Dental Hygienist

Taylor Jarvensivu NOC #: 3222

Job Description

Dental Hygienists help maintain the dental health of their patients and prevent oral health problems Dental Hygienists examine gums & teeth visually and with x-rays to find tooth decay or gum disease Dental Hygienists educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques & habits A Dental Hygienist will also report any problems to the dentist

Most work in dental offices Some hygienists are employed by retirement homes ,research labs ,hospitals ,dental supply or pharmaceutical supply companies and dental hygiene schools From bending over ,being a dental hygienist can easily be physically stressful on the back ,shoulder ,neck and also repetitive hand motion can result in repetitive strain syndrome Hours in a workday for majority is 7-8 hours ,overtime is rare 20-40 hours a week is what most hygienists work Full-time hygienists work 5 days a week while

Working Conditions

Earnings can be earned on an hourly ,daily ,yearly or commission basis Hourly Annually
Entry-Level>some earn less than $20 Typical>between $30 & $40 High-Level>as much as $60 Full-time ,(35 hour-aweek) ,hygienists typically earn $55 000 to $75 000. BUT most hygienists work under 35 hours a week.

Earnings

Hygienists' earnings vary depending on geographic location ,level of education ,experience and responsibilities at the workplace.

Education & Training

All programs require at least a high school diploma and some ,1 year of university studies or a bachelor's degree Most programs last 2-4 years and include hands-on experience working as a hygienist Programs focus on the basic sciences such as chemistry and biology, dental sciences ,and behavioural sciences (psychology and sociology). After completing required education, graduates must be registered with or obtain a licence to practise ,from their provinces dental hygiene regulatory o this could involve completing a special exam administered by the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB)

General Qualities
o o o o o o o detail-oriented patient dexterity good communication ability to comfort people positive attitude punctuality

Program Description
Name of Institution: Fanshawe College Name of Program: Dental Hygiene Program Description: A 2 year Ontario College Diploma program. Utilizing an individualized process of care model ,dental hygienists assess ,plan ,implement and evaluate diverse needs of each client. Case study approach is used to integrate theory & hands-on components of the curriculum. Hygienists provide variety of services ranging from health promotion & education

Program Details
Admission Requirements: MATH SCIENCE Grade 11 U/UC Grade 11/12 biology U/C Grade 12 U/C Grade 11/12 chemistry U/C Grade 12 English

Admission Procedures: Minimum final grade required for each course 65%

Other Required Documentation & Notes

evidence of good health pre-clinical/placement condition possession of a Standard First Aid course certificate (Red Cross OR St. John Ambulance) Basic Rescuer course certificate (level "C" CPR)

Sample Career Path: Level 1

LEVEL 1 EARNINGS REQUIREMENTS Dental Assistant $11 to $20 an hour High school diploma Certificate in dental assisting Cleaning and preparing instruments for dentists and hygienists; getting patients ready for treatment; recording observations made by dentists and hygienists; helping dentists and hygienists perform procedures such as administering fluoride treatment or filling a cavity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sample Career Path: Level 2

LEVEL 2 EARNINGS REQUIREMENTS
Dental Hygienist $30 000 to $60 000 a year Diploma or degree in dental hygiene Possibly experience as a dental assistant Pass dental hygiene licensing exam Scaling (removing plaque and tartar from teeth); teaching patients proper oral hygiene; taking x-rays; checking for cavities; administering fluoride treatments; polishing teeth; assessing gums; applying plastic sealants to teeth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sample Career Path: Level 3

LEVEL 3 EARNINGS
Senior Dental Hygienist $40 000 to $75 000 a year

REQUIREMENTS

Trained to carry out advanced procedures and duties Scaling (removing plaque and tartar from teeth); teaching patients proper oral hygiene; taking x-rays; checking for cavities; administering fluoride treatments; polishing teeth; assessing gums; applying plastic sealants to teeth; placing fillings; polishing fillings; possibly administering local anesthetics

RESPONSIBILITIES

Related Careers
Dental Lab Tech Denturist Medical Lab Tech Pharmacy Technician Dentist Orthodontist Cardiovascular Tech Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Health Records Professional

Interesting Facts

Tooth decay is 1 of the most common childhood diseases... 5 times as common as asthma On average ,90% of adults have 23.5 teeth The major cause of bad breath is from your tongue o Brushing your tongue can reduce bad breath up to 70% At almost 4 missing/decaying teeth in its child population ,Poland has the WORST