Information for Dental Hygienists from outside Ireland who may be considering coming to Ireland to practise.

Dental Hygiene is a relatively new profession in Ireland having been introduced here in 1991.In 2006 there were 325 registered Dental Hygienists in Ireland. There are 2400 registered dentists. Work opportunities for dental hygienists in Ireland are unpredictable especially outside the larger cities.

DUTIES

The duties permitted under the Scheme for Dental Hygienists are:

1. Cleaning and polishing teeth
2. The provision of supra and subgingival scaling including comprehensive root surface debridement and the application of medicaments when indicated
3. Application to the teeth/gums of appropriate prophylactic materials including solutions, gels and sealants.
4. Giving advice in relation to oral health
5. Administration of local anaesthesia (infiltration and ID block )
6. The placing of temporary dressings and the re-cementing of crowns with temporary cement when fillings or crowns are displaced by the dental hygienists in the course of her work

Dental Hygienists work to the prescription of a dentist. Direct supervision by a dentist is mandatory when administering local anaesthesia or treating patients under oral sedation.

Dental Hygienists do not work independently. Patients are referred from a dentist who has first examined the patient and indicated to the dental hygienist the course of treatment to be provided.

PLACE OF WORK

Dental Hygienist in Ireland work in General Dental Practices, Specialist Dental Practices, Dental and General Hospitals, Health Services Executive (HSE) Dental Clinics, and in a promotional role in the Community.

PAY

Dental Hygienists in Ireland are well respected by the other members of the dental team and the public. They can be employed or self employed and command a relatively good salary. The salary scale for dental hygienists working in the public dental service can be viewed on HSE website. Rates for dental hygienists in General Practice are similar, or a little higher. Self employed dental hygienists provide service to one or more dentists. They generally work on a percentage of the income generated, this percentage ranging from 40% - 50%. The dentist maintains the surgery and equipment and provides materials.

REGISTRATION

The Dental Council will register dental hygienist trained in Ireland and the United Kingdom. As a general rule dental hygienists who have trained elsewhere will be
asked to take an examination through which they can prove their competence to
carry out the duties assigned to the grade.

The examination consists of the following:

A written examination in:
1. The basic sciences.
2. Community dental health, law and ethics, dental radiography.
3. Clinical subjects. (Periodontology, Preventive & Paediatric Dentistry).
A practical test in operative technique.
The clinical assessment of a patient.
Examinations are held at times appointed by the Council. Not more than one examination is held each year. Candidates are allowed a maximum of two opportunities in which to pass the examination. The fee for the examination is €500
STEPS TO TAKE

1. Download an application form and instructions from the Dental Council's website.
2. Submit your application to the Dental Council.
3. Start job hunting.
4. Apply for a working visa with the Dept. of Foreign Affairs - your prospective employer will help you with this. You may not start work until you get this.

USEFUL WEBSITES
www.dohc.ie/publications Search for Salary Scales in the Health Services Executive
www.dentist.ie Irish Dental Association
www.oasis.gov.ie/health Information regarding the Health Services Executive
www.dentalcouncil.ie Dental Council
www.dentaljobs.ie Site with situations vacant and positions available.