Unlike dental assistants who act as an immediate aid to the dentist, dental hygienists perform more advanced tasks and have more autonomy working one-on-one with clients.

For starters, dental hygienists will assess and record the overall oral condition of their clients. They take dental impressions and clean teeth with scaling and polishing techniques, in addition to examining the teeth and gums for irregularities or decay. They take x-rays, apply fluoride and other treatments, and are responsible for accurately updating patient records. In some provinces, dental hygienists are able to perform basic oral exams on clients too.

In medical emergencies, the dental hygienist may also help the dentist in administering emergency drugs and oxygen supply.

Dental hygienists should have excellent hand-eye coordination, dexterity and motor skills. They should be organized and adept at problem-solving. Given that most of their daily tasks involve interacting and educating clients, good communication skills are a must. Having empathy is also important as dental hygienists will sometimes need to comfort or counsel clients who are nervous about dental procedures. (According to WebMD, dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety.)

Individuals must earn a diploma or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college, university or private post-secondary institution. Graduates must pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam. To practise in Canada, dental hygienists must be registered or licensed by the regulatory authority in their province or territory. Currently, the entry-to-practice in all provinces is at the diploma level.

Program curriculum typically focuses on oral and clinical science, as well as health promotion and prevention strategies. Programs also consist of work placements, on-campus dental clinics and other hands-on, experiential learning methods that provide practical experience working with clients in various dental settings.

The length of time needed to become a dental hygienist depends on career goals and the level of training desired. A dental hygiene diploma typically takes 18 months to two years, while a bachelor’s degree may take up to four years. A Master’s degree will require an addition one to two years to complete.

Some dental hygienists are employed by dentists, while others are self-employed and split their time between several clinics. There are also mobile dental hygiene clinics so dental hygienists can see clients in residential care facilities, community health centres, prisons or other locations.

Dental hygienists with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree have additional career options. For instance, they may teach dental assisting and dental hygiene students in universities and colleges. They can also manage dental practices as well as healthcare facilities, or administer community-based and public health programs.

Most dental hygienists work in a clinical practice/dental office with a dentist(s), dental assistants and administrative staff. They wear personal protective gear, including face masks, gloves and safety glasses to avoid contracting infections. 

The profession often allows for flexible schedules, with full- or part-time hours. Outside of private dental offices, dental hygienists can work in public health clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals and prisons. Staff size in dental clinics is often small, resulting in a close-knit working environment.

Compensation does vary, however, by city. Here are the highest paying cities for dental hygienists across Canada: