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Dental hygienists (sometimes also known as oral health practitioners) are dental care professionals and work as part of the dental team.

The job

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.

Dental hygienists work in hospitals and in community dental services, but most frequently in general dental practice.

The entry requirements

Five GCSE subjects graded A - C or equivalent, plus two A levels or a recognised dental nursing qualification.

The courses

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.

Financial support for students on dental hygiene courses

For information about financial support whilst taking a degree course in dental hygiene, please click here

Career prospects

Experienced dental hygienists can progress to become practice managers or teach on training courses. There are also opportunities to work as orthodontic therapists.

Registration

It is a requirement that all dental hygienists be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). You can contact the GDC at:

General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ

Telephone:    020 7887 3800
Fax:               020 7224 3294
Email:           CAIT@gdc-uk.org
Website:       http://www.gdc-uk.org/

Further information

For further information about a career as a dental hygienist, contact:

British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy
3 Kestrel Court
Waterwells Business Park
Waterwells Drive
Quedgley
Gloucester
GL2 2AT

Tel:          01452 886365
Fax:         01452 886468
Email:     enquiries@bsdht.org.uk
Website: http://www.bsdht.org.uk/index.html

or

The British Dental Association
64 Wimpole Street
London
W1M 8DQ
Tel: 020 7935 875

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