Gain an extensive qualification or specialise in a particular field to enable you to pursue high-level employment options. © Career FAQs 2020 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. Many end up teaching if they can. Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified dental hygienists, so employment prospects in this field are great. Since I was 15 years old, I knew I wanted to become a dental hygienist. Perform oral health assessments that include taking a health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, saliva testing and taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, respiration); Expose, process and interpret dental X-rays; Make impressions of the teeth for plaster study models and mouthguard construction; Photograph exterior and interior oral structures to profile stages of treatment and outcomes; Administer anaesthetic injections to numb the teeth and gums; Remove plaque, calculus (soft and hard deposits) and stain from above and below the gum line; Polish the teeth and dental restorations; Perform root planing for non-surgical periodontal therapy; Place and remove a post-surgical dressing and remove sutures; Select and size orthodontic bands, prepare teeth for placement of braces and remove wires and fixed orthodontic appliances; Apply decay preventive agents such as fluorides, varnishes and sealants to the teeth; Teach oral hygiene techniques to help people maintain healthy teeth and gums; and. Dental hygienists assist dental practitioners in oral care check-ups and teeth cleaning services. Dental hygienists need to possess the right blend of scientific knowledge, patient care skills and hands-on clinical proficiency, so if you enjoy working with the general public and you have a strong academic background in biology and anatomy, then you could be a perfect candidate. The majority of dental hygienists are employed as clinicians with dentists in the private sector working in single and group dental practices. Dental hygienists are dental professionals trained in the proper cleaning and care of teeth. The survey also asked dental hygienists about the number of years of employment at the practice where the dental hygienist spends the "majority" of his/her working time. Impeccable personal hygiene and good communication skills are necessary as the role requires close physical contact with patients. Dental hygiene does not provide the security a person needs later in life. A dental hygienist is a registered dental practitioner who provides highly skilled preventive services on all age groups. The average Dental Hygienist salary in the United States is $75,070 as of November 25, 2020, but the range typically falls between $65,197 and $85,359.Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. PRO: Growing Employment. A dental therapist is an oral health practitioner registered with the Dental Board of Australia, who provides dental care to children and young adults generally up to and including those aged 25 years old within a preventative philosophy. Government economists predict job growth for clinical dental hygienists to be one of the faster growing occupations through 2014. Advocates must be up-to-date with research and developments and use a variety of mediums to inform and educate the public about the issues. They greet patients, seat them in the chair and document treatments and dental charts. They prepare treatment rooms, sterilise instruments, hand instruments to the dentist during procedures and ensure examinations and procedures are carried out in compliance with the Dental Practice Act. I did meet a practicing hygienist who is in her sixties and has been doing it for 30 years but I think that’s rare. Our Services. They educate and counsel patients about oral hygiene and nutrition and instruct them on how to look after their teeth after an operation. They may even develop a care plan for the patient to take home. A Dental Hygienist is also a registered primary healthcare professional who provides highly skilled preventive services on all age groups without cutting or removing teeth. To become a qualified dental hygienist and achieve a dental career, you need to gain a tertiary level qualification with the minimum standard being a 2 year Advanced Diploma of Oral Health in Dental Hygiene (only offered in Adelaide, South Australia) Visit Website. Receipt of this degree allows a hygienist to take licensure examinations (national an… They use preventive, educational and therapeutic methods for the control of oral diseases to aid individual patients and groups in achieving and maintaining oral health. L1, 1 Atchison Street Dental hygienists and dental therapists with a non-approved qualification. Dental therapists provide dental care for children and adolescents. St Leonards, NSW 2065. adansw@adansw.com.au Contact your chosen university for more information as requirements may change. Counsel patients on plaque control, good nutrition, smoking cessation and systemic health. A dental hygienist is a registered dental practitioner who provides highly skilled preventive services on all age groups. Being a dental hygienist: daily duties. As a dental hygienist, you will be the first line of defense in the battle against cavities and tooth decay. If a dental hygienist or dental therapist holds overseas qualifications and is not registered in New Zealand then they can: complete an approved qualification, or; undertake the assessment process overseen by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). … Visit website. Join the dental profession in an entry-level role by undertaking one of these vocational courses. They are trained to do specific clinical procedures which aim to prevent dental disease as part of the dental team. Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications. I started out working as a dental assistant at the age of 18. As a clinician they work as part of the dental team to determine therapeutic treatment for each individual patient, but work independently in delivering their dental services. These actions involve the acquisition of knowledge through consultation, perception and examination and may be provided in independent, interdependent and collaborative relationships with the patient and the health care team. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day – morning and … Dental hygienists work together with the dental team in treating patients. Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:. Being a dental hygienist is a great career choice. Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include: 1. patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer scre… KNOW MORE . To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Government economists have predicted that dental hygiene is one of the fastest growing occupations. PURPOSE: Dental care is one of the health services provided to all military personnel. A good dental hygienist is patient with people who may be afraid of coming into the dental office and will be understanding about their fears. © Career FAQs 2020 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. Educator: Dental hygienists can apply the skills and knowledge from their work experience in teaching dental students and dental hygiene students in the university degree programs. The need to provide preventive and therapeutic services that assist people in maintaining healthy natural teeth throughout their lifetime puts dental hygiene career in high demand; now and in the future. I think you will do great in the class room because you are more mature than the other classmates and will take studying a lot more seriously. The RDH may conduct screening procedures. Dental hygiene offers excellent career opportunities for the high school graduate and non-traditional student (i.e. Dental hygienists may also educate patients and advise on brushing techniques and preventative care such as flossing as well as general oral hygiene. Greater numbers of people are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives due to a greater emphasis on oral health promotion