Teeth Cleaners, Oral Hygiene Practitioners, Dental Hygiene Practitioners
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:
| Starting | $47.48 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $53.08 |
| Top | $58.40 |
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.
Dental hygienists assess, diagnose, plan, carry out, and evaluate dental hygiene. They help prevent oral disease such as cavities and periodontal (gum, ligament and bone) disease. They may work on their own or as part of a 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 College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta, they may:
Most dental hygienists work regular office hours. They may work some evenings and weekends. Most clinical procedures require sitting, sometimes in awkward positions. Dental hygienists must use personal protective equipment (such as safety glasses, masks, and gloves). They also 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. They may have to help transfer adults from wheelchairs into the dental chair.
Those who work in community health may visit schools and community groups. They often have to transport equipment that may weigh more than 10 kilograms.
The most common hazards are back, neck and shoulder problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dental hygienists need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Registration with the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) is mandatory in order 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.
Applicants for registration who graduate from other programs need their qualifications reviewed by the college to assess substantial equivalence to the University of Alberta program.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
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 learn about certification for internationally educated dental hygienists, see Dental Hygienist Registration Process.
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 at the bachelor’s degree level or beyond.
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 [pdf] 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 | $22.50 | $60.00 | $47.48 | $48.00 |
| Overall | $29.00 | $68.53 | $53.08 | $52.12 |
| Top | $36.00 | $75.00 | $58.40 | $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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $84,724 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $84,686 |
| Public Administration | $77,437 |
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 call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.