HE Diploma in Dental Hygiene
At Cardiff University School of Dentistry you can study for an HE Diploma in Dental Hygiene. This programme focuses on training ‘dental care professionals’ (DCPs) in providing dental care for patients as a member of a team directed by a dentist. Students who successfully complete this programme are required to register with the General Dental Council upon qualification.
If you are wondering whether a career as a Dental Care Professional is for you, or you just want to find out more about the role of DCP's in providing dental care, then come along to one of our open days.
The Dental Hygienist is an important member of the Dental Team
In addition to helping patients understand the connection between oral health and overall health, Dental Hygienists help patients to improve their oral hygiene and treat periodontal disease to prevent the condition from advancing. Early detection by a dental hygienist can lead to effective treatment and the control of periodontal disease, preventing many of the health, and potentially life, threatening complications associated with this condition.
Dental hygienists are permitted to carry out a range of other procedures such as placing of fissure sealants, taking dental radiographs, taking dental impressions for study purposes. In certain circumstances they may also place temporary dressings in teeth.
Many, but not all, dental hygienists first qualify as dental nurses, acquiring a good understanding of dentistry and care for patients, before taking the additional training required for dental hygiene.