How to become a Dental Hygienist

How to become a Dental Hygienist Have you got a gap that needs filling? You should become a Dental Hygienist…A Dental Hygienist provide a range of preventative dental care, encouraging patients of all ages to take care of their teeth and gums.Their duties span from giving general advice on tooth care and diet, to implementing treatments that remove plaque, preventing further damage, and improving both the appearance and the health of teeth and gums.Although they’re generally based in private and NHS dental practices, there are also specialist opportunities available in hospitals, as well as the armed forces.Other tasks and responsibilities for a Dental Hygienist include:Cleaning and polishing teethUsing antibacterial materials to help reduce and prevent tooth decayGiving local anaesthetic (under Dentist supervision)Demonstrating correct brushing and flossing methodsApplying sealants and topical fluorides to protect teethSterilising dental instrumentsCarrying out screening and monitoring procedures to assess pati ents’ healthTaking radiographs and making impressions of teethIs it right for me?If you like getting to the root of the problem, a career in dental hygiene is for you (also, if you enjoy terrible teeth-related puns).In order to advise patients effectively, you’ll need to be friendly and empathetic with excellent communication and motivational skills. And because of the hands-on nature of the job, good hand-eye coordination and dexterity is equally essential for anyone looking to become a Dental Hygienist.A good Dental Hygienist must also be:Passionate about helping othersAble to concentrate for long periods of timeConfident using dentistry equipmentCareful and supportive when carrying out proceduresGood at working in a teamKnowledgeable and up-to-date with new advances in the industryCareer Progression Junior Dental HygienistUp to £22,000 Dental HygienistUp to £30,000 Orthodontic TherapistUp to £35,000What's it really like? It’d probably surprise you how much tooth and gu m related problems come down to a lack of knowledge, and having the ability to prevent damage simply through education is actually even more fulfilling than treating it. Although it can sometimes feel like you’re a teacher telling off a naughty child for not brushing twice a day, as long as I’m both polite and firm with my patients, the reactions are almost always good. And, the obvious improvement after the treatments and prevention techniques also helps patience to take my guidance on board. Get qualifiedA General Dental Council (GDC) approved qualification is considered a prerequisite to become a Dental Hygienist. You’d normally need five GCSEs (A-C) as well as at least two A Levels to be accepted onto a course. Previous experience or qualifications in dental nursing could additionally improve your chances of being considered.