dental hygienist and dental assistant difference

What's the Difference Between a Dental Hygienist and a Dental Assistant?

Even though both dental hygienists and dental assistants work under the supervision of a dentist, these professionals have very different roles in a dentist's office. In the simplest sense, a dental hygienist works one-on-one with the patient performing a variety of different procedures.

A dental assistant will typically work as an immediate aide to the physician. In addition to these fundamental differences, there are also differences in the education requirements and the level of interaction with the patients. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between dental hygienists and dental assistants.

The Dental Assistant's Typical Tasks and Responsibilities

A dental assistant essentially assists the dentist by performing preparatory work and by breaking-down equipment after a patient's visit. The duties of a dental assistant can vary based on location as well as dentist's office they work. Some of the most common duties of a dental assistant are to:

  • Lay out and disinfect tools and instruments for dentists
  • Collect the dental records of a patient
  • Give the dentist different instruments while they are performing a procedure
  • Educate the patient on proper care for their teeth

Dental assistants may also be responsible for preparing different types of materials used by the dentists, such as cement, anesthetics, impression materials, and even x-ray machines. These professionals may also perform administrative and office management tasks, such as ordering dental supplies and patient billing.

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The Dental Hygienist's Typical Tasks and Responsibilities

Dental hygienists perform tasks that are more independent and hands-on. Dental hygienists essentially clean teeth, examine patients for various oral diseases, and provide the patient with many other types of preventative dental care services. Dental hygienists are also responsible for educating patients on how they should maintain and improve their oral health. Most of the procedures being performed by dental hygienists were previously performed only by dentists. Some of the most common duties of a dental hygienist are:

  • Removing soft and hard deposits from a patient's teeth
  • Polishing a patient's teeth
  • Utilizing multiple tools to remove stains, plaque, and tartar
  • Removing dressings and sutures
  • Administering local anesthetics
  • Charting patient's dental conditions for the dentist
  • Making molds of teeth

In addition, dental hygienists may also be required to develop x-ray film. However, several of these tasks will vary based on the individual state's laws.

Educational Requirements

Dental hygiene programs are typically offered at two-year and four-year schools. However, dental hygienists are required to have an associate’s degree in dental hygiene at a minimum. Every state requires the dental hygienist to be licensed and to have graduated from one of these programs to practice.

There are several different paths a student can take to become a dental assistant. While some states require the individual to graduate from an accredited program and pass a state exam, other states have few formal education requirements. However, the surest route to becoming a dental assistant is to complete a certification program at an accredited institution. 

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