Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Their clinical role includes scaling and polishing teeth, together with applying antibacterial agents, coatings and sealants. They also teach people how to care for their teeth, gums and mouths. With further training they may administer local anaesthetic (in some cases under the supervision of a registered dentist), give temporary fillings and replace crowns with temporary cement in an emergency, take radiographs and take impressions of the teeth and gums for crowns, bridges and dentures. They use a range of dental instruments and may be assisted by a dental nurse.

In hospitals, a dental hygienist might help patients who are having surgery, complicated orthodontic treatment, or who are suffering from particular medical conditions, to keep their mouth healthy.

Entry level
You must be at least 18 before you can start training. To qualify as a dental hygienist, you must complete a two-year, full-time Diploma in Dental Hygiene or a combined Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, awarded by Schools of Dental Hygiene/Hygiene and Therapy or by the Royal College of Surgeons. Manchester University offers a three-year, full-time degree in Oral Health Science, which is also accepted for registration. There are also opportunities to train in the armed forces.

To gain admission, you would normally need two A levels/AH/H grades, or a nationally-recognised dental nursing qualification, or other equivalent qualifications, together with at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent, including English and a science subject.

Making the grade
All dental hygienists must register with the General Dental Council before they can practise, for which the essential qualification is the Diploma mentioned above. Subjects studied on the diploma course include anatomy and physiology, pathology, dental histology, orthodontics, pharmacology, treatment of periodontal disease, prevention of oral disease, oral medicine, diet and nutrition, oral health promotion and theories and practice of teaching. Practical skills are taught throughout the course, starting with practice on artificial teeth and progressing to treating patients.

After registration, you would be expected to keep your skills and knowledge up to date through continuing professional development. Some training schools offer post-qualification update courses for dental hygienists who want to return to work or increase their range of skills.

The University of Liverpool offers a two-year, part-time course for qualified hygienists to become therapists, although increasingly initial courses combine both disciplines.

Personal qualities
Bearing in mind that some patients are extremely nervous of dental treatment, and that you would be dealing with people ranging from very young children to the elderly, you should have a friendly, calm and reassuring manner. Excellent communication and team-working skills are essential, together with good eyesight and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time. You should be good at science, particularly biology, with a high level of manual dexterity.

Looking ahead
There are currently over 3,900 dental hygienists in the UK. Most work in dental practices, while others work in the Community Dental Service, which gives dental treatment to people who can not easily go to general practices, including elderly people, people with physical or mental disabilities and children in schools or with special needs. There are also opportunities in hospitals, industry, dental schools and the armed forces.

With most employers there is no formal career progression, although the armed forces offer a very structured career path. Some dental hygienists go on to become practice managers, while others may become self-employed, visiting several different dental practices to work with patients.

Alternative suggestions
If your main interest is in helping people care for their teeth, you might also consider training as a dental nurse, dental technician, dental therapist or dentist.

Take-home pay
There is no fixed salary for dental hygienists, although the British Dental Hygienists' Association publishes guidelines for hourly rates. In a general dental practice, you would have to negotiate your own salary arrangements with your employer. Rates normally depend on such factors as the location of the practice, whether it offers mainly National Health Service or private treatment, the amount of time you spend on each appointment and the type of treatment you give.

As a newly qualified, self-employed dental hygienist in an NHS practice, you could earn around £20,000. This should rise after five years to around £29,000, maybe more in a private practice. The NHS rates for hygienists in hospitals and the Community Dental Service vary according to regional policy.

Effects
You would generally work a seven or eight-hour day in a warm, bright, well lit and clean dental surgery, but you may sometimes be expected to work evenings and Saturday mornings. Part-time work may be available. Working for the Community Dental Service can mean travelling to see patients in schools, community centres, residential homes or in their own homes. You might also work in a mobile clinic.

You would normally wear a white coat or tunic and surgical gloves, plus a face mask and eye protection for certain procedures.

Sources of information
British Dental Association: www.bda-dentistry.org.uk
British Dental Association, Armed Forces Group: www.bda-dentistry.org.uk/advice/docs/armedforces.doc
British Dental Hygienists' Association: www.bdha.org.uk
Dental Education Resources on the Web: www.derweb.co.uk
General Dental Council: www.gdc-uk.org
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

CRCI: JC