Denturism

Description

As a regulated health care professional, you develop knowledge consistent with a denturist's scope of practice, in particular assisting clients in achieving a beautiful smile. As a student Denturist, you use a problem-solving framework basing all decisions, judgments and interventions on current theory and research. An emphasis is placed on interprofessional education, learning to work within a collaborative oral health-care team, and training in clinical aspects related to your new field of study, including complete and partial prosthetics, immediate dentures, and implants. You employ technologies to design and fabricate digital dentures with the help of design software, scanners, printers and mills. Legal and ethical responsibilities, with an understanding of business practices related to self-employment are stressed and an important part of becoming an independent health care practitioner.

Career Opportunities

Denturists work independently, interdependently and collaboratively with health professionals and clients. Graduates may establish their own clinical practice as an independent practitioner, associate with other denturists or health care providers, or explore a variety of opportunities within the dental industry.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. practice in a professional, ethical and competent manner within the defined scope of practice and consistent with current regulations and standards of practice;
2. evaluate the client’s oral health status to identify needs, justify treatment decisions and provide appropriate referrals to other health care professionals, as required;
3. design, implement and evaluate a range of primary, interceptive, therapeutic, preventive, and on-going oral health care services to meet the unique needs of clients;
4. identify and implement quality assurance standards and protocols to ensure a safe working environment;
5. maintain professional and inter-professional relationships to contribute to client care within the scope of practice;
6. design teaching and learning opportunities that promote positive and inclusive oral health attitudes, behaviours and patient partner experiences;
7. develop and apply strategies such as reflection and career planning, for personal, career and professional development to enhance work performance, client care, and maintain currency with industry;
8. research critically reviewed literature in oral health care to implement best practices within a Denturism setting.

External Recognition

In September 2023, Equal Canada accorded Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology’s Denturism program its highest accredited status until December 31, 2029. EQual accreditation ensures that health professional education programs meet rigorous standards, promoting quality education and training. EQual assesses competencies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their roles in the healthcare system.

The graduates of this program must successfully complete the clinical examination set by the College of Denturists of Ontario to be eligible for registration and practice in the province of Ontario. Registration with the College of Denturists of Ontario is a legal requirement to practice and is subject to the regulations and restrictions established by this governing body.

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Sem 3: Summer 2026
• Sem 4: Winter 2027
• Sem 5: Summer 2027
• Sem 6: Fall 2027

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Math (C or U)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U) or Grade 11 (U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Selection Process

Applicants will be assessed based on previous academic achievements in the prerequisite courses and an average of other courses within their final year of study prior to applying to the program.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional Information

Clinics may require students to have updated flu shots, TB testing and Hepatitis B vaccination as well as a Police Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector Screening and a check of the Pardoned Sex Offender Data Base). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are eligible to participate in clinical placements. The College assumes no responsibility for these matters and students should be aware that tuition will not be refunded in the event that access to a clinic is denied.

In addition to these requirements, applicants must also provide proof of a current First Aid and C.P.R. “HCP” certification, prior to the commencement of clinical courses.

Registration with the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO) is mandatory to practice as a denturist in Ontario. Note: A history of criminal offences or charges of professional misconduct in another jurisdiction or another profession may interfere with your ability to become registered in Ontario. Should either situation apply, you are recommended to seek clarification with the CDO before applying to the Denturism program at Georgian College. 

Applicants are advised that the clinical requirements of the program and future employment require good vision (with or without corrective lenses) and visual perception; ability to stand for prolonged periods of time and manipulate small instruments with repetitive motion. Applicants with back/neck/wrist or visual problems should discuss individual concerns with the Program Co-ordinator. 

Graduation Requirements

27 Program Courses
4 Clinical Practice
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Winter intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
BIOL 1040	Anatomy and Physiology Introductory Concepts	42
DENT 1049	Complete Dentures - Introduction	140
DENT 1078	Introduction to the Profession of Denturism	42
DENT 1079	Orofacial Anatomy for the Denturist	42
DENT 1085	Dental Materials	28
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	378
Semester 2
Program Courses
DENT 1050	Anatomy and Physiology for the Denturist	42
DENT 1080	Principles for the Regulated Dental Professional	84
DENT 1081	Partial Dentures Lab 1	56
DENT 1082	Partial Dentures Design 1	28
DENT 1083	Oral Histology and Embryology for the Denturist	28
DENT 1084	General and Oral Microbiology for the Denturist	42
DENT 2010	Complete Dentures - Intermediate	84
	Hours	364
Semester 3
Program Courses
DENT 2021	Oral Pathology for Denturists	42
DENT 2031	Partial Dentures Lab 2	56
DENT 2032	Partial Dentures Design 2	28
DENT 2033	Preventive Dentistry for the Denturist	28
GERT 1000	Gerontology for the Denturist	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 2011	Denturism Clinic 1	126
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the Communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	364
Semester 4
Program Courses
DENT 2015	Prosthodontic Theory	42
DENT 2022	Radiographic Interpretation	28
DENT 2023	Pharmacology for the Denturist	42
DENT 2034	Introduction to Digital Dentures	84
Clinical Practice
DENT 2024	Denturism Clinic 2	168
	Hours	364
Semester 5
Program Courses
DENT 3009	Pathophysiology and Pharmacology	42
DENT 3010	Nutrition for the Dental Professional	42
DENT 3021	Diversity and Cultural Awareness in the Denturism Profession	42
MGMT 3007	Denturism Practice Management	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 3000	Denturism Clinic 3	168
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	378
Semester 6
Program Courses
DENT 3022	Denturism Consolidation	28
DENT 3023	Dental Implants	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 3012	Denturism Clinic 4	210
General Education Courses
Select 1 courses from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	322
	Total Hours	2170

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of three years (as stated above) may take a maximum of six years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission. 

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.