A Dental Hygienist is a licensed dental professional specialized in preventive oral healthcare. They play a crucial role in the dental team, focusing on preventing and treating oral diseases to protect the teeth and gums, and also provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to enhance oral health.
Eligibility
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Science stream, having subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Age:
- Generally, the minimum age requirement is 17 years.
Selection Procedure
- Entrance Exams:
- Some institutes may have entrance exams for admission to dental hygienist programs, while others may offer admission based on merit in the qualifying examination.
- Application Process:
- Interested candidates must apply to the respective institutions, fulfilling their specific admission criteria and processes.
- Interview/Screening:
- Some institutions may conduct personal interviews or additional screening processes to select candidates.
Job Opportunities
- Dental Clinics:
- Work alongside dentists in private practices or dental clinics, assisting in patient care and education.
- Hospitals:
- Employed in dental departments of hospitals, providing preventive dental care and support to patients.
- Educational Institutions:
- Teaching positions in dental hygiene programs or assisting in training future dental professionals.
- Public Health:
- Work in community health centers, conducting dental health education programs and providing preventive care.
- Corporate Sector:
- Employment in companies producing dental products, contributing to research, development, and marketing.
Institutes for Study in India
- Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi
- Offers a diploma course in Dental Hygienist.
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
- Known for its comprehensive dental education programs.
- Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai
- Offers diploma and degree programs in dental hygiene.
- Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Provides various courses in dental hygiene and therapy.
- SRM Dental College, Chennai
- Offers specialized courses in dental hygiene.
- Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
- Known for its advanced dental programs.
Career Growth and Advancement
- Advanced Certification:
- Pursue advanced certifications or specializations in areas such as periodontics or orthodontics.
- Higher Education:
- Further studies such as Bachelor’s or Master’s in Dental Hygiene or related fields.
- Experience:
- Gaining extensive experience can lead to higher positions, such as senior dental hygienist or clinic manager.
- Continuing Education:
- Regular participation in continuing education programs to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies in dental care.
Choosing a career as a Dental Hygienist in India offers a blend of professional growth, stability, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients’ oral health