Index

Intro
Main Duties
Employment Requirements
All Titles
Exclusions

Intro

Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They are employed 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 are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.

Main Duties

Dental hygienists perform some or all of the following duties:

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 perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.

Dental therapists perform some or all of the following duties:

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.

Employment 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.
Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is required for dental hygienists.
Licensure is required for dental therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

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