DENTAL HYGIENIST

The Job

The Dental Hygienist is required to carry out treatment and provide dental health education to individuals and groups. This includes all procedures as laid down in the curriculum for Dental Hygienist set by the GDC.

The Right Job For Me?

All applicants must hold the General Dental Council’s Diploma in Dental Hygiene. Just as importantly, potential Dental Hygienists need to show a genuine interest in Army life. They should be caring, enthusiastic, motivated, and able to work as part of a tight-knit team in a demanding role, in a variable environment.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Dental Hygienists will already have the required technical skills prior to recruitment. They can, however, expect to gain many personal and additional qualities from the Army, including military skills.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial training All RADC soldiers begin their careers at Army Training Regiment (ATR) Pirbright. During your 14-week basic training course, you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open, and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible, and toughen up both physically and mentally. Having successfully mastered these basic military skills, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends.Further trainingAfter completing your basic training, you will attend a 14-week course at the Defence Dental Training Establishment (DDTE) in Aldershot. Here you will undergo specialist dental training and be assessed in order to determine your training needs to operate effectively in the military dental environment. This phase of training will cover basic Dental Nurse skills, instruction on the completion of military documentation, and other administrative procedures relating to dentistry in the Army. On successful completion of training you will be promoted to substantive Lance Corporal (LCpl) with acting rank of Corporal (Cpl).

What Qualifications Could I Get?

Individuals holding the Diploma in Dental Hygiene are encouraged to apply for membership of the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy. Individuals are actively encouraged to seek postgraduate training related to their role, and funding will be given at every possible opportunity. Additionally, there is a requirement to complete certain educational examinations to gain promotion, which lead to an opportunity to gain qualifications in management. All Dental Hygienists must be registered with the General Dental Council and be a member of a Dental Indemnity Union.

Future Prospects

After 12 months' service as a Lance Corporal, and having passed a Corporal's military promotion course and been recommended for promotion, you will be promoted to substantive Corporal. From then on, promotion is on merit to Warrant Officer, with the possibility of appointment to commissioned rank. Opportunities exist later in your career to be appointed as a Dental Hygienist Instructor.