“Yeah, so I’m a dental hygienist.” “Oh, you mean like an assistant?” Cue *cringe* ( no offense dental assistants!) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself in this conversation with people (as the dental hygienist). It seems there is still confusion on what dental hygienists and dental assistants do in the dental office. Since dental hygienists often get mixed up with dental assistants, what is the difference between the two?
As a general rule dental assistants work closely with dentists assisting them during dental procedures while dental hygienists are relatively independent and focus their efforts on preventing oral diseases.
Both dental assistants and dental hygienists have valuable roles in the functioning of a dental practice. In fact, the dental assistant is probably the most undervalued member of the three and yet they are so crucial. But nothing sums up differences than a chart.
Here is a detailed chart comparing a dental hygienist and a dental assistant:
Education
While dental hygienists are required to undergo training and licensing by the state in which they practice, it is not always so with the dental assistant. So much of what dental hygienists and dental assistants can do or can’t do hinges on the specific state they practice in.
Some states allow dental assistants to simply acquire training on the job. Others require formal training at a vocational or trade school. Some states require that dental assistants take a boards exam to get licensed as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
Unfortunately it is beyond this post to delineate all the state-specific requirements for dental hygienists and dental assistants. Please refer to your specific state dental board website for more details, as laws are frequently changed.
Degree Type
Dental hygienists usually receive an Associate’s or Bachelors degree in dental hygiene while dental assistants can receive a certificate, a diploma, or an Associate’s degree depending on the schooling/training they went through.
The type of degree a dental assistant receives will not have a significant impact on their ability to get a job. There is always a demand for dental assistants.
On the other hand, the quality of the training and experience will go a long way to getting hired in a specific dental office.
For example, if a dental assistant gets certified as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) they can be hired at a dental practice that wants to involve dental assistants in packing fillings so they can serve the most people in their area (increasing access to care).
Dental hygienists are also not limited by their degree type. Both AS and BS degrees allow a dental hygienist to work in private practice. Again, depending on the state and specific school, some dental hygiene programs will require a hygienist to have a Master’s Degree in order to teach in a dental hygiene program.
School Debt/Wages
A dental hygiene program costs on average twice as much as a dental assisting training program and can take twice as long to complete. (see chart)
Not surprisingly, at $77,810 per year dental hygienists earn twice as much as dental assistants who earn $38,660 per year.
But if you look closely, dental assistants will pay for their schooling three times over in their first year. Dental hygienists will pay for their schooling about two times over in their first year of working.
These figures may influence the decision making process if you are considering a career between the two.
Work Place
Both dental hygienists and dental assistants can be found in a variety of work places. Dental assistants will be attached to a dentist while dental hygienists can have a more independent role in the dental field.
The majority of both dental hygienists and dental assistants will find themselves working in private practice with a dentist. A few will venture out as teachers, sales representatives, and even independent contractors substitutes (temps).
One difference is that, in certain states, dental hygienists can own a dental hygiene practice. Dental assistants cannot own a practice. In fact, in certain states, like Florida, only a dentist can hire a dentist on to their practice.
Rest assured, there is a wide variety of work opportunities as both a dental hygienist and a dental assistant.
Dental Responsibilities
Dental hygienists and dental assistants differ greatly in the responsibilities they carry out in the dental practice. Many are dictated by the laws of the land.
Because of their training, dental hygienists are allowed many more responsibilities than a dental assistant. For example, only a dental hygienist can remove hard bacterial tartar deposits from teeth (i.e. regular cleanings and deep cleanings) and, unless the dental assistant has been certified, only a dental hygienist can polish teeth.
Only dental hygienists, depending on the state, are allowed to administer local anesthesia, or numbing shots, while no dental assistant is allowed to give these shots.
Dental assistants are, as the name implies, constantly assisting the dentist: breaking down and disinfecting a dental chair and setting up the covers for the next patient, setting out the dental instruments the dentist will use during the procedure, passing the dentists the tools during dental procedures, sterilizing used dental instruments, and the list goes on.
A dental hygienist, however, usually doesn’t have an assistant to do all those tasks for them. They are responsible for all those activities. Some offices even have them set up the patient’s next cleaning appointment and call to confirm their appointment a few days before.
Another significant difference in expertise between dental hygienists and dental assistants is that dental assistants are more familiar with the names and uses of specific tools a dentist uses; a dental hygienist is not (unless the dental hygienist used to work as a dental assistant!).
Because of this, dental hygienists would make awkward assistants to the dentist and usually are not interchangeable. This ensures there is always a place reserved for the dental assistant.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
-HENRY FORD (AMERICAN INDUSTRIALIST)
How do dental hygienists and dental assistants complement each other?
Dental hygienists and dental assistants lead separate lives in the dental practice.
There will be times when dental hygienists will ask a dental assistant for help in recording gum probing numbers into patient’s charts, taking x-rays, or breaking down and setting up a room. This will be the exception and not the norm. A dental assistant’s main priority is helping the dentist, not the dental hygienist. So, only if a dental assistant is free will they help out the dental hygienist.
Also, dental assistants are usually the ones in charge of the sterilization of all the dental instruments.
I especially value dental assistants because they are such a huge help when I go to a new office as a temp substitute hygienist and I have to figure out where all the items are located. They ALWAYS know where everything is! They are the true masters of the back end. When I go out of my way to treat them with kindness and respect they, in turn, help my day go much more smoothly. Thank you!
Both dental hygienists and dental assistants are valuable members of any dental office. With different responsibilities and roles, they serve their communities by restoring and maintaining dental health and preventing future dental problems.
