Dental hygienist

A dental hygienist provides preventive oral care, working alongside dentists to keep patients' teeth and gums healthy. They clean teeth by removing plaque and tartar, take X-rays, screen for oral disease and signs of gum problems, apply preventive treatments, and teach patients how to care for their mouths at home.

Hygienists spend most of their day in direct, hands-on patient contact, often with more time per patient than the dentist. They work in dental offices and increasingly in independent or community settings, and the role suits people who want clinical, preventive healthcare with steady patient interaction and a strong work-life balance.