Technical Skills in Dental Hygiene Care and Oral Health Education
Dental Hygienists provide dental scaling, periodontal care and preventive oral healthcare services, and educate patients on maintaining good oral health.
Dental Hygienists
Descriptions & Duties
- Registered with the Dental Council of Hong Kong under the
Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156). Provides a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Dentist, including cleaning, polishing and scaling of teeth; applying prophylactic solutions to teeth; taking Xray films intra-orally or extra-orally for the investigation of lesions or suspected lesions of the mouth, jaws, teeth and associated structures; and advising on matters relating to dental hygiene.
Generic Competencies
Physical Abilities
Physical abilities
- Physical strength
- Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Technology Skills
Technology skills
- Computer literacy
- Application of technology
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Visualisation
- Logical thinking
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Comprehension And Expression
Comprehension and expression skills
- Reading comprehension
- Oral / written expression
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Social Skills
Social skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Organisation And Execution Skills
Organisation and execution skills
- Planning
- Organising
- Judgement
- Decision making
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Problem Solving Skills
Problem solving skills
- Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Management Skills
Management skills
- Leadership
- Management of finance / time / people / other resources
Importance:2 (Max:5)
Skill is occasionally required
Trade Specific Competencies
General Requirements
Academic qualification
Must have completed a recognised Higher Diploma or Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene.
Professional qualification
Must have registered with the Dental Council of Hong Kong to practise as a dental hygienist
Career Path & Salary
Private Sector
Monthly Salary $19,000-$35,000
Government Sector
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 5-19
*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html
Related Education & Training
Professional Diploma/ Certificate
Work Environment
- Dental Hygienists mainly work in dental clinics, hospitals, dental speciality centres, and community dental service organisations. They work in clean clinical settings that comply with infection control standards and collaborate closely with dentists and other dental professionals to provide oral healthcare services to patients.
Tools
- Ultrasonic scalers, Manual scalers and curettes, Dental mirrors and probes, Tooth polishing equipment, Dental suction systems, Fluoride application and fissure sealant instruments, Dental X-ray and digital imaging equipment, Electronic health record systems
