Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Working Life

Dental hygienists are concerned with the general health of people's teeth and gums. The dentist sees the patient first and then, if it is appropriate, passes them on to the hygienist to carry out treatment. Hygienists scale, clean and polish teeth as well as apply substances such as fluorides and fissure sealant to prevent decay.

Hygienists also advise patients on how to take care of their teeth. They tell them about suitable diets and show them how to brush their teeth properly and how to use dental floss and mouth rinses.  
 
Sometimes hygienists visit schools or clinics to talk to groups of people about oral health. For this part of the work, hygienists need to be clear in their explanations and able to convince different audiences about the importance of dental care.  
 
A dental hygienist working in a hospital would do all of the above types of work as well as working with patients undergoing surgery or having corrective dental treatment. With this group of patients, the dental hygienist aims to keep the mouth in a healthy condition.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare patient, sterilise or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programmes.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
• Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
• Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.

Further Information

• Dental Hygienist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Dental hygienist- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways into Dentistry and allied dental support. Entry to courses is competitive - if you have qualifications and experience above the minimum, it will be to your advantage. Having trained as a Dental Nurse is also good prospect for getting into this course.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: dental nursing, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: dental nursing.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: dental nursing, dental hygiene, dentistry, dental science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: dental nursing, dental hygiene, dentistry, dental science.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €42k - €61k

Salaries vary by employer (private / State), role, duties, location, and experience

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ HSE Scales / Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paramedics; pharmaceutical technicians; medical and dental technicians; dental hygienists; Health associate professionals n.e.c.; Dental nurses.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was strong for this occupation, particularly between 2021 and 2022. Census data shows that employment grew across all roles in this group between 2016 and 2022, with the strongest growth for pharmaceutical technicans.

The number of online job adverts for pharmaceutical technicians grew strongly in 2022 (+14%); skills in demand included, among others pharmaceutical knowledge, the ability to provide customer service & advice, and business skills, such as product sales.

A small number of employment permits were issued in 2022 for cardiac physiologists and paramedics. The available data sources do not signal any issues in relation to supply and demand for health associate professional occupations; however, if employment was to continue to increase, recruitment issues may emerge.

• Dublin Dental University Hospital

  • Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.
  • (01) 612 7391
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Dental Association

  • Unit 2, Leopardstown Office Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18
  • (01) 295 0072
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Dental Health Foundation Ireland

  • PO Box 12343Dublin 2
  • (01) 672 8870
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Cork University Dental School and Hospital

  • Wilton,Cork
  • (021) 4901100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland

  • Dublin Dental Hospital, TCD, Lincoln Place, Dublin, 2
  • 01 612 7315
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Dental Council of Ireland

  • 57 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 676 2069
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Dental Jobs

  • 52 Delvin Banks, Naul, Co Dublin
  • (01) 8494070
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here