and the introduction of new and advanced dental treatments. The International Federation of Dental Hygienists, The Australian Dental Association, Inc. (National), Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health. Registration to practice a dental hygienist job requires proof of successful completion of an accredited dental hygiene diploma or university degree evidenced by the state dental board and once granted must be renewed annually. I have managed dental offices and now in my 50s. Statistics on the Australian labour market - dental hygienist, therapist, technician. There is currently a strong demand for dental hygienists in both private and public sectors in regional and rural locations in most states of Australia, so considering a dental hygienist career would be a great idea. Having prerequisites of biology and chemistry, and Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting can be beneficial. The UAI is considered the best single prediction of tertiary success by most tertiary institutions in Australia. They are trained to perform specific clinical procedures aimed at preventing dental disease. Once you get your degree you don't have to work in a clinic. They stay well informed of the current research and activities to take on an active role of informing, educating and advising the public through health promotion using online, print, TV and radio media, as well an advisory role to the relevant government committees. A dental hygienist should work to make the patient relaxed and comfortable and should fully explain the health reasons and steps behind everything he or she does inside the patient’s mouth. They work within a team environment to assure best practice in providing safe and appropriate dental healthcare. There are a multitude of opportunities for employment in dental hygiene at many levels, from entry level positions requiring vocational training through to specialised study for those pursuing high-level roles in dentistry. Dental hygienists are required to participate in continuing education courses for the renewal of their registration. The field of dental hygiene is displaying a projection of rapid growth. It is estimated that 9 in 10 working-age Americans either … Even though times are very negative in RDH careers now, I enjoy the patient care and still try to make a difference. CPD Toll free: 1800 737 346 They use a variety of tools to remove plaque, tartar and stains from teeth, administer fluoride treatments and assist with x-raying patients’ mouths. You usually need a formal qualification in a relevant field to work as a Dental Hygienist, Technician or Therapist. A typical schedule consists of six to ten patients per day, depending on the age of the patient and the procedure(s) being performed. With further studies and training, dental hygienists can transition from this role to pursue other opportunities within their industry. A dental hygiene career offers personal satisfaction in providing valuable health care services and developing trusting relationships with patients. This is a dental career avenue that can lead toward advanced degrees, such as a Masters degree or a PhD. As well, dental hygiene faculties at universities may also be involved in oral health research. an individual who is over 23 years of age, an individual seeking a career change or re-entry or an individual from a culturally diverse background). Take high school courses in health, biology, chemistry, mathematics, speech and psychology, Apply for work experience in a dental practice or community dental clinic, To perform independent detailed and precise work, Have good interpersonal communication skills, To provide information, education and advice to people of all ages, races and gender, To instil motivation toward healthy goals, Be able to prepare, understand and act on written materials (letters, reports, summaries), To analyse, plan, organise and problem solve, Have good organizational and time management skills, Enjoy working with others in a team environment, Be interested in the delivery of health care, Broadens individual skills already gained in undergraduate program, University of Adelaide offers a clinical Graduate Certificate in Dentistry, Curtin University (WA) offers non-clinical Graduate Certificates in areas of health promotion and public health, Develop knowledge and skills in a related professional area, The University of New England offers a non-clinical Graduate Diploma in Health Management, Curtin University (WA) offers non-clinical Graduate Diplomas in areas of health promotion and public health, Acquiring in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge through research, coursework or a combination of both, The University of Newcastle offers a Master of Philosophy Degree in Oral Health, Curtin University (WA) offers non-clinical master degrees in areas of health promotion and public health, Doctorate programs are in Dental Hygiene and related disciplines (ex: Community Health), Programs in dental hygiene not available in Australia at present, Curtin University (WA) offers a non-clinical doctorate degree in public health Visit Website, Apply credits gained from a diploma or degree program. Editor/Author: Dental hygienists can apply their skills and knowledge toward informing and educating the dental profession on current issues, techniques and research. They examine and record the nature and severity of periodontal conditions, and clean, scale and root-plane teeth. Darkened teeth. 7 out of 10 dentists are members of ADA NSW, The leading provider of development activities for dentists and their teams. To become a dental hygienist you usually have to complete a VET qualification in oral health (dental hygiene) or a degree in oral health or oral health therapy approved by the Dental Board of Australia. Education and training institutions are facilitating post-graduate dentistry qualifications. The Mutual Recognition Act of 1992 allows for dental hygienist graduates and practicing dental hygienists to apply for registration to practice their equivalent dental occupation in any state or territory in Australia as well as New Zealand (Trans Tasman Agreement). I made appointments for both kids to get their teeth checked over. What Is a Typical Day Like? I do hygiene for a day or so if one of our full-time hygienists is out. Too physically demanding. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways. Dental assistants and dental technicians are non-registered members of the dental te… I take care of all the insurance claims and financial responsibilities for a large pedodontic practice. The staff were very suprised, but I explained where I came from children visited a dental hygienist reguarly. Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease—and can help you keep your teeth as you age. They may also find work as advisors to government health departments. A dental hygienist’s clinical role includes a variety of duties that are focused on diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive duties to support total health for the control of oral diseases. New South Wales offers three bachelor degree programs (3 years full time): The University of Newcastle provides honours and postgraduate research programs in health Science. I started as an assistant then later returned to school and became a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists also expose and process dental x-rays. Registered dental hygienists often take x-rays and make impressions of teeth when necessary. Your entry to one of the New South Wales degree programs is based on the UAI (University Admission Index), which is your overall academic achievement in the HSC/ACT Year 12. This could be conducted as part of post-graduate studies and may take place in dental clinics, training programs, laboratories or universities. Enquiries for practice in New South Wales should be made to the Dental Board of NSW for the specific documentation they require. Where can I get more dental hygiene job information in NSW? 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