BOH

BOH

An oral hygienist is a dental professional trained to promote oral health, prevent oral diseases and provide related dental services. This is a three-year degree program during which students receive training in both medical and dental subjects. Students receive training in basic medical and dental subjects.

Theory and practice are integrated from the first year of study. Community dentistry (outreach programs within communities around Pretoria at schools, old age home and nursery schools)

Preventive Clinic (oral health education, oral health promotion and treatment of patients in the Preventive Clinical Ward)

Orthodontic Ward (work hand in hand with the qualified oral hygienist, specialist and registrars). Periodontics and Oral Medicine Ward (treatment and maintenance plan of patients with periodontal disease, assist in surgeries and maintenance of implants including preparation for the patients pre- and post-surgery). Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery (assist and prepare patients before surgery, removing sutures, splinting of mobile teeth, administering local anaesthetic, and participating in cleft lip and palate clinics). Patient management (treatment of emergency patients within the scope of oral hygiene practice, comprehensive patient management, effective communication, public speaking, ethics and practice management). Odontology (learning and application of dental materials).The ideal candidate is someone who has: a passion for oral health; interpersonal skills; good manual dexterity; hard worker; good communication and people skills; attention to detail; and is compassionate and patient.The program is accredited by the HPCSA. The students are trained at state-of-the-art facilities. Students are trained in first aid. They receive first aid certificates on completion of the training. Students are exposed to various departments to enhance clinical skills.