This page provides important information for new graduates who have:
- received their dental hygiene education in Canada or the United States, and
- have never been registered as a dental hygienist in Alberta or any other jurisdiction.
As per the Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation, there are different requirements for graduates of the Council-approved dental hygiene education program and graduates of dental hygiene programs that are not Council-approved.
If you are starting the application process, we recommend you read the information on this page thoroughly before visiting the appropriate application pathway webpage.
For more information about registration with the ACDH, please refer to the following webpages:
Registration FAQs webpage
- Provides information about application timelines, processes, and next steps
Maintaining Your Registration webpage.
- Provides information about maintaining your registration and the annual renewal process
Privacy Statement
- Provides information about how the College maintains the privacy of applicants and registrants.
Resources for New Graduates
The College strongly advises all applicants to read the Application Information document that applies to them thoroughly prior to starting the application process and refer to it regularly during the process. These documents provide detailed information about the registration requirements, processes, and timelines. It is also advised that applicants review and use the Initial Registration Application Checklist to help with a smooth and efficient application process.
Other relevant documents to reference:
Choosing the Pathway that Applies to You
If you have never been registered as a dental hygienist anywhere, use the table below to determine which pathway applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Registering as a New Graduate of a Dental Hygiene Program
If your application for registration is complete more than 12 months after you completed your dental hygiene education, and you are not registered in another jurisdiction, you may be required to demonstrate entry-level competence in another way, i.e. by successfully completing a clinical competence assessment.
Visit the Dental Hygienists Registered in Other Jurisdictions webpage. Please call the College if you require additional information.
If your application for registration in another jurisdiction is approved before your application for registration with ACDH is approved, please call the College for further direction.
The Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH) is a regulatory body, not an educational institute. Currently, the only dental hygiene education program in Alberta is the University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Program.