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Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists  (NOC 3222)
Northwest Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They are employed in dentists' offices, hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, 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 federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.

dental hygienist, dental nurse, dental therapist.

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Dental hygienists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Conduct an initial dental assessment and consult with dentists on patient care
  • Take dental impressions
  • Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures
  • Clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease
  • Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay
  • Apply fluoride treatment
  • Take and develop X-rays
  • May perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
  • May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.
Dental therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Conduct dental assessments and consult with dentist on patient care
  • Take dental impressions
  • Take and develop X-rays
  • Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay
  • Apply fluoride treatment
  • Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures
  • Supervise dental assistants in their health care functions
  • May drill and fill cavities, extract teeth and replace portions of tooth crown.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Thunder Bay, Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances, Geraldton, Greenstone, Keewatin, Longlac, Marathon

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists in Northwest Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists in Northwest Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Northwest Region <Not assigned> 2012-11-30

Compared to other occupations, this is not a significant occupation in this region.

In Ontario, the outlook for dental hygienists is expected to be limited to average for the period 2012-2013. This occupation will continue to have more than an adequate supply of labour, given significant increases in the number of graduates. According to the 2009 annual report from the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, the total number of registered certificate holders for this profession increased 45% between 2005 and 2009. New entrants may have to accept part-time or temporary employment to start due to the strong competition for jobs. A few job openings are expected as more dental hygienists open independent practices. Authorized dental hygienists can now initiate specific dental hygiene treatments without an order from a dentist, resulting from an amendment to the Dental Hygiene Act in 2007.

The workforce comprising dental hygienists is relatively young compared to all occupations in Ontario. According to the 2006 census, under one-fifth were aged 50 years and older; therefore retirement will not generate significant job openings. However, a fair number of job vacancies will arise from maternity and other replacement needs.

Employers in rural and remote areas may encounter difficulty in recruiting these workers. According to the 2006 census, there were over 7,500 dental hygienists in the province of Ontario. The needs of a growing and aging population, as well as greater public awareness of preventative oral health-care, will add to the work opportunities for dental hygienists. Employment opportunities for dental therapists are geographically restricted; nearly all dental therapists are employed outside of Ontario.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.