Dental Hygiene began as a diploma course in Australia at Gillies Plains TAFE in Adelaide in 1976. We now have over 8 courses running in five states in Australia and many of them offer hygiene as a Bachelor's degree. The institutions offering these courses are:
Much of the following information has been taken from infobeagle.com and adapted to Australian regulations
The role of a dental hygienist is Australia is to remove plaque, stain and calculus (tartar) from teeth and to teach patients how to maintain oral health. They are responsible for examining patients' teeth and gums and record the presence of disease. Although hygienists' are not able to diagnose dental disease they are integral in developing a thorough clinical picture for the dentist to interpret.
Hygienists are also able to take radiographs, apply fluorides and pit and fissure sealants and in some cases administer local anaesthetic. The dentist may also utilize the hygienist to polish fillings and in South Australia place temporary fillings.
One of the most important and exciting aspects of dental hygiene is dental health education and health promotion. You do not need to be in a clinical dental setting to be a dental hygienist. In fact sometimes people may be more responsive outside the dental surgery. Teaching groups of people how to brush their teeth or about the importance of flossing, giving presentations on oral health to new mother's and school's and working within aged care facilities are all different areas that dental hygienists' can become involved in.
If you are interested in learning more about being a dental hygienist contact us or one of the above universities.
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