Information to work in this country is available from:

American Dental Hygienists' Association 444 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 3400, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA Tel: +1 312 440 8900 · Fax: +1 312 440 8929 www.adha.org · mail@adha.net

Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country:

The applicant must graduate from a programme accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA CDA). Successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Successful completion of a regional or state clinical board examination.

Official licensing body in the country:

There are individual licensing authorities for each state and US territory. A list is available from the ADHA.

Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment:

Varies from state to state.

Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa:

Immigration and Naturalisation Service 425 Eye Street, NW, Washington DC 20536, USA Tel: +1-202-514-2000 More information may be obtained from the US Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence.

Is a job offer required before a Work Permit/Visa is issued?

Yes.

Main local and/or official language(s):

English. It is necessary to be fluent in this language.

Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?

Yes. National and State examination(s). No specific course exists but many overseas graduates find it necessary to sit additional coursework at an accredited programme in the United States before taking the National and State examinations.

Information on the local working environment:

Hygienists work in all sectors. Most work in private practice on average 30 hours per week.

Standard tasks that hygienists are allowed to undertake in the country:

Takes medical histories Examines head, neck and oral cavity for disease Performs oral cancer and blood pressure screenings Removes supra and sub gingival deposits Gives oral hygiene instructions Applies fluorides and fissure sealants to the teeth Takes and interprets radiographs Places and removes temporary dressings Removes sutures Polishes and re-contours amalgam fillings Note: In some states, with additional education, a hygienist may provide other services such as administering local anaesthetics and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia, placing and carving filling material.

Further information:

Job opportunities are good and expected to continue in this way.

Links to related web sites:

American Dental Hygienists' Association WHO Oral Health: Country/Area Profile Programme

Information based on data received by IFDH in:

1996

NOTE: The information provided above is for general guidance only. The International Federation of Dental Hygienists advises all hygienists to contact the country's relevant licensing bodies and agencies for current information and regulations. Search the database:

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