Dental Hygienist (SA)

Education and Training:

To become a dental hygienist you usually have to complete a VET qualification in oral health (dental hygiene) or a degree in oral health therapy approved by the Dental Board of Australia. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your SACE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of institutions in Australia offer these courses. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Before undertaking the clinical placements as required by courses, students may be required to obtain a current recognised first aid certificate, a National Police Certificate, a Working with Children Check and fulfil immunisation requirements.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Dental Board of Australia before practising as a dental hygienist in any state or territory in Australia. For full details, see the Dental Board of Australia's website.

The Dental Hygienists' Association of Australia is a professional association that represents dental hygienists at a national level. See their website for more information.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Dental hygienists are mainly employed with dentists working in private dental practices. There are some opportunities in community health centres, dental hospitals and regional clinics.

There are limited training places available and competition is strong.