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Becoming a dental hygienist in Canada

Forbes recently named dental hygienist as the #1 best job in health care, and since itโ€™s becoming a more in-demand career in Canada, itโ€™s worth a look.

What do dental hygienists do?

A lot more than just cleaning teeth. Dental hygienists educate patients, check for oral cancers, prevent cavities by placing sealants, administer fluoride treatments, examine your gums, and assess each patientโ€™s overall healthcare. Thereโ€™s definitely a lot of science and expertise involved, but all of it has a purpose and is related to helping patients achieve optimal oral health.

In Canada, there are three ways you can become a dental hygienist.

  1. A 2 to 3-year advanced diploma program offered at most colleges in Ontario. The good news? Ontario is pretty much the mecca in Canada for dental hygiene schooling, so youโ€™re already in the right place.
  2. A bachelor of dental hygiene, which is offered at Dalhousie University and the University of British Columbia. These bachelor degrees also allow you to teach dental hygiene.
  3. A private college program for dental hygiene, which is a bit more expensive than the first two options.

Would you enjoy being a dental hygienist?

  • If youโ€™re into healthcare but want to avoid shift-work, dental hygienists have stellar working hours and the option to work part-time.
  • Itโ€™s a great job for individuals with strong people skills! If you like chatting and working closely with people, itโ€™s a good fit.
  • Dental hygienists spend much of their day standing, leaning and working with their hands. If you are comfortable with a more physical career, then itโ€™s a great choice for you.

To find out more about a career in dental hygiene check The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association website.

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