Dental Hygienist
On this page
- What's it like to be a Dental Hygienist?
- How to become a Dental Hygienist
- Top skills and experience for Dental Hygienists
- Dental Hygienist role reviews
What's it like to be a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Hygienists usually work at dental clinics performing procedures like dental cleaning, x-rays and the application of substances to clean patients’ teeth and mouths. Sometimes they perform community outreach work, such as visiting schools. A large part of a Dental Hygienist’s work is to educate patients about oral health and therefore prevent the need for major dental surgery in the future. Dental Hygienists generally work normal business hours, with some evening work required if their dental surgery offers evening appointments.
Tasks and duties
- Cleaning teeth, including the removal of plaque deposits and stains.
- Providing advice on matters relating to oral health, dental hygiene, plaque control and nutrition.
- Assessing and recording a patient’s oral health and treatment plans.
- Identifying and applying prevention strategies and control mechanisms for tooth decay and gum disease.
- Applying professional tooth whitening agents.
How to become a Dental Hygienist
To become a Dental Hygienist in New Zealand, you need to complete a certificate or diploma course.
Complete a course approved by the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ). This could be a certificate (Level 5) or diploma (Level 6) in dental hygiene.
Alternatively, complete a three-year Bachelor of Health Science (Endorsement in Dental Hygiene).
Register with the DCNZ. All dental professionals in New Zealand must have current registration to work with patients.
