Career in Dental Hygienist Course in India: A Dental Hygienist plays a vital role in preventing dental-related problems from arising and it is usual for most of us to visit a Dental Hygienist at least once a month. The word Dental Hygienist may be uncommon to some of you but this article will give you an inside review of the career of a Dental Hygienist and various Dental Hygienist courses in India.
From the name Dental Hygienist itself, it is understandable that they are trained people to keep their teeth hygienic. They look after children and senior citizens to help them keep smiling beautifully and without any trouble. In today’s society, Dental Hygienists are considered as the most respected and valued members of the oral health care community.
Who is a Dental Hygienist?
A Dental Hygienist is a dental professional who studies a Dental Hygienist course and is trained to cure and prevent oral-related diseases. They help patients suffering from oral diseases treat them completely with the help of therapeutic methods. Periodontal therapy is the most common and widely used treatment method among Dental Hygienists to help patients with periodontal diseases. The major duties of a Dental Hygienist can be categorized as followed.
- Removing deposits from teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene.
- Patient screening procedures
- Taking and examining dental x-rays
- Applying materials like fissure sealants and topical fluorides to the teeth
- Polishing and scaling teeth
- Keeping patients’ records etc.
What is it like being a Dental Hygienist?
Being a Dental Hygienist, one would get to interact with a variety of people and get to know them well hence good interpersonal skill is a must. Since Dental hygienists are devoted and contribute a part of him to the well-being of society, they are considered the most respected members. Chances to educate or counsel a group of elder people or children are much higher for a Dental Hygienist and sometimes they end up as an oral instructor in universities and primary schools. Unlike other doctors, Dental Hygienist is not a career full of stress as the working time is flexible and chances for emergencies are less.
Various Dental Hygienist Courses in India
To work as a Dental Hygienist or to make a career as Dental Hygienist, one can earn a degree by following a Dental Hygienist course.
| Course Name | Duration |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Dental Hygienist | 2 years |
| Certificate Courses in Dental Hygienist | 6 to 12 months |
Eligibility Criteria
The following are the eligibility criteria for the dental hygienist:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 10+2 with science stream |
| Qualifying Marks | Candidates should have scored a minimum of 50% aggregate marks |
Top College for Dental Hygienist Courses
Some of the best colleges in India offering Dental Hygienist Career are as follow:
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Dental College | Trivandrum |
| KLE Society’s Dental College | Karnataka |
| Patna Dental College & Hospital | Bihar |
| Himachal Institute of Dental Sciences | Sirmaur |
| Pacific Dental College & Hospital | Rajasthan |
| Institute of Dental Sciences | Uttar Pradesh |
Read Also: Know everything about CLINICAL RESEARCH courses in India
Job Opportunities of a Dental Hygienist
A large percentage of the world’s population is in great need of the service of a Dental Hygienist and thus the chances for a Dental Hygienist to find a job are much higher. Most Dental Hygienists work together with a Dentist or a Dental Specialist. In accordance with their expertise and experience, one can choose where to work.
One can opt for independent practice, private practice, specialists practice or a public practice like residential aged care. Orthodontic or Periodontal clinics, nursing homes or hospitals are the other job option for a Dental Hygienist. Those who have a grasp of teaching and counselling can go for giving education to the needed ones or can work as oral instructors in schools and colleges.
Read Also: Expert view: career and courses after class 12th science
Roles of a Dental Hygienist
- Provide dental advice on dental hygiene care and oral health education to patients of all ages
- Work closely with the dental team to treat and help patients in preventing gum disease
- Use a range of dental instruments to clean, polish and scale teeth
- Apply treatments to reduce decay
- Ensure that dental instruments are sterilised appropriately
- Give local anaesthetic
- Apply fissure sealants to protect teeth
- Apply temporary dressings to protect a broken tooth or replace a lost filling
- Encourage and demonstrate tooth brushing and cleaning in-between teeth
- Sterilise dental equipment
- Show care and compassion for patients and put them at the centre of care
- Collect medical and dental histories and maintain patients’ health records
- Work to a professional code of ethics and keep up to date with new developments within the profession.
Skills of a Dental Hygienist
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Effective listening and motivational skills
- Team-work
- Manual dexterity and confidence in handling dental equipment
- good eyesight and steady hands for carrying out precise dental work
- The ability to maintain concentration for long periods of time
- A friendly, confident and professional manner, that will help you interact with patients and colleagues effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which field is best for science students with Biology (PCB)?
Below mentioned Available Courses after 12th Science:
>BDS-dentistry.
>BAMS-Ayurveda.
>BHMS-Homeopathy.
>BUMS-Unani.
>BNYS–Naturopathy & Yogic Science.
>BSMS – Siddha Medicine & Sciences.
>Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc. AH)
What are some of the best career options for a Science student?
Check out our list of the top 7 highest paying science careers for inspiration to guide your science career journey.
1. Geoscientists
2. Atmospheric Scientists
3. Biochemists and biophysicists
4. Medical Scientists
5. Hydrologist
6. Materials Scientist
7. Chemist
8. Nuclear Technicians
Is dental hygiene a good career choice?
This question is among the most common to ask about any career you’re considering. Luckily for you, dental hygienists usually earn more than the average health technologists and technicians.
What is the scope of a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are registered dental professionals who help patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating periodontal disease and promoting good oral health practices. They carry out treatment direct to patients or under prescription from a dentist.
What are the roles of a dental hygienist?
The following are the roles of a dental hygienist:
>provide dental advice on dental hygiene care and oral health education to patients of all ages
>work closely with the dental team to treat and help patients in preventing gum disease
>use a range of dental instruments to clean, polish and scale teeth
apply treatments to reduce decay
>ensure that dental instruments are sterilised appropriately
give local anaesthetic
Read Also:
Which dental colleges in India accept A-Levels done from CAIE(Cambridge) board?