Dental Hygienist
- Regulators
-
- General Dental Council
- Nations
- United Kingdom
- Sectors
-
- Health and care
Regulatory or professional bodies
Primary regulator
- Regulatory authority
- General Dental Council
- Address
-
37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ - Email address
- Communications@gdc-uk.org
- Website
- https://www.gdc-uk.org
- Phone number
- +44 (0)207 167 6000
Regulation
Regulation summary
Dental hygienists are registered dental professionals who help patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating periodontal disease and promoting good oral health practice. They carry out treatment direct to patients or under prescription from a dentist.
Regulation type
Reserved activities
The practice of dentistry is a protected function in the UK restricted to dentists and dental care professionals registered with the GDC.
The GDC's Scope of Practice guidance sets out the skills and abilities that every dental care professional, including dental hygienists, should have.
Protected titles
Dental hygienist
- More about regulated activities and titles
- https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/scope-of-practice
Qualifications and experience
New professionals
- Routes to qualification
-
You can do the following university courses:
a 2-year foundation degree in oral health science
a 2-year diploma of higher education in dental hygiene, or dental hygiene and dental therapy
a 3-year degree in oral health science, or dental therapy and dental hygiene
Professionals from outside the UK
- Recognition for professionals outside the UK
- All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries
- Summary of routes
-
You can use the route to registration on the GDC website to find out information about the routes to registration and whether you are eligible for registration within the UK. You can also download application packs.
Please use the link below.
- More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
- https://www.egdc-uk.org/Application/RouteToRegistration
Registration
- Registration requirements
-
When you use the route to registration questionnaire on the GDC website, you will be given full guidance about registration requirements with the GDC.
- More about registration
- https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/how-to-join-the-register
Legislation
- Title of relevant act or charter
-
Dentists Act 1984
- Website link to legislation
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/24