How To Become An Oral Hygienist In South Africa & Subjects Needed
Are you looking for a way to become an Oral Hygienist in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become an Oral Hygienist in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.
What Does An Oral Hygienist Do?
Oral hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, providing people with advice and information on good oral health. They work alongside and under the instruction of dentists to help prevent dental problems.
In performing the oral hygiene process of care, the oral hygienist assesses the patient’s oral health to check for disease, other abnormalities, and disease risks; develops a diagnosis based on clinical findings; formulates treatment care plans; performs clinical procedures; educates patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care; and evaluates the outcomes of strategies and procedures provided.
An oral hygienist uses a range of dental instruments to:
- Remove plaque
- Scale and polish teeth to help prevent gum disease
- Apply antibacterial agents to reduce decay
- Give local anaesthetic under the supervision of a registered dentist
- Apply temporary coatings and sealants.
They also maintain sterile conditions and occasionally take X-rays. They could work in general dental practice, the community dental service and in hospitals.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
A diploma or degree combining practical and theoretical training is required in order to become an oral hygienist. A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is a prerequisite to studying these courses. Once qualified, graduates must register with the Interim Medical and Dental Council of South Africa in order to practice legally.
What Subjects Do I Need?
Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
Where Can I Study?
University of Pretoria
- Bachelor of Oral Hygiene
- www.up.ac.za
University of the Witwatersrand
- Diploma: Oral Hygiene; Bachelor of Dental Science
- www.wits.ac.za
University of the Western Cape
- Bachelor of Oral Health; Diploma: Oral Health
- www.uwc.ac.za
University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Diploma: Oral Health
- www.ukzn.ac.za
University of Limpopo
- Diploma: Oral Health
- www.ul.ac.za
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