Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists work together with the dentist to ensure the aesthetics of patients’ teeth and assist the dentist during treatment. Dental hygienists often work with the patient ahead of the dentist to clean the patient’s teeth and prepare them to see the dentist. Hygienists also provide various tips to patients.
Employment outlook
Excellent
Employment opportunities are excellent in Nova-ScotiaPrerequisits
University courses (30 credit hours)
Biology (6 credits)
Intensive Writing (6 credits)
Vertebrate Anatomy (optional)
Vertebrate Physiology (optional)
Vaccinations current (non-academic)
Interview (non-academic)
Daily tasks
- Greet the patient to put them at ease during the medical examination
- Clean the patient's teeth and gums
- Take x-rays and impressions of teeth and perform other high-quality care
- Prepare, clean, and maintain dental tools and instruments
- Assist the dentist during procedures
- Record, document and archive the images obtained in the patient’s medical file
Required skills
- Analyze situations to find the best solution
- Enjoy working with the public
- Have excellent dexterity
- Love physical work and handling of instruments
- Love teamwork and interdisciplinary
- This work demands close attention to detail.
Similar careers
Salary
$33,00 / hour *
Annual salary at 40h per week: $68 640
Min hourly rate: $30,00 / h ($62 400)
Max hourly rate: $38,46 / h ($79 997)
* Median rate according to Statistics Canada
Work locations
- Hospital center
- Private clinic
Training institutions
Available scholarships in Nova Scotia
Type of diploma obtained
College diploma
Years of study: 2