Denturism

Description

In this program, students prepare for careers as Denturists. Students develop knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with their scope of practice, in particular assisting clients in attaining and maintaining oral health. Students gain knowledge and train specifically in clinical and laboratory aspects related to their field, including complete, partial and immediate dentures, and dentures over implants. Students use a problem-solving framework, basing all decisions, judgments and interventions on current research and theory. Students are prepared for the legal and ethical responsibilities of a Denturist with an understanding of business practices related to self-employment. 

Career Opportunities

Denturists work independently, interdependently and collaboratively with health professionals and clients. Graduates may establish their own clinical practice, 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. integrate pertinent theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, morphology and pathology into the provision of denturist practice;
2. integrate principles of physics, chemistry, general science and properties of materials associated with the fabrication of dental prosthetic devices and appliances;
3. operate and maintain dental laboratory equipment in accordance with standard safety and maintenance procedures, WHMIS and infection control protocol;
4. design, fabricate, modify and repair removable prosthetic devices and appliances according to prescription or comprehensive patient assessment (in collaboration with other members of the dental profession);
5. work in a manner that is consistent with current regulations, professional standards, codes of conduct and ethical principles;
6. produce clear and accurate written and oral communications for the public and other professionals regarding denturist issues and services;
7. work collaboratively with patients and other health care providers to facilitate optimal oral health;
8. make decisions regarding denturist services that reflect critical thinking, time management problem solving and self-reflection;
9. manage client and practice information according to relevant legislation, codes of ethics, practice standards, and business;
10. evaluate well managed business practices within health care settings and the community;
11. identify the implications of denturism on the natural environment and to employ environmentally sustainable practices to reduce the impact on the environment.

External Recognition

The College of Denturists of Ontario approved the submission by Georgian for approval of its Denturism Program on November 2, 2017. The graduate 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 2024
• Sem 2: Winter 2025
• Sem 3: Summer 2025
• Sem 4: Winter 2026
• Sem 5: Summer 2026
• Sem 6: Fall 2026

Admission Requirements

OSSD or equivalent with:

• 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 he or she is 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 sit 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

24 Program Courses
5 Clinical Practice
2 Communications Courses
4 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 1013	Head and Neck Anatomy	42
BIOL 1040	Anatomy and Physiology Introductory Concepts	42
DENT 1048	Dental Materials	28
DENT 1039	Dental Anatomy	42
DENT 1049	Complete Dentures - Introduction	140
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	336
Semester 2
Program Courses
DENT 1013	General and Oral Microbiology	42
DENT 1019	Oral Histology and Embryology	42
DENT 1050	Anatomy and Physiology for the Denturist	42
DENT 1051	Principles for the Regulated Interprofessional	42
DENT 1052	Removable Partial Denture - Acrylic	56
DENT 2010	Complete Dentures - Intermediate	84
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	350
Semester 3
Program Courses
DENT 2012	Partial Denture Design	42
DENT 2020	Removable Partial Denture - Cast	56
DENT 2013	Preventive Dentistry	42
DENT 2021	Oral Pathology for Denturists	42
DENT 2022	Radiographic Interpretation	28
GERT 1000	Gerontology	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 2011	Introduction to Clinic	126
	Hours	378
Semester 4
Program Courses
DENT 2015	Prosthodontic Theory	42
DENT 2023	Pharmacology for the Denturist	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 2024	Clinical Practice	168
General Education Courses
Select 2 courses from the general education list during registration.		84
	Hours	336
Semester 5
Program Courses
DENT 3009	Pathophysiology and Pharmacology	42
DENT 3010	Nutrition for the Dental Professional	42
DENT 3011	Collaborative Heath Care for the Denturist	42
ETHC 3001	Ethics and Professionalism	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 3000	Clinical Practice - Intermediate	168
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	378
Semester 6
Program Courses
MGMT 3007	Denturism Practice Management	42
Clinical Practice
DENT 3003	Clinical Practice - Implants	84
DENT 3012	Clinical Practice - Advanced	210
General Education Courses
Select 1 courses from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	378
	Total Hours	2156

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.