How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work under the supervision of qualified dentists to assist with check-ups, teeth cleaning and whitening, and educating patients on the correct methods of oral care.

This is a mid-level dentistry career that provides job security and a decent income.

Trained to perform specific clinical treatments to prevent disease, dental hygienists remove plaque, tartar and stains from teeth, administer fluoride treatments, and expose and process x-rays. They can work in private practices, community health centres, childcare centres, schools and aged care facilities.

Discover how you can pursue a rewarding career as a dental hygienist with the necessary dental hygienist course.

What do Dental Hygienists do?

Dental hygienists undertake examinations for oral diseases such as gingivitis as well as cleaning and polishing patients’ teeth. A large part of a dental hygienist’s role is to educate patients on the correct methods of oral care and maintaining good oral health.

While dental hygienists usually work in private dental practices, they can also work in community health centres, childcare or aged-care centres, schools and dental hospitals.

Pros

• You generally won’t have to work nights, weekends or holidays.

• You work with one patient at a time.

• There’s minimal emotional investment with patients.

Cons

• This role could get monotonous as you’ll be repeating the same tasks in the same environment every day. But if you’re a fan of routine and you don’t like unpredictability in your workplace, this could be an appealing factor for you.

Top Traits of a Dental Hygienist

Caring Bedside Manner

Some patients can be nervous about dental check-ups and treatments. In fact, research shows a whopping 83% of Australian adults admit they’re anxious about visiting the dentist, and 78% admit to delaying visits for this reason. Dental hygienists should be compassionate and understanding about their patients’ fears and help them feel as comfortable and calm as possible.

Passion for Oral Health

A large part of a dental hygienist’s role is to educate patients on oral hygiene and nutrition to help prevent dental problems down the track. If you’re passionate about oral health and health in general, you can be a genuine role model and advocate for good oral health practices.

Strong Communication Skills

Along with educating patients on oral health, dental hygienists are required to explain the steps behind dental treatments in terms their patients can understand. Clear communication is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and processes can run smoothly.

Attention to Detail

Dental hygienists work in the confined spaces of the mouth, so it’s important they pay careful attention to every small detail. Whether you’re using sharp tools to remove plaque or you’re applying a whitening agent, a detail-oriented personality (and dexterity) will allow you to perform treatments safely.

Requirements to Work as a Dental Hygienist

To work as a registered dental hygienist in Australia, you’re required to complete a qualification in oral health (see below).

You may also be required to obtain a National Police Certificate, Provide First Aid Certificate and Working with Children Check, and fulfil immunisation requirements before undertaking clinical placements required by your course.

Upon successful completion of your dental hygienist course, you’ll need to apply to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Dental Hygienist Courses

If you’re interested in becoming a dental hygienist, Foundation Education has relevant courses to kickstart your career in oral health.

A HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting will qualify you to work as a dental assistant and perform oral health care procedures. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to process reusable medical devices and equipment and comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures.

This nationally recognised qualification teaches you how to encourage good oral health practices, promote your own oral health program, and implement an individualised oral hygiene program. You’ll work alongside a dentist, dental therapist or dental hygienist, assisting with a range of oral health procedures.

If you’re interested in becoming a Dental Assistant, check out our HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting.

A HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting can open doors to a rewarding career as a dental hygienist.

Think you’d enjoy advising patients and the community on good oral health techniques? Take the first step with a HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Call 1300 616 197 to learn more about our Dental Assisting courses or enquire now.