32111

Dental hygienists and dental therapists

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

3 › 32 › 321 › 3211

Definition

Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and services related to oral health promotion and disease and mouth injury prevention. They are employed in a variety of settings including dentists' offices, hospitals, private clinics, educational institutions, public health agencies or they may be self-employed. Dental therapists provide limited restorative dental treatment in addition to dental hygiene services. They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Dental hygienists
Conduct patient screening and oral health assessments, including taking vital signs and documenting patient medical and health history
Take dental impressions
Take and develop X-rays
Perform preventative dental procedures such as teeth cleaning, scaling, gum stimulation and fluoride and sealant applications
Provide oral care instructions such as oral hygiene procedures, strategies to maintain and improve oral health and on the impact of nutrition on oral health
Consult with dentists on patient care
May perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.
May participate in community- or school-based oral health initiatives such as oral screening.
Dental therapists
Perform routine dental check-ups, oral cancer examinations and emergency dental examinations
Take dental impressions
Take and develop X-rays
Perform preventative dental procedures such as teeth cleaning, gum stimulation and fluoride and sealant applications
Provide oral care instructions such as oral hygiene procedures, strategies to maintain and improve oral health and on the impact of nutrition on oral health
Perform routine teeth restorations and uncomplicated extractions and provide post extraction oral care instructions
Refer patients to other dental professionals for care beyond the scope of the dental therapist
Provide oral health promotion activities
May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions

Example job titles

•dental hygienist
•dental nurse
•dental therapist
•registered dental hygienist

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, dental hygienists and dental therapists are classified under NOC 32111. This occupation falls within TEER Category 2, making skilled professionals in this field eligible for key Canadian economic immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system. Individuals in this unit group are primarily employed in private dental practices, community health centres, clinics, and educational institutions.

According to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) guidelines, dental hygienists perform duties such as conducting initial dental assessments, removing stains and deposits, applying fluoride treatments, and instructing patients on oral hygiene practices. Dental therapists perform similar preventive duties but may also deliver restorative services, perform basic extractions, and administer local anesthetics under the direction of a dentist or in accordance with provincial regulations. Practice in Canada is strictly regulated, requiring registration or licensing with the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and updated legal guidelines, please refer directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.