Before procedures, dental assistants may also prepare patients and the work area. Dental assistants can also sterilize dental instruments, assist dentists during procedures, and instruct patients on oral hygiene techniques. In some offices, dental assistants process x-rays and provide lab assistance for dentists.
Dental assistants work directly with patients and provide administrative support, so they need strong organizational and interpersonal skills. In many states, dental assistants must complete an accredited program and take an exam to gain licensure. In other states, dental assistants primarily train on the job.
New dental assistants can train under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist to learn about dental terminology, dental instruments, and administrative responsibilities. In some states, a dental assistant must hold a license or certification. Dental hygienists provide patient care in dental offices.
They conduct examinations and clean teeth while also educating patients about oral hygiene techniques. During a patient appointment, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the patient's teeth, look for signs of oral diseases, and apply treatments to protect teeth.
They also take dental x-rays to learn more about a patient's oral health. As part of their responsibilities, dental hygienists document treatment plans and report the findings of their exams to dentists. Successful dental hygienists have a detail-oriented outlook that helps them evaluate patients and create dental care plans. They also draw on interpersonal and communication skills to work with patients, dentists, and dental assistants. In every state, each dental hygienist must hold a license.
The local state Board of Dental Examiners sets the requirements for licenses, which typically include at least an associate degree from an accredited program and an examination.
The educational requirements for becoming a dental hygienist vs. However, neither career path requires a bachelor's degree. Instead, a dental hygienist typically holds an associate degree, while a dental assistant either completes a one-year certificate program or trains on the job. Dental hygienists must hold associate degrees from accredited dental hygienist programs.
During their degrees, students take classes in anatomy, periodontics, and dental terminology. Programs also provide laboratory and clinical training, where students learn to care for patients under the supervision of experienced dental hygienists.
Completing a dental hygienist associate degree typically takes years. Some programs also offer bachelor's degrees for dental hygienists. For dental assistants, on the other hand, educational requirements vary by state. In some states, a dental assistant must complete an accredited program , typically offered through a community college or vocational school. Generally, dental hygienists specialize in cleaning teeth and providing other preventative dental care, such as applying sealants or administering fluoride treatments.
They also take dental X-rays and teach patients proper oral hygiene. In some states, they may also place and carve dental filing materials, and apply temporary fillings or periodontal dressings. Dental assistants may or may not be formally educated; some states allow on-the-job training without formal education.
Other states require graduation from an accredited program and successful completion of a state exam. Dental assisting programs include a one-year certificate or diploma program, as well as associate degree programs. Both types of programs include supervised practical experience. Depending on the state, a dental assistant may need to be licensed or certified.
The primary function of a dental assistant is to support the dentist or dental hygienist. A dental assistant may perform record keeping, schedule appointments, prepare patients for treatments and procedures, and assist the dentist during procedures. For example, some states allow dental assistants to perform minor dental procedures like coronal polishing or administer fluoride and topical anesthetic, while others do not.
Below are the key differences and similarities between dental assistants and dental hygienists:. Dental assistants generally perform the following duties:. Meanwhile, dental hygienists normally perform the following:. While their duties differ, there are many crossover skill sets between dental assistants and dental hygienists.
Because dental hygienists operate with less supervision and perform treatment procedures, skills like organization, time management and compassion are more important for them to master. Dental assistants may find skills like computer literacy to be more relevant to their greater administrative duties. Here is a list of skills necessary for both career paths:. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the links provided.
In either role, the base salary may vary according to experience, education and additional qualifications or skills and the geographic location of the employer. Other benefits for both careers may include health insurance, employee discounts on services and treatments, a k retirement plan, life insurance and paid time off. Many practices also provide professional development assistance for dental assistants and dental hygienists.
Professional development assistance involves an employer paying for part or all of the additional education, training or certification for an employee so they may take on additional duties at the practice. Top 20 Cities for Dental Assistant Salaries. The degrees and certifications required for dental assistants differ from those of dental hygienists, but requirements also vary by state.
Some states require no degree for dental assistants, only a GED or high school diploma. In these instances, training is provided by the individual employer. For other states, you can enroll in a dental assistant program offered by a vocational school or community college. These programs may take one or two years to complete. The DANB offers preparatory reference materials and a variety of exams for national certification, state-specific certification and knowledge-based competency certification.
Even if these certifications are not required, they may improve your chances of applying for dental assistant jobs. Dental hygienists need to meet higher requirements for employment than dental assistants. They need an associate degree in dental hygiene from a program accredited by CODA, which typically includes a mix of hands-on clinical courses and traditional classroom lectures.
Program requirements can include anatomy, biology, chemistry and nutrition course completion with written and clinical examinations. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed by the state in which they are working. Each state has its own board of dental examiners that determine the licensure conditions.
Dental assistants and dental hygienists may obtain additional qualifications desired or required by some employers.
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