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Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienist

How to become 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

Explore your opportunities

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Dental Hygienist

1

Junior Dental Hygienist

| Up to £27,000
2

Dental Hygienist

| Up to £32,000
3

Specialist Dental Hygienist

| Up to £40,000

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

  • Dental Hygienist : Oral Health Care, CPR/BLS/AED, Dental Radiography and Diagnostic Skills

    NextGen Learning
    20 Courses Bundle | QLS Endorsed & CPD Certified Diploma | Free 20 CPD Certificates | 350 CPD Points | Lifetime Access
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    "Radiate Confidence: Build Your Dental Hygienist Career with This Expertly Designed Training!" Dive into the essentials of Dental Hygiene with 20 expertly designed courses, interconnected to provide a seamless learning journey. Start with foundational knowledge in dental hygien …
    £100

  • Dental Care & Hygiene for Professional Dental Nurse With Complete Career Guide

    Training Express Ltd
    11 FREE Certificates | 11 CPD Accredited Courses | Unlimited Retake | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 60 hours · Self-paced
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    • 100 CPD points
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    ►►► Dental Care & Hygiene for Professional Dental Nurse With Complete Career Guide ◄◄◄ ★★ FREE PDF & Hard Copy Certificate| PDF Transcripts| Lifetime Access ★★ Are you ready to embark on a fulfilling career journey in dental care and hygiene? Introducing our comprehen …
    £65

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."

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