated dental hygienist and educator based in Toronto, with over a decade of experience in clinical practice and education. As a didactic, laboratory, and clinical dental hygiene instructor, she is passionate about mentoring future dental professionals and takes great pride in seeing her students grow into confident, skilled clinicians. Zehra holds a Master of Arts in Oral Health Promotion and is committed to advancing dental hygiene education and the quality of patient care.
What Our Graduates Say
Abin Abraham
Student
My journey as a Dental Hygiene student at Oxford College has been one of growth, perseverance, and, above all, God’s abundant grace. The program provided me with excellent academic and clinical training, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to begin my professional career. The support and guidance I received from the faculty and staff played a significant role in shaping me into a competent and compassionate oral health professional.
One of the greatest testimonies of this journey was that, out of a cohort of 76 students, only two were able to write the board examination in January 2026 before the official completion of the program, and by God’s grace, I was privileged to be one of them. Even before receiving my examination results, God opened another door for me, I successfully completed an interview and had a job opportunity ready. This experience reminded me that while dedication and hard work are important, it is ultimately God who grants favor and directs our steps.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the confidence and professional foundation that Oxford College provided. More than the academic achievements, I treasure the opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness throughout this journey. I move forward with gratitude, humility, and a desire to serve my patients with excellence and compassion, knowing that every milestone I have reached is a testimony to His grace.
Alysa Haji
Student
What inspired you to pursue Dental Hygiene?
I was inspired to pursue dental hygiene because I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful impact on people’s health and well-being. I am passionate about helping others improve their oral health through education and preventive care. I was also drawn to the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients while combining my interest in science with hands-on clinical work. These aspects of the profession made dental hygiene a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for me.
What made you choose our program?
I chose Oxford College because of the strong recommendations I received from previous graduates who spoke highly of their experience and preparation for practice. I was also attracted to the accelerated program, which allowed me to achieve my career goals in a shorter timeframe. Additionally, Oxford’s reputation for having one of the highest pass rates on the NDHCE gave me confidence that I would receive a high-quality education and be well prepared for success in the profession.
Neethu Pazhayidath George
Student
“My experience at Oxford College was truly rewarding. The combination of excellent instruction, comprehensive clinical training, and strong professional development helped me become a confident and skilled dental hygienist. The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping students succeed. I am proud to be an Oxford College graduate and grateful for the preparation and opportunities the program provided for my professional career.”
The 18-Month Path to Registered Dental Hygienist
The program runs four semesters over 18 months, combining online theory with in-person clinical and lab training at one of two our campuses.
Semesters 1 to 3
Foundations and applied practice
Foundational and applied coursework is delivered online, paired with in-person clinical and lab sessions. The student-to-instructor ratio is 1:8 at this stage. Direct client care begins in Semester 3.
Semester 4
PREP FOR ENTRY TO PRACTICE
Continued clinical training with a 1:7 student-to-instructor ratio, concentrated client-care hours, and preparation for the national board exam. Advanced theory courses and additional concentrated client-care hours prepare you for board exam success and entry into practice.
Total program hours - 1,878
Total client care hours: - 506 hours
Clinical practice hours by semester:
Semester 1: 96 hours
Semester 2: 124 hours
After graduation
Eligible to write the NDHCB exam, with up to three attempts permitted. A pass qualifies you for the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) registration, the credential required to practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Ontario.
Program Details
| Duration | 18 months, four semesters |
| Delivery | Hybrid (online theory, in-person clinical and lab) |
| Credential | Diploma |
| Accreditation | CDAC |
| Campuses | Mississauga (1300 Central Pkwy W) and Scarborough (300 Borough Drive) |
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
Here are the questions we hear most often.
“Is 18 months realistic? Can I work while studying?”
The program is hybrid: theory is taught online, and clinical training takes place in person at Mississauga or Scarborough. It runs on a fixed, intensive schedule; this is a serious credential, not a part-time exploration.
“Will I pass the board exam?”
Our NDHCB board exam pass rate was 92.1% in 2025. That result shows the intensity of training we give to each student. Up to three exam attempts are permitted.
“What does the career actually look like?”
Graduates work in private dental practices, public health units, community dental clinics, educational institutions, and government agencies. Some go on to own independent dental hygiene practices.
Demand is strong: the industry unemployment rate is 0.5%, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is expanding demand for preventive care.
“How much does the program cost, and is financial aid available?”
Tuition is $39,995 for the hybrid delivery model, with an estimated $2,690 in books and $6,620 in other fees, bringing the approximate total domestic program cost to $49,305.
If you need financial help, we offer the following options:
OSAP
Ontario Student Assistance
Program (grants and loans)
Second Career
Up to $28,000 for eligible
career changers
Monthly payment plans
Structured payments during
and after the program
Sit down with one of our Financial Aid Advisors. They’ll assess your situation and work with you to build a funding plan.
Admission Requirements
| REQUIREMENT | DETAIL |
| Academic | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with Grade 11 Math |
| Biology | Grade 11 or 12 Biology |
| English | Grade 12 English OR Mature Student Status with Wonderlic |
| Assessment | Admissions Examination |
| Observation | Dental Office Observation |
| Clinical | Current Immunization |
| Criminal Record | Clear CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) |
Ready to Take the Next Step?
An Oxford College advisor will follow up directly to walk you through admission requirements, program dates, and financial aid options.
There’s no application fee and no obligation.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a full-time, hybrid program
(online theory combined with in-person clinical training),
offered at our Mississauga and Scarborough campuses.
For immediate questions, call us directly at: 1-866-918-0657