Dental hygienists provide clinical care and educational support to individuals and groups of patients. They work alongside and under the instruction of dentists in settings which include general practice, the community dental service, and hospitals.

Duties are likely to include:

• removing plaque and calculus
• scaling and polishing teeth to help prevent gum disease 
• applying antibacterial agents to reduce decay
• administering local anaesthetic under supervision of a registered dentist
• applying temporary coatings and sealants
• encouraging good oral hygiene by providing advice and information.

Hygienists can also take x-rays, and they sometimes have the assistance of a dental nurse.

Throughout their work dental hygienists use a range of dental instruments and make sure that sterile conditions are maintained at all times.

Hours and Environment

Hygienists usually work between 8.30am and 5pm with occasional evening and Saturday duties. Those working in hospitals may need to work shifts or an on-call rota. There are opportunities for part-time work and self-employment.

Community dental work can involve some travel between patients and health centres. Self-employed hygienists can work for a number of practices. Protective clothing is worn.

Skills and Interests

To be a dental hygienist you need:

• a genuine interest in the welfare of patients
• good manual dexterity, able to carry out complex oral treatments 
• the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• a real interest and ability in science
• excellent communication skills to explain treatments
• a friendly and sympathetic approach, able to put anxious patients at ease
• the ability to relate well to a wide range of people including children and people with special needs
• the ability to work well in a team.

Entry

To become a dental hygienist you need to take either a two-year full-time Diploma in Dental Hygiene, or a three-year Oral Health Science degree (the degree allows you to practice in both dental hygiene and dental therapy). On completion of the course, you need to register with the General Dental Council (GDC).

The entry requirements for both courses usually include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in subjects such as English language, biology or human biology, plus either a recognised dental nurse qualification or two A levels/three H grades. You need to be 18 years old to start training.

Courses are offered by dental teaching hospitals, universities, and schools run by the Armed Forces. The British Dental Hygienists' Association (BDHA) website has links to relevant dental schools. Please check with course providers for exact entry requirements.

Reforms to NHS Dentistry will provide more training places for dental hygienists. The School of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry in Portsmouth offer programmes intended to address skills shortages, including a Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy degree. You will not be required to pay tuition fees for these programmes. Contact the School for more details; see Further Information.

Overseas trained dental hygienists wishing to work in the UK should contact the GDC.

Training

Training to become a dental hygienist, on the diploma or degree course, will involve spending time on theoretical study as well as clinical, practice-based work. The course will test your clinical competence, patient management and knowledge of areas such as:

• anatomy and physiology
• general pathology
• orthodontics
• pharmacology
• treatment of periodontal disease
• prevention of oral disease
• diet and nutrition
• oral health promotion
• dental radiography.

You may also be trained on the theory and practice of teaching.

You will develop practical skills initially by using models (known as 'phantom heads'). When you have reached the required standard, you will progress to working with patients.

Some course providers offer post-qualification courses which will help you increase your skills. Refresher courses are also available for those looking to return to the profession after a break.

The BDHA have advice and information on post-qualification professional development. You can work towards maintaining and developing your skills in a number of ways, for example, by attending conferences, courses, workshops and meetings. Check the BDHA website for details.

Opportunities

Most dental hygienists work in dental practices either in the NHS or in an independent general practice. Other opportunities exist in:

• the community dental service
• hospital education
• research, in industry
• health promotion
• specialist periodontal practices
• orthodontic practices
• dental schools 
• the Armed Forces.

Some hygienists work overseas, particularly in Europe.

There is no formal structure for career progression for hygienists, however,  you may be able to progress into an area such as dental practice management or instructing trainee dental hygienists.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. There is no fixed pay scale for dental hygienists. The British Dental Hygienists’ Association make annual recommendations for the pay of hygienists but it is up to individuals to negotiate their pay with their employers.

Hygienists working in an NHS practice can earn around £20,000 a year.
With experience this may rise to around £30,000.
An experienced hygienist working in a non-NHS practice may earn up to around £35,000.

The NHS rates for those working in community dental services will depend on regional agreements.

Further information

St George's Building
141 High Street
Portsmouth
PO1 2HY
Tel: 023 9284 5222 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ
Tel: 020 7887 3800 Mobbs Miller House
Ardington Road
Northampton
NN1 5LP