The dentistry field offers many career opportunities for the aspiring candidates, since the demand for quality dental services is increasing tremendously. Dental hygienist is one such profession in the dentistry field. Dental hygienists are the professionals who perform several tasks inside a dental clinic.

Their responsibility is to carry out the cleaning procedure of patients’ teeth. The other responsibilities of them include educate the patients about oral health and hygiene, hygiene procedures and issues, carry out the preventive dental care, help the dentists in dental diagnosing, etc. Some of these professionals also do the cavity prevention treatments, suture removal, temporary fillings and management of certain types of anesthetics. They are also called oral hygienists. In most of the countries dental hygienists work as part time and in more than one dental clinic. They have a significant role in this area and assist in ensuring that the patients maintain their oral care.

Qualifying Exam

The candidates need at least qualification in associate degree to become a dental hygienist. Most of the countries require license for these professionals to practice in a dental clinic. The licensing requirements may differ depending on the country where the candidates wish to practice. Many dental institutions in the country offer the associate degree or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene course. Students need to qualify both the dental and clinical examinations in order to pursue the license. Most of the dental hygienists training are given as associate degree and some employers also accept candidates with certificate course in this. If the candidates wish to enter into a teaching profession or research area, they must have qualification in bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in concerned field.

Who is eligible to apply?

Those individuals who wish to become a dental hygienist should first apply for an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. This can be done after successfully finishing their senior secondary education with biology from a reputed school. On completing this degree programme, they need to apply for the licensing examinations, since most of the countries require these candidates to be licensed to practice as a dental hygienist.

Key points in the process

• Study 12th with biology from and pursue a pass in the concerned examination of a recognized board.
• Pursue an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene course from a reputed university or institution that offers it.
• Obtain the license to practice as a dental hygienist by qualifying the related examinations.
• Find out the job as dental hygienist and apply for it.

Skills required for a Dental hygienist

A career as dental hygienist is most apt for the individuals who wish to carry out their profession by directly involving with patients and who like to have flexibility in their work schedule. The dental hygienists must possess certain qualities and skills to perform in this area. Since they work directly with different types of patients, they must be able to handle them and should have patience. They must be dexterous and should have steady hands to properly and safely clean the patients’ teeth. Besides, they must have good eyesight and communication skills.