History
The history of oral hygiene was evident 4000 years ago. In Egyptian relief’s, toothpicks for oral hygiene were represented. They are still used successfully today in many natural living populations. In the 1700’s in Europe and the USA, discussions about a natural toothbrush began. In 1819 in the USA, certain dentists were concerned about the prevention of acute dental problems by using special cleaning techniques. Only in 1913 in Bridgeport, USA, a new profession was established that of the dental hygienist. Over many years, the USA, followed by Norway (1924), were initiators in new developments in this field. In the meantime in the USA, there are 226 dental hygiene schools. Training also takes place at Junior Colleges, where the professional education is of a particularly high standard. The universities offer a Bachelor’s program and further more, a master’s degree in dental hygiene. A doctorate in Dental Hygiene can also be attained.
Today one can find the Dental Hygienist in many countries as a recognised profession. In the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, in three states in the USA and in two provinces in Canada, independent practice of dental hygiene has been established. The German Dental Hygienist’s Association was officially registered in Munich, 12/11/1990. For many years the DDHV tried to establish this profession in Germany and is now working toward legal recognition because its professional image has not achieved national recognition.
Profile and Responsibilities of the Dental Hygienist
The diplomated or state recognised dental hygienist is a paramedical profession, and abroad is also known as Periodontal Therapist. As a competent member of the dental profession, her strength lies in the multifaceted treatment care that results in the accomplishment of optimal oral health. As far as recognition in German is concerned, only continued education programs with no more than 950 hours are available for Dental Assistants.
The duties of a dental hygienist include:
- Extraoral and intraoral examinations
- Dental charting: gingival pockets, abrasion, Plaque and bleeding indices
- Motivation and education
- X-rays and Photography
- Anaesthesia (additional education)
- Supra- and subgingival Scaling/root planing
- Polishing
- Fluoridation
- Cervical Desensitising
- Removal of overhanging margins
- Pit and Fissure sealants
- Recementation of temporary crowns etc.
- Aesthetic, cosmetic Treatment
- Nutritional counselling
- Individual instructions for home care
- Recall
Goals of the German Dental Hygienists Association (DDHV)
- Insured quality as a result of regular continued education.
- Transfer of information across borders.
- Official recognition of the profession in Germany.
- Inclusion in the insurance system.
- To initiate state recognised dental hygiene schools at a Bachelor Level.
What to do upon arriving in Germany
Official documents required: Residence/Work Permit.
The Employer should offer assistance in completing the various documents. He should also pay for Medical Examinations. To process the paperwork, a contract from your employer and a doctors certificate confirming that you do not have HIV, TBC or Hepatitis are required. It can take 5-6 weeks to process.
Job Placement
There are approximately 150 Dental Hygienists with international qualifications
working in Germany (all foreign trained).
Dental Hygienists work mainly
in private practice. The employing dentist is responsible for the work
the hygienist performs.
Sometimes you are allowed to inject, if you have
a permit to do so.The Hygienist working on a regular salary receives full
social benefits. After working for one year you are eligible to get 4
weeks paid vacation depending on age. The initial salary can be up to
Euro 3000.- . Some dentists pay 2 German language classes for the first
year (tax deductible for the employer), because knowledge of the language
helps in getting aquainted. Sometimes the dentist will pay for a return
flight, if you stay for at least one year.
Accommodation should be available
upon arrival. Working free-lance is permitted but does not involve social
benefits nor insurance coverage.
Most appointments are 60 Minutes. Periodontal
therapy naturally involves multiple appointments.
At the moment it is almost impossible to find employment in Germany, because our work is carried out by dental assistans, who are (most of the time) not qualified. The dental hygiene profession is not protected. At a later date, once the
dental hygiene profession has obtained legal recognition, there will be
an urgent need for Dental Hygiene Instructors that speak reasonable german.
Finding an employer for you might take up to 3 months.
The DDHV places
only dental hygienists with a diploma from a recognised dental hygiene
program preferably singles for a duration of about 2 years or longer.
She should have at least two years experience as a dental hygienist. A
basic knowledge of language is mandatory. If you are interested please
contact either info@ddhv.de or jobs@ddhv.de.
Membership
Hygienists with a (state recognised) diploma from a recognised dental hygiene program can become an active member of the DDHV. The membership includes a Journal where latest information concerning dental hygiene, educational articles and news of the association are published.
Annual Congress
The DDHV offers full-day seminars at its annual convention
held in Springtime every year. Summaries in English will be available
upon request. Attendance will ensure credits towards your licence.
For more Information please contact:
DDHV
German Dental
Hygienist’s Association
Veit-Pogner-Str. 23
81927 Muenchen
Germany
