Overview
Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and services related to oral health promotion and disease and mouth injury prevention. They are employed in a variety of settings including dentists' offices, hospitals, private clinics, educational institutions, public health agencies or they may be self-employed. Dental therapists provide limited restorative dental treatment in addition to dental hygiene services. They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Dental hygienists
Conduct patient screening and oral health assessments, including taking vital signs and documenting patient medical and health history
Take dental impressions
Take and develop X-rays
Perform preventative dental procedures such as teeth cleaning, scaling, gum stimulation and fluoride and sealant applications
Provide oral care instructions such as oral hygiene procedures, strategies to maintain and improve oral health and on the impact of nutrition on oral health
Consult with dentists on patient care
May perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.
May participate in community- or school-based oral health initiatives such as oral screening.
Dental therapists
Perform routine dental check-ups, oral cancer examinations and emergency dental examinations
Take dental impressions
Take and develop X-rays
Perform preventative dental procedures such as teeth cleaning, gum stimulation and fluoride and sealant applications
Provide oral care instructions such as oral hygiene procedures, strategies to maintain and improve oral health and on the impact of nutrition on oral health
Perform routine teeth restorations and uncomplicated extractions and provide post extraction oral care instructions
Refer patients to other dental professionals for care beyond the scope of the dental therapist
Provide oral health promotion activities
May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$78,210
$100,109
$114,708
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
774expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a two- to three- year college dental hygiene program, approved by the governing board within the province or territory of residence, is usually required for dental hygienists.
Dental therapists are required to complete a two- to three- year college diploma from an approved dental institution program.
Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is required for dental hygienists.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Dental hygienists and dental therapists in B.C.
- Registration with British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals - Dental Hygienists
Registration with British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals - Dental Hygienists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a dental hygienist in B.C., you must register with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and successful writing of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.