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Dental Hygiene Practitioners, Oral Hygiene Practitioners, Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Dental hygienists assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate oral health of patients. They help patients prevent oral disease such as cavities and periodontal (gum, ligament, and bone) illness. They may work on their own as independent dental hygiene practitioners or as part of an oral health-care team. Such teams may include:
Most dental hygienists work in clinical settings where they may:
In community (public) health settings, dental hygienists may:
If they have advanced training and are authorized by the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists, they may:
Most dental hygienists work regular office hours. They may work some evenings and weekends. Most clinical procedures require prolonged periods of sitting, sometimes in awkward positions. The most common hazards are back, neck, and shoulder problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome. To reduce risk of injury or strain, dental hygienists must understand and employ ergonomically safe practices.
Dental hygienists use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, masks, and gloves to avoid exposure to saliva, blood, and other biohazards. They use infection prevention and control techniques to protect themselves and their patients. They use safety measures when taking X-rays and using certain chemicals. Dental hygienists may need to lift young children into the dental chair or help transfer adults from wheelchairs into the dental chair.
Those who work in community health or who provide mobile services may visit schools and community groups. They often must transport equipment that may weigh more than 10 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Dental hygienists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 50 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 07, 2021 and Jul 10, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene | 26 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Remove stains and deposits from teeth | 25 |
| Tasks: Clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease | 25 |
| Tasks: Take, develop and mount X-rays | 21 |
| Tasks: Apply fluoride treatment | 21 |
| Work Setting: Dental practice | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 18 |
| Tasks: Conduct initial dental assessments and consult with dentists on patient care | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 17 |
Registration with the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH) is mandatory to practice in Alberta. The University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program serves as the benchmark program of study for registration.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredits dental hygiene programs in Canada. To search for these programs by province, visit the CDAC website.
Graduates of programs other than the one offered by U of A must have their qualifications reviewed by the ACDH for substantial equivalence. Research your options carefully before enrolling.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Dental hygienists assess, diagnose, and treat oral health conditions. They provide therapeutic, educational, and preventive dental hygiene procedures and strategies to promote wellness.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf] and Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Dental Hygienist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 may require academic qualifications at the bachelor’s degree level or beyond.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Dental hygienists and dental therapists
2016 NOC: 3222
97.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $40.00 | $60.00 | $52.70 | $53.00 |
| Overall | $52.50 | $65.00 | $59.23 | $58.56 |
| Top | $54.00 | $85.00 | $66.83 | $65.00 |
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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $88,694 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $88,681 |
| Public Administration | $92,581 |
Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH) website: www.acdh.ca
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) website: www.cdha.ca
Dental Hygienists Association of Alberta (DHAA) website www.dhaa.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.
