Diploma in Dental Hygienist - Course, Fees, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Top Careers

A Comprehensive Guide to the Diploma in Dental Hygienist Course

The Diploma in Dental Hygienist course is a two-year program to train candidates to become skilled oral health professionals. Their primary responsibilities include critical examination, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues such as teeth and gum diseases, mouth injuries, and other dental contingencies.

The annual fee for the Diploma in Dental Hygienist course varies from college to college. Government colleges generally offer lower fees than private institutions, resulting in an average fee range of INR 20,000 to INR 2 Lakhs.

Upon completing the course, candidates can explore various employment opportunities in government and private hospitals (dental wards), private dental clinics, community health centres, and NGOs.

Dental hygienists expect an average annual salary ranging from Rs 2.5 Lakhs to INR 8 Lakhs. However, this figure may increase based on their clinical experience, knowledge, and patient management skills.
After finishing the course, students can pursue additional certificate courses to enhance their skills or opt for a Bachelor's in Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. With a BDS degree, they can open private dental clinics and practice independently, offering a broader scope for career growth and success.

Advantages of Studying Diploma in Dental Hygienist

A diploma in Dental Hygienist offers numerous advantages, making it a highly rewarding career choice despite its challenges. Below are some of the reasons why candidates should consider pursuing this course:

1. Lucrative Income and Respect: Opting for a career as a Dental Hygienist ensures a high income and earns respect in the field. As the healthcare sector is dynamic, job opportunities with better pay scales are readily available, and professionals can expect significant pay increments compared to other career options.
2. The abundance of Career Opportunities: Candidates unlock many job opportunities upon completing the Diploma in Dental Hygienist course. They can choose from various positions, including those with attractive salary packages, and even have the option to establish their dental clinics. The scope for growth and success is substantial.

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Admission Process

The admission process for a Diploma in Dental Hygienist program typically involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Check the eligibility criteria set by the institute offering the course. Usually, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board with a background in science subjects (biology, chemistry, and physics).
2. Application Form: Obtain the application form from the respective institute online or offline. Fill in all the necessary details as required in the form.
3. Submission of Documents: Submit the required documents along with the completed application form. These documents may include educational certificates, identity proof, passport-sized photographs, and any other documents specified by the institute.
4. Entrance Examination (if applicable): Some institutes may conduct an entrance examination to shortlist candidates. The entrance exam may assess the candidate's knowledge in subjects related to science and aptitude for dental hygiene.
5. Merit-based Selection: For institutes that don't conduct entrance exams, selection may be based on the candidate's academic performance in the qualifying examination (10+2) or previous educational degrees.
6. Counselling/Interview (if applicable): Shortlisted candidates might be called for counselling or an interview to assess their interest and suitability for the course.
7. Payment of Fees: Once selected, candidates must pay the course fees within the specified timeframe to secure admission.