Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Dental hygienists provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services and promote total health through the maintenance of optimal oral health. The majority of dental hygienists are employed in dental offices. However, many others practice in community health settings, educational facilities, health care institutions, armed forces, government agencies, and private industry.

Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They are employed by the medical services branch of the provincial government, First Nations bands and health districts. They also work in private practice.

Nature of Work

Dental hygienists provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services and promote total health through the maintenance of optimal oral health. The majority of dental hygienists are employed in dental offices. However, many others practice in community health settings, educational facilities, health care institutions, armed forces, government agencies, and private industry.

Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They are employed by the medical services branch of the provincial government, First Nations bands and health districts. They also work in private practice.

Duties

As members of the dental team, dental hygienists are responsible for providing treatment to help prevent oral disease, such as caries (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease. They are particularly knowledgeable about the preventive aspects of dental disease and the education of patients toward optimal oral health.

Specific duties for dental hygienists include conducting initial dental assessments, consulting with dentists on patient care, taking dental impressions, instructing patients regarding oral hygiene procedures, and cleaning and stimulating the gums to prevent gum disease. They also remove stains from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay, apply fluoride treatment, and take X-rays. Some dental therapists are also responsible for performing restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist and for supervising dental assistants in their health care functions.

Dental therapists conduct dental assessments, often in consultation with a dentist. They may also take dental impressions and X-rays, fill cavities and extract teeth. Other duties include removing stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth decay, applying fluoride treatment, and instructing patients regarding oral hygiene procedures. Some dental therapists supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.

Example Titles

• dental hygienist
• dental therapist

Training Paths

SIAST offers a diploma program in Dental Hygiene and a certificate program in Dental Assisting. Dental therapists can receive training at the National School of Dental Therapy in Prince Albert, managed by SIFC.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: fair

The number of dental hygienists and dental therapists employed in Saskatchewan increased slightly (3%) between 2001 and 2006. Nevertheless, this remains a relatively small occupation with a young work force; 67% of all hygienists and therapists in the province were under the age of 45 in 2006. Consequently, not many new or replacement job are expected over the next few years.

Dental hygienists and dental therapists are paid fairly well in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income for these occupations was $57,280 per year. This is well above the full-time provincial average for all occupations from the same year ($42,300 per year). The highest-paid professionals in these fields earned $89,420 in 2005. Incomes are fairly consistent throughout the province, and part-time employment is common. Nearly 55% of all dental hygienists and dental therapists in the province worked less than full-time hours in 2005.

According to Statistics Canada, 96% of all Saskatchewan dental hygienists and dental therapists were female in 2006. Self-employment is uncommon in these occupations. As well, work in these fields is generally not seasonal and not very sensitive to overall economic conditions. Employment for dental hygienists and dental therapists is concentrated in Saskatchewan's two large cities. Regina and Saskatoon accounted for over 50% of the work force in this group in 2006.

An aging Saskatchewan population and increased attention to dental hygiene may increase opportunities in these occupations. Due to rapid changes in diagnostic and treatment technology, professionals in these fields of work must continually upgrade their skills. Those who stay abreast of new technologies may have an advantage over others seeking employment in these fields.

Professional Associations

There are separate licensing bodies for dental hygienists and dental therapists. All practising dental hygienists in the province must be registered and licensed through the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienist's Association (SDHA). Successful applicants to the Association will have graduated from a dental hygiene education program that is accredited by Canadian Dental Association (CDA) or American Dental Association (ADA) and approved by council. They will also have passed the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board Exam and have submitted a letter of good standing from the last jurisdiction in which they were licensed. An initial registration fee and annual license fees are payable directly to SDHA. For further information, contact:

Saskatchewan Dental Hygienist's Association

P.O. Box 32039

Regina, SK

S4N 7L2

Telephone: (306) 721-7342

Fax: (306) 721-1583

E-mail: sdha@sk.sympatico.ca

All practising dental therapists in the province must be registered and licensed through the Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association (SDTA). Applicants to the Association must have recently graduated from an approved school of dental therapy, recognized by SDTA council, or have worked at least 60 days within five years of their application. An initial registration fee and annual license fees are payable directly to the SDTA registrar. All practicing and non-practicing members of the Association must obtain a minimum number of 36 credits over a three year period to maintain their registration and/or licence. For further information, contact:

Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association

P.O. Box 826

Gull Lake, SK

S0N 1A0

Telephone: (306) 297-2496

Fax: (306) 297-4196

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