ABOUT THE ROLE
Dental hygienists are also known as oral health practitioners. They are clinical health care professionals who work within a dental team to help prevent health problems from occurring. Although dental hygienists do play a role in the medical treatment of problems associated with the teeth and gums, their role is more of a preventative one.
A dental hygienist assists in procedures such as cleaning, scraping and polishing the teeth. They may also use topically applied products such as fluoride or sealants. In a hospital, a dental hygienist may help an orthodontist with complex treatments and surgery. As a dental hygienist, there are many places you can choose for a work environment. While the vast majority will work in general dental practices, some will be employed by hospitals and community dentistry practices.
Dental hygienists (sometimes also known as oral health practitioners) are dental care professionals and work as part of the dental team. While dentists concentrate on treating tooth and gum conditions, the dental hygienist has a vital role in helping to prevent problems from arising. As a dental hygienist you would carry out procedures such as scaling and polishing teeth, and applying topical fluoride and fissure sealants. If you are based in a hospital, you would also help patients who are having surgery or complicated orthodontic treatment or those with particular medical conditions to maintain a healthy mouth.
EMPLOYABILITY
It is usually essential for candidates to demonstrate potential in the following skills and attributes, which will be assessed at admissions interviews:
- Strong academic ability
- Self-discipline
- Commitment to completing this long and demanding degree course
- Manual dexterity and technical dental skills, plus the ability to maintain intense concentration for prolonged periods
- The ability to build relationships with patients and colleagues
- High level communication and interpersonal skills, for interaction with patients of all ages and backgrounds
- An interest in the welfare of others and a sympathetic manner
- Good administrative and managerial abilities
- Information technology skills, due to the increasing use of computers for keeping records and accounts, and for digital imaging of radiographs and intra-oral photography
CAREER ENTRY
To practice as a dental hygienist you need to have undertaken an appropriate course approved by the General Dental Council. This will allow you to register with the General Dental Council, which is a mandatory requirement.
The course is usually two years (or up to 27 months) long on a full-time basis and is offered by dental schools and also the Defence Dental Services Training Establishment. Subjects studied include anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, dental health education, dental pathology and the management and care of patients. Several dental schools offer courses combining dental hygiene and dental therapy. Five GCSE subjects graded A – C or equivalent, plus two A levels or a recognised dental nursing qualification.
EMPLOYERS AND SALARIES
Demand for hygienists is expected to increase at significantly faster than average as more people seek dental care and hygienists take over roles previously filled by dentists. Through 2012 dental hygiene is projected to be one of the fastest growing employment fields.
Demand will also be spurred as the population grows and more people keep their natural teeth. Newer dentists are more likely to employ hygienists than are older dentists who will be retiring soon. Increased workloads for dentists will translate into more opportunities for hygienists as dentists will need more help to keep up with the growth.
Career prospects are many and varied once qualified. Dental hygienists can work in many settings – NHS/Independent general practice, specialist periodontal or orthodontic practice, hospital (staff hygienists, tutors/lecturer, and specialist department’s e.g. special needs), education, research, health promotion and community as well as working aboard. There is every opportunity for your career to progress in a way that suits your individual strengths and interests. Salaries for dental hygienists usually start at approximately £19,500 to £25,000 a year. However, once you have gained a reasonable amount of experience, this figure can rise to £37,000 or more per year.
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