What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists specialize in the promotion of oral health and prevention of oral disease. They may work in cooperation with a dentist or may have their own practice. With some variation between jurisdictions, dental hygienists generally educate patients in proper oral hygiene, assess and diagnose oral conditions, provide cleaning services, take dental impressions and x-rays, administer local anesthetic, and apply dental sealants and fluroride. Dental hygienists may also work collaboratively with dentists on restorative and orthodontic procedures.

 

How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Education

In most provinces, the pathway to becoming a dental hygienist in Canada begins by completing a CDAC-accredited dental hygiene program. Various program options exist at colleges, universities, and private institutions. Use the search tool on our Find a Program page to find accredited dental hygiene programs.

Certification

Once a student is within four months of completing an accredited dental hygiene program, they may apply to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE). The NDHCE tests the knowledge, judgment, and skills expected of an entry-to-practice level dental hygienist. Candidates who successfully complete the NDHCE will receive a NDHCE certificate.

For more information on the certification process, please visit the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC) website.

 

Other Pathways

Graduates of Non-Accredited Programs

Graduates from non-accredited Canadian dental hygiene programs must complete an equivalency assessment prior to writing the NDHCE. Please view the FDHRC website for more details.

Quebec

Dental hygienists in Quebec follow a different pathway. Please visit the Order des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec website to find out more.

 

Resources

For more information on what dental hygienists do and how to become a dental hygienist, visit the FDHRC website.

For information on becoming a dental hygienist in Quebec, visit the Order des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec website.