Dental hygienists play a vital role in Canada in promoting the health and well-being of the public and are valued members of interprofessional healthcare teams. Globally, there are exciting and challenging career opportunities for dental hygienists in a variety of roles, including clinicians, educators, administrators, and researchers in a variety of environments, such as:
- private dental practices
- public health and community health centres
- professional dental hygiene associations and regulatory bodies
- homecare and outreach programs
- universities and community colleges
- government (policy and planning, lobbying)
- industry (insurance and dental supply companies)
- consulting
- research
Dental hygienists are educated to assess individual and community needs, plan and implement dental hygiene services, evaluate dental hygiene care outcomes, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
The UBC Dental Hygiene Degree Program gives dental hygiene students the tools to assume greater responsibility and accountability in constantly changing healthcare systems.
Truly a profession for today and the future, the roles of the dental hygienist are evolving to help meet society’s changing oral health needs. Be on the leading edge of dental hygiene education. Be well prepared for the future. Choose to complete a dental hygiene degree!
For additional information about a career in dental hygiene, visit:
While there are many benefits to students who earn a Dental Hygiene degree, please be aware that a degree in Dental Hygiene does not automatically confer the right to practice dental hygiene in any province in Canada. Each province has a regulatory authority that grants the privilege to practice dental hygiene. For more information on the requirements and qualifications to obtain registration in BC, contact the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.