Dental hygienist jobs and staffing in Canada
Permanent, part-time and temporary hygiene roles, and a focused search for practices that need a hygienist. Free for candidates. Always.
- Free for candidates. Always.
- Licences verified with the regulator
- Every province and territory except Quebec
What dental hygienists do
Dental hygienists are regulated oral health professionals who assess, prevent and treat oral disease. Scope depends on the province.
Assess and clean
Oral assessment, scaling, polishing and root planing.
Prevent and educate
Fluoride, sealants and oral health education.
Further authorizations
Local anaesthesia and other procedures where the province and the hygienist's authorization allow.
Where we place hygienists
Many hygienists work part-time or across several offices, and we can match schedules.
General and specialty dental practices
Chair coverage and permanent hygiene roles.
Dental practice staffingCommunity and public health programs
Programs that serve patients outside a private practice.
Long-term care settings
Oral care for residents.
Long-term care staffingHome and community programs
Care delivered outside a clinic.
Home and community care staffingHow it works
Two short paths, one for hygienists and one for practices.
For hygienists
- Submit your profileShare your registration details.
- We confirm statusWe check with the regulator and talk through your hours and preferences.
- We introduce youYou meet practices that match.
- You chooseTemporary, part-time or permanent.
For practices
- Tell us the needDays, hours and patient mix.
- We search and verifyWe check registration with the regulator.
- You interviewOr schedule a trial day.
- You fill the chairThrough temporary coverage or direct hire.
Learn more about contract and relief staffing and direct hire.
Hygienists are registered with provincial regulators
Every province and territory regulates dental hygiene. Outside the territories, registration is with a provincial regulator, in many provinces called a college. Entry to practice includes graduating from an accredited program and passing the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE), which the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada administers. Moving provinces means registering with the new regulator.
| Province or territory | Who registers dental hygienists |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals |
| Manitoba | College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba |
| Ontario | College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Regulator of Dental Hygiene, Dental Technology, and Denturism |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut | The territorial government department responsible for licensing or health |
In other provinces, confirm the current regulator with your province's government or the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada. We verify registration with the regulator before submitting a candidate. We do not guarantee outcomes.
Hygienists versus other dental roles
Dentists
Dentists diagnose and treat. Hygienists work in their own scope.
Dentist jobsDental assistants
A support role with different training and, in some provinces, separate regulation. Not covered on this page.
Dental facility
For whole-practice staffing, see the Dental facility page.
Dental practice staffingWhy practices are hiring
Many practices tell us they struggle to find hygienists, and the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan has widened access to dental care. We help you cover chair time while you recruit.
Why work with us
Registration verified
We check registration before we present anyone.
Flexible options
Temporary, part-time or permanent.
Direct communication
Free for candidates. Always. We are paid by the practice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to work as a dental hygienist in Canada?
Yes. You must be registered with the dental hygiene regulator in the province where you practise. Registration requirements differ by province, so confirm them with the regulator before you apply for a role, especially if you are moving from another province.
Which exam do dental hygienists write?
The National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE), administered by the Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada. Your provincial regulator confirms what applies to you, including any other requirements for registration in the province where you want to work.
Can I work part-time or across offices?
Many hygienists do. Tell us the days and hours you want, and the area you can travel to, and we can match schedules with practices that need part-time or shared coverage. You decide whether temporary, part-time or permanent suits you best.
Do you place temporary hygienist coverage?
Yes, where practices need short-term help, such as covering a leave or a vacancy while they recruit. Practices can also schedule a trial day before they decide. Tell us your availability and preferred region when you submit your profile.
Can internationally educated hygienists work in Canada?
Through credential assessment and provincial registration. We cannot register you, and we do not guarantee outcomes, but we can point you to the right starting point and talk through opportunities once your registration is in place.
Does it cost anything to submit my profile?
No. It is free for candidates. Always. We are paid by the practice, never by you. You will not be asked for a fee to submit your profile, to be introduced to practices or to accept a role.
Find your next chair, or fill yours
Not sure which fits? Contact us. We do not currently place in Quebec.
I am an RDH
Share your registration, availability and region and we will be in touch.
Submit your profile