Dental Hygienist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Dental Hygienist
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Dental Hygienist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Dental Hygienist?
A Dental Hygienist is a crucial member of the dental team who focuses on maintaining and improving patients' oral health by providing professional cleaning, educating them on proper dental care, and identifying potential issues. They work closely with dentists to ensure patients receive the best possible dental care and prevent any serious oral health problems.
Skills
- Knowledge of dental anatomy and oral health care practices
- Ability to perform dental cleanings and other preventive procedures
- Proficiency in using dental tools and equipment
- Strong communication skills to educate patients on oral hygiene practices
- Attention to detail and ability to identify potential dental issues
- Ability to work collaboratively with dentists and other dental professionals
- Knowledge of infection control and sterilization procedures
- Strong organizational skills to manage patient records and appointments
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and quality of work
- Commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date on industry advancements
Qualifications & Education
- An approved university degree is required for entry into the field of dentistry in the UK
- Completion of a period of postgraduate vocational training is also necessary
- Graduate entry to dental school may be possible
- Registration with the General Dental Council is a pre-requisite to practice
- Specialization in specific fields of dentistry requires further study and training
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot become a dental hygienist in the UK without completing a General Dental Council recognised course at a dental school, which includes a foundation degree in oral health science or a diploma of higher education in dental hygiene or dental hygiene and dental therapy.
It takes either three years to obtain a degree in oral health science, dental hygiene, or dental hygiene and therapy, or two years to obtain a diploma of higher education in dental hygiene (or 27 months if the course covers dental hygiene and therapy) to become a dental hygienist in the UK.
It generally takes between two to four years to become a dental hygienist in the UK, depending on the program chosen and entry requirements of the education institution.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Dental Hygienist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now