Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists provide treatment and information regarding prevention and treatment of disorders of the teeth and mouth. They typically work as part of a dentistry team but can also find work in hospitals and educational settings.

Typical tasks include:

• providing education and support to individuals and groups on dental health, oral hygiene, plaque control and nutrition
• using various techniques to remove deposits and stains from teeth, including applying professional tooth whitening agents
• identifying and applying prevention and control strategies for decay and gum disease
• carrying out various procedures including placing fissure sealants, selecting and applying braces, removing dental sutures
• taking impressions of patients’ mouths for the construction of study casts, mouth guards and orthodontic appliances
• selecting and administering pain control techniques

Dental Hygienists may take on similar roles to dental assistants in some clinics and practices. Dental Hygienists are mainly employed as part of a dental team in private practices however opportunities also exist in community health settings, dental hospitals and regional clinics. A degree in oral health and registration to practice is required for these roles.