Salary of a Dental Hygienist in Australia
According to the latest survey, the salary of a Dental Hygienist in Australia ranges from AUD 95,000 to AUD 115,000 annually. This can be accounted as INR 50 Lakh to INR 60 Lakh annually. The hourly rate is somewhere around AUD 50 - AUD 60, depending upon your location, experience and employer.
Roles and Responsibilities
Let us now have a look at the roles and responsibilities you might be asked to fulfil as a dental hygienist in Australia.
Patient Assessment and Screening
This includes tasks like conducting initial assessments of patient's oral health, including examining their gums, teeth, and overall oral structures, performing screenings for oral diseases and conditions, etc.
Dental Cleanings and Scaling
This involves carrying out professional dental cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and performing scaling and root planing procedures to address gum disease and maintain oral health.
Patient Education
The role of helping patients with proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing techniques, flossing and the use of dental care products, is also played by Dental Hygienist in Australia. They also offer guidance to patients on the prevention of dental issues and the importance of maintaining good oral health.
X-ray Imaging
Dental hygienists often need to take and analyse dental X-rays to identify issues not visible during a routine examination. They also assist in the diagnosis of dental conditions and collaborate with dentists on treatment plans.
Periodontal Care
Dental hygienists are bestowed with the task of monitoring and managing patients' periodontal health. They must identify and address signs of gum disease and collaborate with dentists to develop treatment plans for patients with periodontal issues.
Application of Preventive Treatments
This role involves tasks such as administering fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay and applying dental sealants to protect teeth from cavities.
Assisting in Dental Procedures
Dental hygienists also assist dentists during various dental procedures, such as fillings, extractions, and root canals and provide support in maintaining a sterile and organised dental environment.
Infection Control
An important responsibility on their part includes adhering to strict infection control protocols to ensure a safe and hygienic dental practice environment.
Keeping Records
They have to maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including treatment plans, procedures performed, and any relevant patient information.
Collaboration with the Dental Team
Dental hygienists are also expected to collaborate with dentists, dental assistants, and other members of the dental team to provide comprehensive patient care. They must keep themselves updated with current trends and participate in case conferences and treatment planning meetings.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Australia?
Becoming a dental hygienist in Australia involves completing specific education and training requirements. Here are the general steps to becoming a dental hygienist in Australia.
Meet Eligibility Requirements
You must meet the eligibility criteria for dental hygienist education programs. This typically includes having completed high school with relevant coursework in biology and chemistry. For global dentists, this involves ensuring that you have your BDS or any other dental bachelor's degree along with an active registration in any country.
Apply for Registration with the Australian Dental Council
Students who have pursued graduation in Australia can obtain clinical experience and then seek registration with the ADC directly. However, suppose you are a dentist hailing from any country (except Australia and New Zealand). In that case, you have to apply for a skills assessment, provide the necessary documentation and then apply for registration with the ADC.
ADC Examination
Dental hygienists in Australia are required to pass the National Examination administered by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). This examination assesses the candidate's clinical skills and knowledge. Global dentists can take this exam from their home country.
Pursue Internship/Practice
After clearing the ADC examination, you can search for an internship/job in Australia. This helps you gain hands-on experience, post which you get unrestricted registration as a dentist in Australia. You can now work as a Dental Hygienist in your preferred company.
Make sure you follow the professional codes of conduct and guidelines established by the Dental Board of Australia. These standards ensure ethical and safe dental hygiene practice. You can also consider joining professional associations, such as the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (ADOHTA), to stay connected with the dental community and access resources for professional development.
About the ADC Exam
The Australian Dental Council is the mandatory registration exam for global dentists who wish to set up practice in Australia. So, if you hail from any country other than Australia or New Zealand and want to become a dental hygienist in Australia, you need to clear the ADC exam.
The exam has two parts- a written examination and a clinical examination. The ADC has exam centres throughout the world, where aspirants can take the written examination. For the clinical examination, however, you would need to visit Australia.
Global dental professionals can take the ADC exam right after completing their 4-year graduation and getting unrestricted registration in their home country.
Parting Thoughts
You have learnt a great deal about dental hygienists in Australia, including the process of becoming one. While the process involves multiple steps, the ADC exam is the most important. Therefore, you need to ensure that your ADC preparation is robust so that you can clear the exam with full confidence.
To ensure success in the ADC exam and other steps of the registration process, you must enrol into the ADC preparation course by Academically today. The course helps you with all the details, support and resources you need to clear the ADC exam and become a registered dental practitioner in Australia. With Academically, your dream of working as a dental hygienists in Australia can be realised, at an unanticipated cost and time.
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