Back to Career Guides

How to become a Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist jobs

Dental Hygienist courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Dental Hygienist

Junior Dental Hygienist

| Up to £27,000

Dental Hygienist

| Up to £32,000

Specialist Dental Hygienist

| Up to £40,000

The role of a Dental Hygienist

What does a Dental Hygienist do?

Have you got a gap that needs filling? You should become a Dental Hygienist…

A Dental Hygienist provide a range of preventative dental care, encouraging patients of all ages to take care of their teeth and gums.

Their duties span from giving general advice on tooth care and diet, to implementing treatments that remove plaque, preventing further damage, and improving both the appearance and the health of teeth and gums.

Although they’re generally based in private and NHS dental practices, there are also specialist opportunities available in hospitals, as well as the armed forces.

Other tasks and responsibilities for a Dental Hygienist include:

Cleaning and polishing teeth
Using antibacterial materials to help reduce and prevent tooth decay
Giving local anaesthetic (under Dentist supervision)
Demonstrating correct brushing and flossing methods
Applying sealants and topical fluorides to protect teeth
Sterilising dental instruments
Carrying out screening and monitoring procedures to assess patients’ health
Taking radiographs and making impressions of teeth

Is a career as a Dental Hygienist right for me?

If you like getting to the root of the problem, a career in dental hygiene is for you (also, if you enjoy terrible teeth-related puns).

In order to advise patients effectively, you’ll need to be friendly and empathetic with excellent communication and motivational skills. And because of the hands-on nature of the job, good hand-eye coordination and dexterity is equally essential for anyone looking to become a Dental Hygienist.

A good Dental Hygienist must also be:

Passionate about helping others
Able to concentrate for long periods of time
Confident using dentistry equipment
Careful and supportive when carrying out procedures
Good at working in a team
Knowledgeable and up-to-date with new advances in the industry

What's it like to be a Dental Hygienist?

"It’d probably surprise you how much tooth and gum related problems come down to a lack of knowledge, and having the ability to prevent damage simply through education is actually even more fulfilling than treating it. Although it can sometimes feel like you’re a teacher telling off a naughty child for not brushing twice a day, as long as I’m both polite and firm with my patients, the reactions are almost always good. And, the obvious improvement after the treatments and prevention techniques also helps patience to take my guidance on board."

Get qualified as a Dental Hygienist

A General Dental Council (GDC) approved qualification is considered a prerequisite to become a Dental Hygienist. You’d normally need five GCSEs (A-C) as well as at least two A Levels to be accepted onto a course. Additionally, continuous professional development (CPD) is essential for maintaining registration and staying updated with dental hygiene advancements, and additional certifications and practical clinical experience could enhance your career prospects.

Recommended Dental hygienist courses

Oral Care: Dental Assistant Training Course

Training Excellence

3-in-1 Course Bundle | Last Updated 2026 | PDF Certificate | 24/7 Tutor Support, Lifetime Access | Money-Back Guarantee
- Compare
- Online
- 4.8 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

★★★ 99% Positive Review From Learners! ★★★ Training Excellence – 3-in-1 Course Bundle Oral Care: Dental Assistant Training Course Medical Assistant Training Adult Nursing Learning Features 100% online learning — available anytime, anywhere Mobile, tablet & desktop friendly Un …
£19
Professional Oral Health and Hygiene Training

High Skills Training

*Complete 3 Courses in One Bundle* | PDF Certificate | Lifetime Access | Expert Help | 14-Day Money-Back Promise
- Compare
- Online
- 4.8 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

Last Update: August 2026 CPD-Certified Professional Oral Health and Hygiene Training Overview The Professional Oral Health and Hygiene Training course provides learners with practical knowledge of oral health, hygiene, prevention, and healthy daily dental-care habits. It is sui …
£25