Dental hygienists form an important complementary branch of the dental profession. Working under the supervision of a dentist, the dental hygienist helps patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating gum disease and promoting good oral health behaviour.  Dental Hygienists are permitted to carry out the following procedures:

• Give advice in relation to oral health, including dietary advice
• Scaling, polishing and debridement of teeth
• Taking and processing radiographs
• Administer local infiltration and inferior block anaesthesia
• Apply fissure sealants
• Apply desensitising agents

 

A career in dental hygiene will appeal to students who have empathy for people, who are interested in their welfare, and who like carrying out precision work with their hands and have a professional approach.

 

Year 1 is spent between the university campus and the Cork University Dental School and Hospital studying basic medical sciences and introductory elements of dental hygiene. Year 2 is spent in the Cork University Dental School & Hospital and at other local clinical placements.

 

Students benefit from small class numbers and from intense patient contact during the latter stages of training. This is a Full-time programme with clinics, teaching and assessments scheduled throughout the week.