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Dental Hygienist

What is a Dental Hygienist?

A Dental Hygienist is a licensed primary healthcare professional. They are oral health educators and clinicians who provide preventive, educational and therapeutic services to the public in the aim of supporting total health for the control of oral diseases. They promote oral health through public education and aid individuals and groups in attaining and maintaining optimum oral health. Dental Hygienist ’s work with all age groups from children to the elderly, providing dental hygiene services essential for the total care program of each individual.

Career Prospects

Dental Hygienists work under the guidance of a dentist and are members of a diverse dental team often working alongside Dental Specialists, Dentists, Dental Technicians, Dental Assistants and Reception staff. The role of the Dental Hygienist is equally important in both private and public sectors and they have the ability to work in more specialised areas of dentistry such as Aged care, Special needs, Orthodontics, Periodontics and Pedodontics, to name a few.

Employment Availability

There is currently a strong demand for Dental Hygienists in both private and public sectors in regional and rural locations in most states of Australia.

How Do I Become a Dental Hygienist?

The University of Newcastle offers the Bachelor of Oral Health Program. It is a 3 year full-time degree underpinned by the relevant biomedical and behavioural sciences.

For more information call 0249217036

See the Bachelor of Oral Health eHandbook entry