About Registered Dental Hygienists
History of the Profession
Dental hygienists have been recognized as health care professionals in Canada for more than 50 years. Dental hygiene was legally recognized in BC as a health occupation in 1951. Today there are over 2,400 dental hygienists registered in the province of British Columbia, and about 14,000 Registered Dental Hygienists across Canada.
The first class of dental hygienists educated in BC graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1970. Today there are seven dental hygiene education programs in BC.
Role of the Registered Dental Hygienist
Registered dental hygienists are important members of the oral health care team. They provide a process of care involving professional treatment and advice to help prevent periodontal (gum) disease and dental cavities, as well as ways to support total wellness.
Dental hygienists:
- Assess patient needs; develop a dental hygiene diagnosis; plan and implement dental hygiene services; and evaluate the outcomes of care provided.
- Educate individuals and groups in the care of teeth and gums, and the development of healthy lifestyles.
- Evaluate research, information and techniques so that clients receive the best care.
- Administer programs and clinical practice to promote quality cost effective services.
- Help people get information about the health and dental care available in their community.
Registered Dental Hygienists also work as members of multidisciplinary health teams in residential care facilities, hospital settings, public health units and community care centres. Client care is coordinated in conjunction with other health services such as those provided by dieticians, speech language therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and social workers.
Dental Hygiene Education
Dental hygienists graduating from a program in British Columbia have completed a minimum of three years of post-secondary education. Currently, dental hygiene programs in BC offer either a Diploma in Dental Hygiene or a Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene degree.
The British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association supports the movement towards degree level education as a requirement for entry to practice in the profession.
Practice and Employment Settings
Dental hygienists work in a number of settings, including dental offices, dental hygiene practices, residential care facilities, hospitals, community health centres, public health units, schools and educational institutions.
In BC, the legislation permits a dental hygienist to own and operate his/her own dental hygiene practice. For a Directory of Independent Dental Hygiene Practitioners in BC click here. (PDF Format) Registered dental hygienists in BC may also practice as self-employed contractors if they meet current tax laws and the terms and conditions for self-employment.
Regulation of the Profession
The dental hygiene profession is self-regulating in BC. All dental hygienists in the province must be registered with the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia, which regulates the profession to ensure the public receives safe and effective dental hygiene care. The College of Dental Hygienists sets practice standards, a code of ethics and quality assurance requirements for dental hygienists practicing in British Columbia.
Future Trends
The population demographics and health care trends in Canada indicate that the role of the dental hygienist in areas such as community health centres and residential care facilities will increase in the coming years. Dental hygienists will continue to play an important role in meeting the oral health needs of an aging population, as many Canadians today keep their teeth for a lifetime.