CDHBC Clinical Examination

The B.C. Dental Hygiene Clinical Examination is offered three times yearly. Candidates are examined for safe, entry-level clinical competence over the course of one and a half days; all sections of the examination must be passed to be successful.

Seating is limited, so applicants are encouraged to contact the College well in advance of the application deadline to reserve a space. Complete payment must be received along with the application form; the fee is non-refundable after the application deadline.

For more details, including fees and an outline of the exam format, refer to the Clinical Examination 2010 Information Guide.

Fall session: November 6/7
Application deadline: October 12
Location: Vancouver Community College, downtown campus, 250 W. Pender St.

Who Should Take the Exam?

Foreign-trained dental hygienists and recent graduates of unaccredited programs and/or educational facilities not approved by the College (approved programs are listed in Schedule I) must successfully complete the CDHBC Clinical Examination before being eligible for registration, unless the applicant has passed a dental hygiene clinical exam in another Canadian jurisdiction or is/has been registered in good standing within Canada (contact the College for more information).

Call for Examiners

The College is seeking to expand its pool of examiners for the CDHBC Clinical Examination. In addition to receiving a daily per diem, examiners may claim 10 Continuing Competency credits per exam (to a maximum of 30 credits per cycle).

Dental hygienists who have had experience teaching in a clinical setting and evaluating students to an entry-level competency are eligible. All examiners must attend an entire exam session as an observer (unpaid) before qualifying for examiner status. To apply, fill out the Examiner Application form and send to the College office via fax or email, attention Popi Bowman/Examination Manager. 
 

Areas of Study

The CDHBC Clinical Exam includes evaluation of health and dental history; extra-oral, intra-oral, periodontal, and deposit assessments; implementation (ultrasonic, debridement); radiographic interpretation, including technique critique and interpretation of images; infection control management; safe practice for common medical conditions; professionalism; and completion of the diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

Providing a Client

Each candidate is responsible for providing a client who is able to attend for the entire exam session. Failure to provide a suitable client results in failure of the exam, so it is imperative for each candidate to ensure that the client meets the client criteria.

Because the candidate is not allowed to have prior knowledge of the client’s oral condition, CDHBC recommends consulting at least one registered dental hygienist to evaluate whether the client criteria is fulfilled, although this does not guarantee acceptability.

It is also important to determine whether the client has any physical issues which may cause discomfort during long periods of sitting and oral examinations.

If a client fails to appear or is deemed to be inappropriate for the examination, the candidate will be unable to proceed with the exam unless a suitable replacement is available. Please note that CDHBC employees and examiners are unable to assist in finding clients. For this reason, it is best to pre-screen at least two clients in case of disqualification or extenuating circumstances. As time allows, examiners will assess all of the available clients; however, no allowance will be made for late arrivals.

 

Sample Forms & Study Materials