Dental Hygienist

Introduction to Dental Hygienist

Focusing on preventative dentistry, dental hygienists play an important role in the dental team, working closely with other members of the dental team to help patients to keep their teeth clean and healthy. 

A dental hygienist can carry out professional cleaning of the teeth and gums, provide oral health promotion and apply preventative fissure sealants (protective layer) and strengthening fluoride to the teeth of adults and children.

To qualify, a dental hygienist will train for at least one year to complete a diploma in dental hygiene in order to work as a registered dental hygienist. Dental hygienists might then choose to work in general dental practice carrying out routine procedures such as scale and polish and deep gum cleaning. They might also opt to work in a dental hospital or community clinic setting where they can treat patients with more complex oral conditions and less common oral diseases.

Visit the rest of this floor to learn about what life is like as a dental hygienist in Wales! 

Useful links: 

• Cardiff School of Dentistry 
• Bangor University