How to Become a Dental Hygienist in the UK
Dental hygienists prevent and treat gum disease. You scale and polish teeth, remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, take impressions, apply fluoride and fissure sealants, and teach patients how to look after their teeth and gums, including stop-smoking and diet advice. Most work in general dental practices, often self-employed, while others work in hospitals or community dental services.
Dental hygienist is a regulated role. You must complete a course approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) and register with the GDC before you can practise.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £75,000
- Work environment
- Dental practice
- Time to entry
- 2 - 3 years (diploma)
- Degree required
- Often required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: Stable careers, Career change.
What a Dental Hygienist does
Clean teeth, treat gum disease and teach patients how to keep their mouths healthy.
- General Practice Hygiene - Routine scale-and-polish and perio care.
- Periodontal Specialist - Advanced perio work in specialist practices.
- Direct Access Practice - Run own clinic offering hygiene direct to patients.
- Paediatric Hygiene - Children's preventative dental care.
How to become a dental hygienist in the UK
You need a GDC-approved qualification in dental hygiene, either a diploma in dental hygiene, which usually takes around two years, or a degree in dental hygiene and therapy, which usually takes three years and also qualifies you as a dental therapist. Entry requirements vary: degrees usually ask for A levels including biology, while many diploma courses ask for a dental nursing qualification and experience. After qualifying you register with the GDC, keep up continuing professional development and hold indemnity cover. Hygienists can see patients without a dentist's prescription under direct access, within their scope of practice.
- Check entry requirements for GDC-approved dental hygiene and therapy degrees and hygiene diplomas, which often include biology at A level or a dental nursing qualification.
- If you don't meet academic requirements, consider qualifying as a dental nurse first, which gives you clinical experience and an accepted route onto many diploma courses.
- Get work experience or shadow in a dental practice to see hygiene appointments, periodontal charting and patient education in action before you apply.
- Complete your GDC-approved diploma or degree, which includes clinical training treating real patients under supervision.
- Register with the General Dental Council, arrange indemnity cover, and keep up the continuing professional development the GDC requires.
- Apply for hygienist roles in practices, or work self-employed across several practices, and consider extra training in areas such as periodontal care or tooth whitening.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc in dental hygiene and therapy | 3 years | Tuition fee loan | School-leavers with science A levels |
| Diploma in dental hygiene | About 2 years | Tuition fees, varies by provider | Qualified dental nurses |
| Dental nurse first, then hygiene training | 3-5 years in total | Earn while training as a dental nurse | People without science A levels |
How long it takes
Expect 2 to 3 years of training on a diploma or degree before you can register with the GDC and start work. If you train as a dental nurse first, allow longer.
Dental Hygienist salary in the UK
Dental hygienists usually start on around £28,000 to £35,000. With experience, you can earn £38,000 to £50,000, and hygienists with a full book, specialist periodontal skills or several practices can earn £55,000 to £75,000. Many hygienists are self-employed and paid by the hour or session, so income depends on how many days you work and the rates practices pay. Private practices and areas with fewer hygienists tend to pay more.
Key skills
- Manual dexterity
- Patient comms
- Clinical attention
- Stamina
- Teamwork
Dental Hygienist FAQs
How do I become a dental hygienist?
Complete a GDC-approved diploma in dental hygiene or a degree in dental hygiene and therapy, then register with the General Dental Council. Many people qualify as a dental nurse first, which helps you get onto diploma courses.
What qualifications do I need to be a dental hygienist?
Degree courses usually ask for A levels including biology, plus GCSEs in English, maths and science. Diploma courses often want a dental nursing qualification and experience. Check each course, as requirements vary by university and dental school.
How much does a dental hygienist earn in the UK?
Starting pay is around £28,000 to £35,000. Experienced hygienists earn £38,000 to £50,000, and those with specialist skills or a busy self-employed diary can earn £55,000 to £75,000. Hourly or session rates vary by practice and region.
Can dental hygienists work without a dentist?
Yes, within limits. Under direct access, patients can book a hygienist without first seeing a dentist, for treatments within the hygienist's scope of practice. Hygienists still refer patients to a dentist for anything outside their training, such as fillings.
Is Dental Hygienist right for you?
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