Oral hygienists play a key role in preventing and treating dental conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay and oral infections.
With increasing demand for dental services and growing awareness of the importance of oral health, this career path is both financially stable and personally fulfilling. This article outlines the necessary steps, qualifications and skills required to become an oral hygienist, while offering insight into the current state of the profession.
What Does an Oral Hygienist Do?
Oral hygienists work alongside dentists to ensure patients maintain good oral hygiene. Their primary role is to educate patients on oral health care, perform routine cleanings, and apply preventative treatments such as fluoride or sealants.
They also assess gum health, remove plaque and tartar, and advise patients on diet, lifestyle habits and oral hygiene techniques. Oral hygienists are vital in the early detection of oral health problems, such as gum disease and oral cancers.
What Education and Qualifications are Needed to Become an Oral Hygienist?
To become an oral hygienist in the UK, you must complete a dental hygiene or dental hygiene and therapy degree or diploma that is approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). This usually takes two to three years of full-time study.
Courses combine both academic learning and practical experience. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, oral disease prevention, patient management, and clinical practice, among other subjects.
Admission to a dental hygiene course typically requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English, maths, and science. In addition, most courses ask for two or three A-levels, including at least one science subject. Alternatively, you can apply with equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC in Applied Science or a relevant apprenticeship.
What Is The Importance of GDC Registration?
Once you have completed your studies, you must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to legally practice as an oral hygienist in the UK. The GDC ensures that dental professionals maintain high standards of care and remain up-to-date with continuing professional development (CPD).
Registration is renewed annually, and hygienists must complete at least 75 hours of CPD over a five-year cycle. According to the GDC, there are approximately 8,500 dental hygienists registered in the UK. See also how to train to become an orthodontist.
What is an Oral Hygienist’s Career Path and Work Environment?
Oral hygienists typically work in dental practices, but opportunities also exist in hospitals, community clinics, and specialist orthodontic or periodontal practices. Some may choose to work in private practices, which can offer higher pay and more flexibility.
According to the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, the average salary for an oral hygienist in the UK ranges from £31,365 to £44,503 annually, depending on experience and location. There are also opportunities for career progression.
Experienced oral hygienists may move into teaching, research, or management roles. Others might choose to specialise in certain areas of oral health, such as working with children, the elderly, or patients with special needs.
What Are Some Essential Skills To Be A Dental Hygienist?
Being an oral hygienist requires a combination of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Hygienists must be detail-oriented and skilled in using dental instruments to perform delicate tasks.
They also need to have good communication skills to educate and motivate patients on oral hygiene habits. Empathy and patience are crucial, as oral hygienists often work with anxious or nervous patients. Additionally, problem-solving skills are needed to assess and address dental health issues effectively.
How do Oral Hygienists Carry Out the Role of Preventative Care?
Oral hygienists are key players in the field of preventative dentistry, which is growing in importance as people become more aware of how oral health impacts overall well-being.
Studies show that good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Oral hygienists, therefore, have an important role in promoting not just oral health, but overall health as well.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings performed by hygienists are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
According to a study published by the Oral Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have had at least one tooth extracted, and gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. These statistics highlight the significant role oral hygienists play in helping people retain their natural teeth and avoid painful dental conditions.
What are Some Challenges in the Profession?
Like any healthcare role, working as an oral hygienist comes with challenges. Time management is crucial, as hygienists often see several patients in a single day, each with different needs.
Hygienists must also stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and tools in the field to provide the best care possible. Managing patient anxiety and ensuring that patients adhere to their oral health routines can also be difficult.
Furthermore, dental practices are often subject to strict regulations and health and safety protocols. Hygienists must be diligent in maintaining high standards of hygiene and cross-infection control, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed even greater emphasis on sterilisation and patient safety.