The dental hygiene field is one of the fastest growing job markets in Canada today as the population ages and preventative dental care becomes more and more of a priority. In addition to excellent job security, dental hygienists are highly compensated for their work and often enjoy flexible schedules resulting in better work-life balance. Plus, dental hygienists enjoy a wide range of duties and responsibilities focused on oral health beyond cleaning teeth. For example, they assess for gum disease and other oral issues, as well as educate clients on preventative dental care.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about how to become a dental hygienist including: the skills, knowledge and personal attributes that are in high-demand; the training needed to get into the profession; the sort of work opportunities and working conditions to expect; and the best learning opportunities across Canada.
Training & Certification
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.
This program prepares students to practice as primary oral health care providers in a variety of practice environments, including clinical, education, health promotion and research. Dental hygienists are preventive specialists who provide oral health services based on scientific knowledge and … Continue reading
The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to practice as primary oral health care providers. This three-year program focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills and professionalism while applying the dental hygiene process of care. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to … Continue reading
The Dental Hygiene program prepares future dental hygienists to become leaders in the promotion of oral health. Integrating academic studies and clinical practice, the program prepares you to practice with the client and the community, providing collaborative oral health care … Continue reading
The three-year Dental Hygiene Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, delivered over two and half years, combines theory and hands-on skills to prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in preventive dental health care. It allows you to fulfil the … Continue reading
The practice of dental hygiene is “the assessment of teeth and adjacent tissues, treatment by preventive and therapeutic means, and the provision of restorative and orthodontic procedures and services” (DHA, 1991). Students will be prepared to provide oral health care … Continue reading
Work Environment
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.
