NHS Opportunity: Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienist Current Vacancies

2006-11-27:

Dental hygienists provide clinical and educational care for individuals and groups of patients in the community.

They work alongside and under the instruction of dentists in clinical settings such as general practice, the community dental service, hospitals, industry and the Armed Forces.

Duties can include removing plaque and calculus, polishing teeth, applying antibacterial agents, administering local anaesthetic under supervision of a registered dentist, and applying temporary coatings and sealants.

Hours worked are usually 8.30am-5pm with occasional evening and Saturday work.
Those working in hospitals may have to work shifts or be on-call.
Part-time work is possible, and self-employment may be an option.

Community dental work may involve some travel. Self-employed hygienists may work for a number of practices. Protective clothing is worn.

Most dental hygienists work in dental practices.

Other opportunities include working with the community dental service, hospitals, industry, dental schools or the Armed Forces.

Some hygienists work overseas, particularly in Europe.
Some go on to become practice managers or dental hygienist tutors.

The NHS rates for those working in community dental services will depend on regional agreements.

There is no fixed pay scale for dental hygienists.
An experienced hygienist working in a non-NHS practice may earn up to 38,000. (Permalink)