Group
Occupation
266131 Dental Hygienist
Latest release
Consultation draft: Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)
Reference period
July 2024
Released
25/07/2024
First release
266131 Dental Hygienist
Assesses, diagnoses, treats, manages, and educates to prevent oral disease, and promotes healthy oral behaviours. This may include periodontal or gum treatment, preventative services, and other oral care.
Registration or licensing is required.
ANZSCO skill level
This occupation has a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
Australia
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
New Zealand
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
Main tasks
- Assesses, diagnoses, treats, manages, and records patients' oral health status
- Performs dental cleaning to remove plaque and calculus from teeth
- Applies fluoride treatments and dental sealants
- Takes dental radiographs (X-rays) to assist in diagnosis
- Provides oral hygiene instructions and education to patients
- Performs periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing) to treat gum disease
- Refers patients and complex cases to other dental practitioners for specialised treatment and optimised patient care