Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists
(NOC 3222)
in All HealthDental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in dentists' offices, hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, government agencies and private industry. Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work for federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Health
There has been increasing demand for dental services throughout the province, supported by strong growth in population in recent years. A large number of job vacancies for dental hygienists have been noted relative to the annual number of graduates from training programs. Many dental clinics hire hygienists directly, rather than post vacancies on job websites, so applicants may improve their prospects by checking with individual clinics. The number of jobseekers competing for a position may be greater in Halifax than in smaller communities. Full-time, part-time, and fill-in positions are often all available, increasing the chance that applicants will find a position with their preferred number of hours.
Hourly Pay
$32.27
Minimum$35.00
Median$39.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,604
Minimum$53,822
Median$73,756
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$26.60
Median$43.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in dentists' offices, hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, government agencies and private industry. Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work for federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.
Job duties
Dental hygienists:
- Conduct an initial dental assessment and consult with dentists on patient care.
- Take dental impressions.
- Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures.
- Clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease.
- Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay.
- Apply fluoride treatment.
- Take and develop X-rays.
- May complete restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist.
- May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.
Dental therapists:
- Conduct dental assessments and consult with dentist on patient care.
- Take dental impressions.
- Take and develop X-rays.
- Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay.
- Apply fluoride treatment.
- Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures.
- Supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.
- May drill and fill cavities, extract teeth and replace portions of tooth crown.
Sample job titles
- dental hygiene technician
- dental hygienist
- dental nurse
- dental therapist
- orthodontic hygienist
- periodontal hygienist
- registered dental hygienist
- registered dental therapist
Skills
- You should have good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Patience and the ability to handle stressful situations may be needed. You must be efficient and accurate, yet sensitive to the needs of patients. Good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and an aptitude for detailed and precise work are necessary.
Job requirements
- Dental hygienists are required to complete a college program ranging from one to three years, or other approved program in dental hygiene recognized by the governing board within the province or territory of residence.
- Dental therapists are required to complete a two- to three- year college diploma or equivalent credentials from an approved dental institution or complete the dental therapy diploma program offered by the First Nations University of Canada in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
- To become a dental hygienist in Nova Scotia you must complete an accredited education diploma in dental hygiene and be licensed by the College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia.
Other considerations
- Most dental hygienists work regular office hours. They may work some evenings and weekends.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$54,095 median annual incomeCape Breton
$52,460 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$57,021 median annual incomeSouthern
$53,808 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$45,159 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Diploma Below Bachelor
$53,367 median annual incomeBachelor
$54,899 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$57,995 median annual incomeDiploma Above Bachelor
$48,188 median annual incomeMaster
N/ACompared to: All Health
College Diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Dental Hygienist
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to clean teeth and apply preventive materials, provide oral health education and treatment counselling to patients, identify oral pathologies and injuries, and manage dental hygiene practices. They include courses in dental anatomy, microbiology, and pathology, dental hygiene theory and techniques, cleaning equipment operation and maintenance, dental materials, radiology, patient education and counselling, office management, supervised clinical training, and professional standards.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.