Dental Hygienist
What is the work like?
Dental hygienists provide clinical care as well as advice and information on good oral health to individuals and groups of patients. They work alongside and under the instruction of dentists to help prevent dental problems.
As a dental hygienist, you would use a range of dental instruments to:
- remove plaque
- scale and polish teeth to help prevent gum disease
- apply antibacterial agents to reduce decay
- give local anaesthetic under supervision of a registered dentist
- apply temporary coatings and sealants
- demonstrate and encourage good oral hygiene.
You would also maintain sterile conditions and occasionally take x-rays. For some procedures, a dental nurse may support you.
You could work in general practice, the community dental service, and in hospitals.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Before you can work as a dental hygienist, you need to take a General Dental Council (GDC) approved course. You can qualify by taking one of the following:
- a foundation degree in oral health science
- a Diploma in Dental Hygiene or Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy (two years full-time)
- a BSc in Oral Health Science or Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene.
To get on to either course, you will usually need:
- five GCSEs (A-C), including English and a biological science
- two A levels or equivalent qualifications, or a recognised dental nurse qualification.
Experience as a dental nurse may give you an advantage. Check with individual course providers for exact entry requirements as alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
You will also need to have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check to make sure you are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
See the British Dental Hygienists' Association (BDHA) website for a list of training schools and check the NHS Student Bursaries website for course funding information.
What further training and development can I do?
Your training to become a dental hygienist (on the diploma or degree), will involve spending time at college or university as well as on clinical, practical work placements. On the course you will cover topics such as:
- care of patients
- prevention of oral disease
- anatomy and physiology
- orthodontics
- diet and nutrition
- oral health promotion
- dental radiography.
Once you have completed the diploma or degree you will need to register with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will be expected to keep your skills up to date throughout your career and complete around 150 hours' CPD (continuing professional development) activity every five years. You can do this in a number of ways, for example, by attending conferences, courses, workshops and meetings. The BDHA has details on CPD opportunities.
Where can I go for more information?
St George's Building141 High Street
Portsmouth
PO1 2HY
Tel: 023 9284 5222
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
Ardington Road
Northampton
NN1 5LP
London
W1G 8DQ
Tel: 020 7887 3800
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
There is no fixed pay scale for dental hygienists. The British Dental Hygienists’ Association makes annual pay recommendations but it is up to individuals to negotiate their pay with their employers. The NHS rates for those working in community dental services will depend on regional agreements.
- Starting salaries for dental hygienists can be between £20,200 and £26,200 a year.
- With experience this could rise to around £38,300.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work between 8.30 and 5pm, with occasional evening and Saturday duties. If you were based in a hospital, you could work shifts or an on-call rota. Part-time hours and opportunities for self-employment are often available.
If you were based in the community dental service, your day-to-day work would usually involve travelling between patients and health centres. As a self-employed hygienist, you would often see clients in a number of practices.
You would wear protective clothing when treating patients to prevent cross-contamination.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in the welfare of patients
- a steady hand for delicate work
- the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- an interest and ability in science, anatomy and physiology
- excellent communication skills to explain treatments
- the ability to motivate clients into improving their dental hygiene practices
- a friendly and sympathetic approach and the ability to put anxious patients at ease
- the ability to relate well to a wide range of people, including those with special needs
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team.
What opportunities are there?
You would find most jobs in dental practices, either in the NHS or in independent general practice. You could also work within the community dental service, specialist periodontal practices, orthodontic practices, dental schools, the armed forces and hospital education.
Although there is no formal structure for career progression, with experience you may be able to move into dental practice management or teaching trainee dental hygienists. Alternatively, you could go into a related area such as orthodontic therapy or health promotion.
You could find job vacancies advertised in the local and national press, on the BHDA website and on NHS Jobs.
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