Who is the dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are registered Allied Health Professionals regulated by the Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM). They are important members of the dental team and work with dentists in the delivery of dental care to patients.
Hygienists use their scientific knowledge and clinical skills to help individuals attain and maintain optimum oral health — combining the responsibilities of clinician, educator, researcher and administrator.
In Malta, the registered dental hygienist is permitted to deliver clinical dental hygiene services under the supervision of a dentist who has examined the patient and formulated a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why choose dental hygiene as a career?
The profession offers a unique combination of clinical work, education and patient relationships:
Personal satisfaction
Fulfilment comes from providing a valuable health-care service while establishing trusting relationships with patients.
Prestige
Dental hygienists are valued members of the dental health team, working alongside dentists and specialists.
Variety
Hygienists work in many settings: hospitals, educational and community institutions, research teams, private dental practices and dental corporations.
Creativity
Because they interact with such diverse population groups, hygienists need to be creative in their approach to patient management and oral health education.
Flexibility
Full- and part-time employment options enable dental hygienists to balance their careers and lifestyle needs.
How to qualify in Malta
Dental hygienists in Malta qualify through a three-year BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene programme delivered by the University of Malta. The programme combines clinical practice with anatomy, physiology, microbiology, dental materials, public-health and behavioural sciences.
On successful completion, graduates may apply to register with the Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine and join the Malta Association of Dental Hygienists.