Dental Hygienist
Prevent and treat gum disease, clean teeth and teach people how to look after their mouths.
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- Typical pay
- €30k–€50k
- Usual education
- Diploma or degree
- Outlook
- Good and steady, with flexible and part-time options.
A day in the life
See patients back to back, spot early signs of disease, explain a home routine, and refer anything worrying to the dentist.
Ways in
- Dental nursing then upskilling
- Two-year diploma
- Degree route
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Gezondheid
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
BSc/Diploma Dental Hygiene & Therapy
Preventive dental care and patient education with clinical placements.
The qualifying programme.
Helpful school subjects: Biology, Chemistry
Dental Hygiene (Grado Superior)
Clinical hygiene, prevention and chairside work in dental practices.
A higher ciclo, not a degree — you can be working in two years.
Helpful school subjects: Oral health, Prevention, Clinical practice