On Tuesday, November 15^th, the Canadian National Institute of Health Inc. hosted its Fall 2011 Mentorship Program Orientation Session. The Meet and Greet had an outstanding turnout, which included the eight senior student Mentors and their respective forty Mentees. The Mentorship Program at CNIH mirrors the CDHO New Registrant Mentorship Program in terms of recognizing mentoring as a means for professional growth and fostering leadership within the profession.

The Mentorship Program at CNIH is designed for senior student dental hygienists to provide advice, support, and guidance to the junior students. CNIH begins the process by pairing the Mentor’s and Mentee’s together, however once paired it is up the students to design their own relationship by deciding how much time will be involved, what will be discussed, and what methods of communication they will use.

The general guidelines of the Mentor-Mentee relationship are built on respect, trust and confidentiality. Acceptance to participate in the Mentorship Program at CNIH is a commitment to uphold the CDHO Code of Ethics: Beneficence, Autonomy, Privacy and Confidentiality, Accountability and Professionalism.

On November 4^th, the Canadian National Institute of Health held its first on-site flu clinic. Nurses’ from GEM Health Care Services Inc. provided a successful immunization clinic in a friendly environment, making it easier for the participating 50+ student dental viagra and faculty to ‘brave’ the needle.

The flu shot is a requirement for student dental hygienists at CNIH who provide care to  vulnerable population of clients. CNIH decided that hosting this convenient clinic would be beneficial for all student and faculty.

On October 6, 2011, the CNIH faculty attended a workshop, in the series of CNIH Educator’s Workshops, entitled: Relationship Building Concepts for Instructors. The workshop was facilitated by Sara Weaver, SMW, MBA, the CNIH school counselor. The learning objectives were to increase instructor awareness of the power of relationships on the learning experience, open dialogue about the student-instructor relations with the goal of continuous improvement and to empower all members of the CNIH team. The faculty participated in discussions and brainstorming activities related to facilitating the learning of adult learners. It was noted that the quality of the relationship between student and instructor is one of the top three important contributors to a successful learning environment

CNIH has established a partnership with Everest College Campuses throughout Ontario designed to support each institution by establishing: 1) a referral scholarship program, 2) exchange of materials and services and 3) an inter-professional collaboration between the colleges.

CNIH will fund a scholarship program of $1000.00 for every Everest College Dental Assisting graduate that joins the CNIH Dental Hygiene Program. To qualify, the selected student requires a minimum academic achievement of 80% in their program.

CNIH has now partnered with the RBC Royal Bank  for prospective students to obtain Credit Line for Students Professional Designation Program offers students pursuing select degrees the flexibility of a revolving credit facility with greater limit than a traditional Student Credit Line.

The following program, designed especially for students of the Canadian National Institute of Health enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program provides the funding needed to complete the program with minimal interest costs while offering adaptable payment schedule and convenient access to funds.

The CNIH was proud to celebrate its ninth convocation on September 22nd, 2011 at Ben Franklin Place Council Chambers. Eighteen graduates were presented their Diploma in Dental Hygiene in the room filled with proud parents, friends and invited guests.

CNIH Program Coordinator, Nanette Feil-Megill acted as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the new graduates as colleagues in the profession and James Keslassy, CNIH President, presented three awards to outstanding CNIH faculty. The Distinguished Service Award went to Dr. G. Ibrahim who demonstrated a long term commitment and has contributed to the education of students.  The Outstanding Instructor Award went to Donna Harteveld who has been an outstanding mentor, promoting standards of good performance practices, integrity and life skills within the student body. And the Presidents Award of Excellence was given to Nanette Feil-Megill who has been exemplary in their efforts to achieve their own professional goals and to inspire the faculty community to set and achieve the highest standards. 

James Keslassy pictured here with the keynote speaker, Gail Marchand, RDH delivered an inspiring speech on her background and experience working as a dental assistant and later as a dental hygienist for 16 years prior to her becoming the first dental hygienist in Ontario to begin her own dental hygiene practice in 1997.  She discussed the bright future for new graduates and provided advice on how to make it happen.

Deans Award of Excellence presented to Dawn Rose by Nanette Feil-Megill, CNIH Program Director. This award goes to the student with the best aggregate score in theory courses and who consistently strives for excellence.  Golden Scaler Award presented to Dawn Rose by Fiona McGregor, CNIH Program Coordinator. This award goes to the student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in Client Care.  Canadian Dental Hygiene Award presented to Ashley Albrecht by Kathleen Feres Patry, RDH Awarded on the recommendation of the Academic Advancement Committee to a graduating student who is a member of the CDHA and who, during the program has shown outstanding qualities in leadership, scholarship, professionalism and humanity.   Canadian Award of Excellence in Public Health presented to Christina Clews by Ann Wiseman-Raymond, CNIH Pre-clinic Coordinator. This award goes to the student who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and interest in the discipline of community health.

