Hygienist - Becoming a Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist has usually been a qualified Dental Nurse, and has an appreciation of dental procedures and a good understanding of infection control techniques.
Training
Training to become a Hygienist gives you the opportunity to provide care to patients which will improve their oral health. The course also includes the teaching of the necessary clinical skills, for example removing deposits using manual and ultrasonic scalers, polishing and flossing teeth,applying gels,sealants and other medicaments. Trainee hygienists receive close supervision throughout their training.
Competition for entry to Schools of Hygiene is high and these Schools are attached to dental teaching hospitals. An additional school is run by the Armed Forces.
Training lasts for two years and covers a wide range of subjects including anatomy of the head and neck, immunology, the causes and progression of decay and gum disease and teaching theory.
The final examination consists of a written paper and a clinical test involving a case presentation and further clinical assessment. After qualifying, a Dental Hygienist must enrol with the General Dental Council, and is then free to practise.
After qualification you can train to study for a Certificate of Oral Health Education at Liverpool, become a Dental Therapist, or train to be a Dental Hygienist Tutor
Entry requirements
The minimum requirements for entry to training are five GCSEs (grades A-C, including English and a science subject) and either a nationally recognised dental nursing qualification or two A-levels.For further information contact:-
Rachel Printer
BDHA Information Officer
10 Vermuyden Way
Fen Drayton
Cambridgeshire CB4 5TA
Tel/Fax 01954 231599
e-mail informofficer@waitrose.com
