Dental Hygienists in the Department of National Defence provide essential oral health care services to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and eligible dependants at military dental clinics and treatment facilities across Canada and internationally. You will work alongside dentists and dental therapists to deliver preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene treatments, including scaling and root planing, fluoride applications, and patient education on oral health. Your role is critical to maintaining the oral health and readiness of our military personnel.
As a Dental Hygienist, you will assess patients' oral health status, take and interpret dental radiographs, provide clinical treatments, and document patient records in accordance with military health care standards and protocols. You will work in a structured military health care environment, often in multi-disciplinary teams, and may be required to support field operations, deployments, or emergency response situations. Your work directly contributes to the health, morale, and operational effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces.
This position offers the opportunity to apply your clinical skills in a unique government setting while supporting those who serve Canada. You will work with modern dental equipment and follow evidence-based clinical practices within a regulated health care system.
Key Responsibilities
Provide dentistry services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Dental Hygienist in the Government of Canada, you must hold a diploma or degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited Canadian educational institution recognized by provincial dental regulatory bodies. You must be registered or eligible for registration with your provincial dental hygiene regulatory college or association in the province where you will work. Current licensure and in good standing is mandatory.
The Department of National Defence provides orientation and training specific to military dental operations, including familiarization with military health care protocols, electronic health records systems, and occupational health and safety procedures in military environments. Depending on your posting, you may receive specialized training in military deployment procedures or field dentistry support. Professional development opportunities are available through continuing education programs, advanced clinical certifications, and professional memberships with organizations such as the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.
Entry Plans
To begin a career as a Dental Hygienist with the Department of National Defence, you will typically enter through a Government of Canada staffing process (competition or appointment). These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and the DND Civilian Recruitment website. You must meet the qualifications outlined above and be eligible for a security clearance.
Entry is generally at the Employee level with opportunities for advancement to senior clinical or supervisory positions based on experience and performance. If you are already working as a Dental Hygienist in the private sector or another organization, you may be considered for lateral moves or internal transfers if a position becomes available. The Department also participates in student work placement and summer employment programs for students enrolled in accredited Dental Hygiene programs, providing valuable experience and potential pathways to permanent employment after graduation.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and the specific dental facility where you are posted. Given the nature of military dental clinics and the need to provide consistent patient care, full-time positions are most common. However, you are encouraged to discuss scheduling flexibility with your local Human Resources advisor during the recruitment process.
Remote work is not typical for this clinical role, as Dental Hygienists must be physically present at the dental clinic to provide direct patient care and treatment. However, some administrative or educational components of the role may be conducted off-site where operationally feasible. Telework arrangements, if applicable, would be determined by your commanding officer and the needs of your specific unit or facility.
