Dental Hygiene (DipDHyg) at University College Cork

Dental hygienists form an important complementary branch of the dental profession. Working under the supervision of a dentist, the dental hygienist carries out procedures such as:

• scaling teeth
• taking and recording radiographs 
• local infiltration and inferior block anaesthesia
• application of fissure sealants
• application of desensitising agents
• dietary advice.

A career in dental hygiene will appeal to students who have empathy for people, who are interested in their welfare, and who like carrying out precision work with their hands.

The first year is spent between the university campus and the School of Dental Hygiene studying basic medical science and introductory elements of dental hygiene.

The second year is spent in the School of Dental Hygiene/University Dental School & Hospital.

Students benefit from small class numbers and from intense patient contact during the latter stages of training.

Skills and Careers Information

The dental hygienist may work under the supervision of a dentist in general practice, in the Health Service Executive, or in a dental hospital, or may consider undertaking further study to work as an instructor.