The CNIH held it’s annual summer BBQ on August 18th and treated the student body to great food, drinks and to have an opportunity to show a few in the college that they are “all wet”.

CNIH brought in a carnival style ball pitch – dunk tank and many students lined up to take a shot at hitting the target. The President, Program Director and Director of Admissions volunteered to take a seat and it wasn’t long before you heard the “Splash” as each one ended up getting wet. Great fun and wonderful school spirit!

Graduates from Dental Hygiene programs throughout the country are required to write and pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE) in order to become registered as a Dental Hygienist.

Of the 33 new graduates who wrote the examination for the first time in May 2011, 32 passed representing a 97% success rate.

Nanette Feil-Megill, BS, DDS, RRDH, Program Director, CNIH stated, “Thank you to the faculty and staff for keeping the standards high and ensuring the students receive the knowledge, skills and judgment to become professionals.”

The CNIH was proud to celebrate its eighth convocation on March 28th, 2011 at Ben Franklin Place Council Chambers. Thirty-six Graduates were presented their Diploma in Dental Hygiene in the room filled with proud parents, friends and invited guests.

CNIH Program Coordinator, Nanette Feil-Megill acted as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the new graduates as colleagues in the profession. James Keslassy, CNIH President, stated the significant milestones achieved throughout the past 18 months at CNIH, and welcomed our VIP dignitaries.

Keynote speaker, Michael Read, Ph.D, on behalf of The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate delivered the speech given the dissolution of the 40^th Parliament resulted in sudden changes in plans for Parliamentarians. He concluded with the suggestion to our graduates to “find the time to engage in some form of public service, from running for public office, which includes federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as school boards and committees, to volunteering with charitable service groups. Participation in public service is ultimately working for the common good and there are many ways in which to participate.  Public service is inherently rewarding and I encourage all of you to exercise your right to participate to the fullest. “

Special Recognition Awards:

Deans Award of Excellence presented to Emily Fung by Nanette Feil-Megill, CNIH Program Director. This award goes to the student with the best aggregate score in theory courses and who consistently strives for excellence.   

 Golden Scaler Award presented to Angela Metcalf by Fiona McGregor, CNIH Program Coordinator. This award goes to the student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in Client Care.

 Canadian Dental Hygiene Award presented to Melissa McCrae by Kathleen Feres Patry, RDH Awarded on the recommendation of the Academic Advancement Committee to a graduating student who is a member of the CDHA and who, during the program has shown outstanding qualities in leadership, scholarship, professionalism and humanity.   

 Canadian Award of Excellence in Public Health presented to Christelle Plonka by Ann Wiseman-Raymond, CNIH Pre-clinic Coordinator. This award goes to the student who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and interest in the discipline of community health. 

 Following the convocation, our participating dignitaries posed for a photo. From Left to right:
Dr. Wilbert J. Keon, O.C., M.D., F.R.C.S. – Board Chair, Champlain Local Health Integrated Network
Dr. P.S. Bhoi, MD, FRCPC, FACP – Specialist Physician, Care Medics, Ottawa
James Keslassy, DD – President, CNIH
Michael Read, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor to the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella
Ann Wright, RDH, M.B.A – (Acting) Executive Director, The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
Ottawa City Councilor – Katherine Hobbs
Ottawa City Councilor – Mathieu Fleury
Jeff Cuffe, B.Sc., CCPE – Director of Program Development, CNIH

In March, CNIH established a unique partnership with 14 Everest College Campuses throughout Ontario. This partnership is designed to support each institution by establishing: 1) a referral scholarship program, 2) exchange of materials and services and 3) an inter-professional collaboration between the colleges.

CNIH will fund a scholarship program of $1000.00 for every Everest College Dental Assisting graduate that joins the CNIH Dental Hygiene Program. To qualify, the selected student requires a minimum academic achievement of 80% in their program.

CNIH and Everest College will display their program materials on dental hygiene and message therapy respectively at each campus. Students from each college showing their student ID card will enable the holder to free dental cleaning at CNIH and massage at Everest College.

CNIH and Everest College students will have to opportunity to demonstrate inter-professional collaboration by making presentations at the other campus on how their respective health programs are inter-related and supportive in nature.