Definition of the graduate profile - general characteristics

The graduate of the study programme dental hygiene (hereinafter referred to as DH) masters the principles of DH and is able to apply them in his/her profession. He/she is generally educated and trained to understand the connections between dental care, biomedical sciences, social sciences and humanities and to transform this knowledge into a holistic (holistic) approach in DH practice when applying the dental hygiene process.    The graduate of DH has theoretical knowledge of the fields that describe the organs and systems of a healthy and sick person with an emphasis on the issue of healthy and diseased oral cavity and other organs of the head and neck, and which deal with his psychic processes, characteristics, as well as social and cultural-ethnic environment, spirituality, beliefs and worldview, in order to be able to sustain him/her,  to support and protect their health, prevent the development of oral diseases, educate and motivate individuals/communities towards a healthy way of life, especially in the field of oral health, and provide quality care to patients/clients with dental diseases within primary, secondary and follow-up health care, while cooperating with other health professionals. He/she is able to administer and manage the operation of the dental facility, cooperate and independently carry out scientific research activities to maintain and improve his/her professional knowledge and skills. The main topics of the core knowledge of the study program are prevention, periodontology and conservation dentistry.

Scope of knowledge of the graduate:
Theoretical – practical knowledge, abilities and skills:

Medical-technical abilities

After graduation, the graduate of DH is able to:

• obtain a dental and dental-hygienic history and carry out examinations regarding the condition of the dentition, periodontal disease and oral hygiene of the patient/client,
• provide adequate dental-hygienic treatment,
• know the normal shape, development of the dentition and its abnormalities,
• be familiar with the apparatus, dental materials and equipment for their maintenance,
• know the most commonly used pharmacovigilance in the dental and dental-hygienic areas,
• apply knowledge of the anatomical structure, structure and position of various organs and systems, especially those relating to the head and neck,
• have knowledge regarding infections and the interaction between humans and microorganisms in relation to dental health,
• know the differences between healthy and diseased tooth tissue,
• have knowledge of microbiology relevant to the practice of oral care,
• have knowledge of the development of oncological diseases in the oral cavity,
• apply theoretical knowledge of the clinical nature of abnormalities in the oral cavity,
• apply knowledge in the field of dentistry,
• take x-ray images and evaluate them,
• solve urgent clinical situations in the dental office – be able to provide first aid to the patient/client.

Skills in the field of prevention and care provision

After graduation, the graduate is able to:

• provide the patient/client with information and advice on dental hygiene based on problem analysis,
• provide the patient/client with the right information, instructions and advice;
• inform the patient/client about the importance of dental and hygienic care,
• provide the patient/client with advice on a responsible approach to preventive dental care,
• provide different groups in the community with instructions that will contribute to a good level of dental health through a strictly individual approach;
• provide the patient/client with correct information on the prevention of oncological diseases in the oral cavity,
• develop and implement preventive programs to promote the oral health of the individual, the community.

Innovation and research abilities

After graduation, the graduate is able to:

• carry out analyses and interpret their results from the field of oral health of the population through the application of epidemiological data,
• identify and draw attention to gaps in oral health knowledge and skills through research methods;
• analyse and interpret the results of oral health research published in the literature,
• formulate research problems and hypotheses,
• make a bibliographic overview,
• use research methods in your own research,
• apply statistical principles and methods in the analysis and interpretation of research results,
• publish knowledge from practice and research activities in the professional press.

Additional knowledge, abilities and skills of the graduate:Social and communication skills



After graduation, the graduate is able to:

• explain to the patient/client the nature and scope of the dental healthcare offered,
• adapt their verbal skills to the level of the patient/client,
• be sensitive to the needs and wishes of the patient/client,
• instill a sense of confidence in the patient/client,
• create a treatment-friendly atmosphere in mutual relations,
• provide adequate information on dental hygiene and oral health of the patient/client,
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals as a valid team member
• consult patient/client problems with the dentist and other specialists,
• consult within an interdisciplinary team of experts (primary health care, hospital care, orthodontics...),
• oral and written interpretation of the findings of the examinations and the care provided to the dentist/specialist,
• use different communication media in the education of patients/clients,
• conduct a recall,
• organize health and education events for various groups in the community,
• to keep official correspondence,
• ensure the availability of dental and hygienic care in the community.

Administrative-legal skills of DH practice

management After graduation, the graduate is able to:

• apply in his work all legal norms that relate to the profession of dental hygienist,
• apply knowledge of legislation related to health insurance, financing, social and tax legislation in the exercise of professional practice,
• apply legislative standards on industrial relations,
• apply economic knowledge in dental and DH practice,
• lead administrative work related to the patient/client agenda,
• apply knowledge in the field of health information systems into practice.

Definition of graduate fields of employment

In prevention , the dental hygienist performs:

• anamnesis, examination of the patient extraorally and intraorally,
• motivation of the patient (instruction on anatomy in the oral cavity, familiarization with the construction of the dentition, familiarization with how plaque is formed, etc.),
• instruction of the patient (proper technique of cleaning the dentition with a toothbrush and thread, cleaning the interdental spaces and others),
• analysis of good eating habits when assessing the spoilage of patients' dentition, using the right detergents (paste, mouthwash, etc.),
• local fluoridation of teeth in school and preschool institutions,
• instruction and training in dental cleaning in school and preschool institutions,
• sealing of fissures in children.

In restorative dentistry, the dental hygienist performs:

• detailed examination of the patient,
• examination of the vitality of the teeth,
• taking x-ray images and study models,
• examination of indices, periodontal condition, oral hygiene and mucous membranes,
• polishing fillings,
• regular check-ups of the patient (so-called recall),
• identification of shortcomings in reconstruction work,
• removal of plaque retention sites,
• briefing of handicapped patients.

In periodontology , the dental hygienist performs:

• examination of the activity of periodontal sacs,
• removal of hard and soft deposits,
• deep cleaning,
• root polishing,
• closed curettage,
• rinses of periodontal sacs,
• regular checks (recall system).

In orthodontics , the dental hygienist performs:

• production of study models,
• removal of locks and rings as directed by a doctor,
• polishing and fluoridation of teeth after removing fixed appliances,
• instructing the patient on dental care before and after the deployment of the fixed apparatus.

In implantology, the dental hygienist performs:

• instructing the patient on the different care of teeth, implants and suprastructures,
• preparation of the patient before the actual surgical intervention,
• instructing the patient on the use of devices for cleaning implants and suprastructures.

In the dental departments, the dental hygienist before surgical interventions performs:

• instructing the patient how to take care of oral hygiene after surgical procedures,
• participates in the care of dispensary patients (diabetics, oncological patients, patients with reduced defenses, etc.).

Dental hygienist also:

• performs professional dental hygiene and instructing the patient on individual dental hygiene, e.g. in the process of preparing for a planned surgical intervention (cardiac surgery, ENT), in oncology workplaces, in facilities for the mentally and physically handicapped, etc.

It further performs:

• other actions as needed and instructed by the dentist,
• maintains his documentation (anamnesis, treatment, indices, treatment, recall),
• care of the instrumentarium and the instruments it uses (grinding, disinfection, cleaning, sterilization, etc.).
• publishing and research activities in the field of dental hygiene,
• cooperates in research and epidemiological studies in the field of dentistry.

He will receive a full first-level highschool education in the field of dental hygiene for the provision of health care in the profession of dental hygienist.