Oral Hygienist

Related Careers

• Dental Laboratory Technician

• Prosthodontist

• Paediatric Dentist

• Dental Assistant

• Dentist

Oral Hygienist are concerned with the promotion of oral health and the prevention of dental disease. They work under the supervision of a Dentist and may work in a Dentist’s private practice, or for the Department of Health in state hospitals, clinics or schools.

Oral Hygienist removes stains and tartar from teeth and polish them, before applying decay-preventing agents to the teeth. They also educate patients about good home dental care and healthy nutritional practices. They sometimes teach in dental hygiene programmes. Oral hygienists perform diagnostic tests for interpretation by the Dentist. They insert temporary fillings and take impressions and castings of teeth. They take X-rays, assist the Dentist in dental operations and remove stitches.