Dental Hygienist - Working conditions

Kaiakuaku Niho

Working Conditions

Dental hygienists usually work in a team situation at a general dental practice. They usually have their own treatment room.

Under the Health Professional Competence Assurance Act (HPCA) 2003, dental hygienists may also work under in places such as hospitals and nursing homes.
A dentist's chair and equipment in a treatment room.

Theresa Burton's treatment room

 

Equipment

Equipment dental hygienists use includes:

  • dental equipment, instruments and ultrasonic scalers
  • cleaning and sterilising equipment
  • tooth whitening equipment
  • a uniform, safety glasses, mask and gloves
  • educational charts showing the oral disease process.
A tray of dental hygiene instruments.

Dental hygienists use a range of instruments

Theresa Burton looks at an x-ray over a light-box.

Theresa Burton viewing an x-ray to check the condition of a patient's gums

 

Hours

Dental hygienists may work full or part-time hours for one or more dental practices.

 

Contact with people

Dental hygienists are employed by and work closely with dentists. They also work with:
  • patients
  • other dental hygienists
  • dental technicians, periodontists, orthodontists, dietitians and counsellors
  • suppliers of dental care equipment and materials.

 

Theresa Burton.

"You're not working in isolation; you're employed by a dentist and work as part of a team."

Theresa Burton - Dental Hygienist

 
Updated November 2008