The Difference between Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists

To the layman, a dental assistant and dental hygienist might appear identical. At first glance, they both seem to be helping dentists in carrying out their duties, so what is the difference? The first thing that is important to note is that the level of education and training that is required in the roles varies greatly. Hygienists are required to hold an associate’s degree in their field and have a state license. Assistants can have formal education, but it is not always a requirement for the role, depending on the state where they work. If you are looking to pursue a career in dentistry, it is essential to differentiate the two.

The first thing that you need to note is that assistants and hygienists have very different duties in the office. This includes the tasks they perform, and the level of interaction they have with patients. Dental assistants’ roles are more related to conducting functions around the office, as well as small supervised duties on patient’s teeth. Hygienists, on the other hand, can work directly with the patient unsupervised. Here is a more in-depth comparison of the duties and responsibilities expected of the two positions.

Roles of a Dental Assistant

The tasks that a dental assistant can carry out depend on the state in which they are working. Some states allow dental assistants to carry out some advanced duties, such as applying a topical anesthetic, coronal polishing, fluoride application, and sealant applications. Apart from these tasks, dental assistants have other responsibilities that they can carry out wherever they are practicing dentistry. These duties include:

  • Acquiring a patient’s dental records
  • Standing by and handing the dentist the proper instruments during procedures
  • Making sure that instruments are properly disinfected and laid out accordingly
  • Providing patients with appropriate instruction about oral care
  • Handling the financial aspects of the practice, such as billing and payments
  • Contacting suppliers and ordering the needed dental supplies

Educational Requirements

As far as education goes for dental assistants, it is state-specific. Some areas require that a dental assistant is licensed. Other states require them to have a completed one-year program diploma or certificate.

Roles of a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are not expected to perform administrative duties. Their main objective is to work with the patients and assist in preparing them for their dental examinations. As with assistants, state law dictates the tasks a hygienist can perform. An outline of expected duties include:

  • Getting rid of soft or hard deposits in a patient’s teeth
  • Making sure that teeth are properly polished
  • Handling the removal of plaque, stains, and tartar with the appropriate tools
  • Handling x-rays

Educational Requirements

When it comes to educational requirements for hygienists, an associate’s degree in dental hygiene is required if you want to be a professional. These programs typically last about three years. As with assistants, licensing requirements vary by state, but it usually involves passing a training program that is properly accredited, as well as written examinations and clinical practice.

When the duties of each position are listed, it is easy to see how much the roles differ. One is more administrative and all-encompassing, while the other is specialized and more aimed at patient preparation.