Who are Registered Dental Hygienists?

All dental hygienists in Manitoba are licensed by the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba (CDHM) as outlined in the Dental Hygienists Act and the Dental Hygienists Regulation.

Protected titles:
Dental Hygienist; DH; D.H.
Registered Dental Hygienist; RDH; R.D.H.
*Or an equivalent in another language

Dental hygienists (DHs) are trained health professionals who apply oral health theory and evidence-based practice, drawing upon the biomedical, social and behavioral sciences.

The role of a dental hygienist covers five primary responsibilities:

  • Clinical Therapy
  • Health Promotion
  • Education
  • Administration
  • Research

Dental Hygiene Education

Dental Hygiene Education in Manitoba

Dental hygiene education in Manitoba is offered by the School of Dental Hygiene through the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba (U of M).

For more information on Dental Hygiene Education Requirements and the Program, visit the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene website.

Dental Hygiene Education Outside Manitoba

There are a number of dental hygiene educational programs across Canada. Dental hygienists may apply for licensure in Manitoba if they have graduated from an accredited Dental Hygiene program from Canada or the United States. Applicants from unaccredited Dental Hygiene programs may apply to the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC) for an equivalency review of their dental hygiene education.

For more information visit the FDHRC website

For a list of accredited dental hygiene programs in Canada see the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada: CDAC 

National Examination

The National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE) is administered by the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC). For information on the examination Click Here

To read about the National Practice Standards, Competencies and Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics Click Here