What is a dental hygienist?

The dental hygienist uses a problem-solving framework to base all decisions, judgments, and interventions on current dental hygiene research and theory. Mastery of this process enables the dental hygienist to focus on making quality decisions and evaluating treatment based on individual client/patient need. This also encourages the development of skills in technical and clinical expertise.

As a registrant of a self-regulating profession, a dental hygienist must practice safely, ethically and effectively for the promotion of the oral health and well-being of the public of British Columbia, according to the Standards of Practice of the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia.