Interest in compiling information by conducting initial dental assessments and taking and developing X-rays; may perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of dentists
Interest in precision working with dental equipment to take dental impressions, to clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease, to remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay, and to apply fluoride treatments
Interest in instructing patients regarding oral hygiene procedures; and in consulting with dentists on patient care
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In general, dental hygienists assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate dental hygiene care to help prevent oral disease such as cavities and periodontal (gum, ligament and bone) disease. They may work independently or as part of health care teams that include dentists, dental assistants, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists or speech-language therapists.
Most dental hygienists work in clinical settings where they may:
In community (public) health settings, dental hygienists may:
Dental hygienists who have advanced training and are authorized by the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta may:
Dental hygienists usually work regular office hours but may work some evenings and weekends. Most clinical procedures require sitting, sometimes in uncomfortable positions. Dental hygienists must use safety glasses, masks, gloves, and proper infection prevention and control techniques to prevent the transmission of disease to themselves or their patients. Safety precautions also must be observed when taking x-rays and using certain chemicals. Dental hygienists may be required to lift young children into a dental chair or help transfer adults from wheelchairs into the dental chair.
Dental hygienists working in community health may visit schools and community groups for inspections and educational presentations. They often have to transport portable equipment that may weigh more than 10 kilograms.
The most common occupational hazards are back, neck and shoulder problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dental hygienists need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy working with and consulting others, solving problems, doing precise work with instruments and equipment, providing client care and teaching individuals and groups.
In Alberta, the dental hygiene program at the University of Alberta (UofA) serves as the benchmark program of study for registration. A current list of approved programs is posted on the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Dental hygienists assess, diagnose and treat oral health conditions through the provision of therapeutic, educational and preventive dental hygiene procedures and strategies to promote wellness.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation, registration with the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members, who are authorized by the College, provide restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves dental hygienists.
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated dental hygienists, see Dental Hygienist Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
Registration requirements include successful completion of: (1) a diploma or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from an approved program, and (2) an approved examination. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact the CRDHA.
Dental hygienists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered dental hygienists in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated dental hygienists, see Dental Hygienist Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta
206, 8657 - 51 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6E 6A8
Phone number: 780-465-1756
Fax number: 780-440-0544
Website: www.crdha.ca
Dental hygienists may work as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, health promoters or consultants. They may work in:
Advancement depends on educational background and experience. Teaching, research and administrative positions require academic qualifications beyond the basic diploma program.
Dental hygienists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3222: Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists. In Alberta, 98% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Employee benefits such as insurance plans, workers' compensation coverage, educational leaves and sick leaves are not commonly offered to dental hygienists working in dental practices.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $36.00 | $58.00 | $47.54 | $45.00 |
| Overall | $40.00 | $78.98 | $52.98 | $52.00 |
| Top | $45.00 | $103.02 | $60.10 | $57.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta, (CRDHA) website: www.crdha.ca
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) website: www.cdha.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 20, 2014. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.