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Dental Hygiene Practitioners, Oral Hygiene Practitioners, Teeth Cleaners
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:
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 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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2011 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 22 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 07, 2021 and Oct 03, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Take, develop and mount X-rays | 14 |
|---|---|
| Remove stains and deposits from teeth | 14 |
| Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene | 14 |
| Conduct initial dental assessments and consult with dentists on patient care | 14 |
| Clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease | 14 |
| Apply fluoride treatment | 14 |
| Remove stains and deposits from teeth | 14 |
| Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene | 14 |
| Conduct initial dental assessments and consult with dentists on patient care | 14 |
| Apply fluoride treatment | 14 |
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.
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.
Keep in mind graduates of programs other than the University of Alberta program need their qualifications reviewed by the CRDHA 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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
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] and Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) 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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Dental Hygienist.
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:
In Alberta, the 3222: Dental hygienists and dental therapists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 113 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
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.
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $42.20 | $54.00 | $46.23 | $42.20 |
| Overall | $50.00 | $62.14 | $56.06 | $55.88 |
| Top | $52.00 | $72.00 | $66.37 | $70.33 |
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
| Public Administration | $92,946 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $83,356 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $83,328 |
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
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
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.