Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene assessment and treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They may take dental impressions, remove stains and deposits from teeth, take X-rays, clean and stimulate the gums and apply fluoride treatment. Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They may remove stains and deposits from teeth, take dental impressions and X-rays, fill cavities, extract teeth and replace portions of tooth crowns. Education, Training and Experience People in these occupations require specialized training following graduation from high school.
Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.
They must obtain the national Dental Hygienist certificate and be registered by their provincial or territorial governing body. Dental therapists must complete the dental therapy program offered by Health Canada or an approved college program in dental therapy. Dental therapists must be licensed in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. The proportion of part-time workers in this occupation has increased significantly over the last ten years. The proportion of women in this occupation has increased significantly over the last ten years.