The Irish Dental Hygienists Association is the professional body representing hygienists.

All dental hygienists must be registered with the Dental Council of Ireland before they can practise. There are 203 hygienists currently registered with the council.

There are two dental hygiene courses in the state run by the Dublin Dental Hospital and School in TCD and the Cork Dental Hospital and School attached to UCC. Application to both courses are by direct entry, not through the CAO and places are limited.

Dental hygienists earn approximately €25 an hour.