Dental hygienists assist dentists in treating patients. They use preventive, educational and therapeutic methods for the control of oral diseases to aid individual patients and groups in achieving and maintaining oral health. They are a licensed para-professional, oral health educator and clinical operator.

Dental hygienists are trained to do specific clinical procedures which aim to prevent dental disease. They work under the supervision of a dentist.

Dental hygienists may perform the following tasks:

• Educate and counsel children and adults on dental health, plaque control, oral hygiene and nutrition;
• Remove deposits and stains from teeth by scaling and root planing;
• Assist in the prevention and control of dental caries (decay) and gum disease;
• Select and use appropriate fluoride treatments and polish tooth restorations;
• Expose and process dental x-rays;
• Make impressions of patients' mouths for the construction of study casts and mouthguards;
• Select and size orthodontic bands (braces), and remove orthodontic wires;
• Apply and remove periodontal packs; and
• Instruct patients in how to look after teeth and mouth after operations.

• Able to perform precise accurate work.
• Good communication skills.

• Dental Assistant
• Dental Therapist

To become a dental hygienist you need to complete the Bachelor of Oral Health. To enter the course you need the VCE including at least 25 in VCE Units 3 & 4 in each of English (any) and Chemistry or Biology. All applicants must undertake the UMAT test. There is no interview for the Bachelor of Oral Health.

Diploma Courses

University of Melbourne, School of Dental Science - Parkville: The Bachelor of Oral Health is a fixed 3 year course, with a combined vocational outcome of hygiene and therapy

Additional Information

To practice as a dental hygienist in Victoria you must be registered with the Dental Board of Victoria.

Employment Opportunities

Dental hygienists are not permitted to set up in private practice, but must work under the supervision and direction of a dentist. They work in private practices, community health centres, dental hospitals and regional clinics. Qualified dental hygienists should not experience difficulty in finding employment.

There is currently a shortage of hygienists for the perceived needs of the work force, due mainly to the shortage of training facilities. There are limited training places available for this course in Australia and competition is keen. The size of the Victorian dental hygienist work force should remain stable.

Contacts

School of Dental Science , Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
720 Swanston Street, University of Melbourne Vic 3010, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9341 1500; Fax: +61 3 9341 1599
Email: enquiries@dent.unimelb.edu.au
Web site: www.dent.unimelb.edu.au

The Dental Practice Board of Victoria, Level 13, 114 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205.
Ph: (03) 9694 9900 Fax: (03) 9699 4711 E-mail: office@dentprac.vic.gov.au

Dental Hygienists Association, Victorian Branch, PO Box 96, Kew VIC 3101. Ph: 015 336 998.

Details courtesy of the JOB GUIDE, Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The JOB GUIDE can be viewed at http://jobguide.detya.gov.au