As independent dental hygiene practices continue to grow across Canada, Sault providers say the model allows for flexible scheduling and more personalized care
Registered dental hygienists are needed in Sault Ste. Marie.
They can not only fix certain dental problems but also work with and educate clients on how to prevent them.
“Besides removing plaque and stain from people’s mouths, registered dental hygienists are primary health care providers who focus on the prevention of oral diseases and the promotion of overall health,” said Catherine Tulloch, a local registered dental hygienist.
Tulloch oversees Lake Superior Dental Hygiene on Lake Street.
“We start by assessing our clients’ oral health by reviewing their medical history. We also chart the patient’s past dental work, exploring and documenting their gingival and periodontal health. Then we remove toxins, stains and plaque,” Tulloch said.
Educating patients is a key part of the profession.
“We help people understand how plaque is formed. Showing them proper brushing and flossing techniques will help to keep their tissues clean,” Tulloch said.
To become a dental hygienist in Ontario, a person must earn a diploma or advanced diploma program at a community college.
Such programs last for two to three years and the community colleges nearest to the Sault that offer registered dental hygienist programs are Sudbury’s Cambrian College and North Bay’s Canadore College.
After graduation, an exam must be written and it’s also necessary to apply for a license with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.
The money in the profession is good.
According to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, the average dental hygienist salary in Canada in 2025 was $54.85 per hour.
There are currently 101 active registered dental hygienists in the Sault according to the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, but there’s room for more.
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association states that more than one in four dental hygienists plan to leave the profession within five years, primarily due to retirement.
“It’s a very rewarding career, especially if health care is a priority for you,” Tulloch said.
“In my mind, getting a patient’s unhealthy gums back to a healthy condition is my personal challenge. Charting that improvement is a great motivator for me.”
Tulloch decided to become a dental hygienist when she was in her teens.
“When I was walking the halls in Grade 11, a shop teacher stopped me and asked me what I was going to do after high school. I said I knew I wanted to be in health care and I was leaning towards nursing.”
The teacher encouraged her to take a different path within the realm of health care.
“He shook his head at me and said, ‘both my sons are dentists here in the Sault and they can’t find any dental hygienists available for hire in the area. That is what you should look into.’”
Tulloch took the shop teacher’s advice and didn’t look back.
She’s been a dental hygienist for over 30 years.
“I really liked the idea of working in a dentist’s office because it meant I wouldn’t end up doing shift work and working weekends,” Tulloch said.
Provincial legislation allowing registered dental hygienists to establish and operate independent clinics passed in 2007.
After that, Tulloch established Lake Superior Dental Hygiene in 2012.
That’s in keeping with a national trend, as the CDHA states the number of independent dental hygiene practices continues to grow.
“Stepping outside the traditional dental office scenario to provide a more personal approach to preventative dental hygiene services was a huge step for me to take,” Tulloch said.
But she doesn’t regret it.
“I’m able to set my schedule based on a client’s needs, adjusting the amount of time needed for their cleaning for specific times in the day. Personal things like that show my clients that their appointment is about them,” Tulloch said.
Joining Tulloch in her office are independent registered dental hygienists Julie Premo and Shannon Chevis.
“I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness,” Premo said.
“One of the things I love most about being a dental hygienist is that every patient is unique. I often say that everyone’s teeth are as unique as their fingerprints. Every smile tells a different story. I enjoy taking the time to get to know my patients so I can provide care that is personalized and tailored specifically to them.”
“I would absolutely recommend being a dental hygienist to anyone who enjoys helping others,” Premo said.
Chevis enjoys being her own boss while caring for others.
“I truly love being a dental hygienist, and becoming an independent dental hygienist has made the profession even more rewarding. It allows for a healthier work-life balance and more time with my children,” Chevis said.
“Knowing that I’m making oral health care more accessible and helping people stay on track with their oral health is something I take great pride in. I’m also a very social person, so I love having the opportunity to spend a little more time getting to know my patients. I would absolutely recommend being a dental hygienist as a career to anyone considering it.”