How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Canada

A career you can get your teeth around

With Canada's population growing at a rate of 0.82 percent a year and the aging population needing more dental care, dental hygiene has become one of Canada's most highly sought after professions. Dental hygienists work for a dentist and perform cleanings (prophylaxis, scaling and root planning), take radiographs, administer fluoride and provide patients with instructions on oral hygiene.

Instructions

1. Take biology, chemistry and physics courses in high school.

2. Research universities and colleges that offer a diploma in dental hygiene.

3. Pass the mandatory testing in English, science and mathematics provided by the university or college that you have chosen to study with.

4. Commit yourself to receiving high grades in the two-year, four-semester dental hygienist program.

5. Successfully complete the National Dental Hygiene Certification examination.

6. Register with the College of Dental Hygienists in the province that you reside or are hoping to work in.

References

• Canadian Living: Canada's 10 Hottest Jobs
• George Brown College: Dental Hygiene Program
• National Dental Hygiene Certification Board