Nova Scotia Dental Association

Career Description

Registered Dental Hygienists are regulated health care professionals who work as an integral part of the health care team, providing dental hygiene treatment and education for both individuals and communities.

You’ll get to connect directly with patients about their oral hygiene and provide preventative and therapeutic care and programs, including education. Registered Dental Hygienists perform preventative services such as polishing and scaling teeth, fluoride application, and taking x-rays. They also provide counsel on proper oral hygiene practices and smoking cessation.

If you have a desire to help others, and an interest in health promotion and education, consider a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

A career in dental hygiene can be very rewarding. It allows dental hygienists to practice in a variety of settings. Dental hygienists collaborate with other dental professionals, as well as other health care providers to achieve optimal health for their clients. I love being part of improving clients’ overall oral health, one smile at a time.
— Jackie White, Dip DH, Cape Breton, N.S.

Education

To become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Nova Scotia, you will need a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from an accredited post-secondary institution.

Dalhousie University offers two programs in dental hygiene.

Diploma of Dental Hygiene (DDH)

This three-year diploma program provides the minimum level of education needed to work as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Bachelor of Dental Hygiene (BDH)

This one-year Bachelor of Dental Hygiene completion program is designed for students who have completed the Diploma program and wish to advance their education to the Bachelor level.

Visit Dalhousie University, Faculty of Dentistry for information on both programs. For information on general admission requirements, visit Dalhousie Admissions.