Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (3222)

Among the occupations currently in highest demand in All of Québec

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Qualification and skills most often required

Le diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) en techniques d’hygiène dentaire est demandé. L’adhésion à l’Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec est obligatoire pour porter le titre. Il est important de vérifier auprès de cet ordre professionnel quelles sont les conditions d’admission ainsi que les modalités particulières qui s’appliquent aux personnes diplômées à l’extérieur du Québec. La dextérité, le souci du détail, la courtoisie, des habiletés en communication et des aptitudes pour le service à la clientèle sont des qualités recherchées. La flexibilité quant à l’horaire de travail est requise. Le bilinguisme est demandé.

Reason for labor demand

La promotion accrue de la santé dentaire et l’accent mis sur la prévention favorisent l’augmentation de la demande de soins dentaires. La croissance de la population stimule aussi la demande dans cette profession. Les conditions de travail (travail occasionnel ou temporaire) ainsi que les horaires de travail souvent à temps partiel, sur appel, de jour et de soir sont également à l’origine des besoins en main-d’œuvre dans cette profession. Les congés de maternité fréquents, en raison d’une forte proportion de main-d’œuvre féminine, rendent nécessaire l’embauche de personnel suppléant.

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Job titles

community dental hygienist
dental hygiene technician
dental hygienist
View all job titles

Nature of work

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.

Fields of interest

Providing others with care and assistance

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.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

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 the two-year dental therapy diploma program at the National School of Dental Therapy in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, offered by Health Canada.
* 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, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.