Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist

It is important to understand the differences between a dental assistant and dental hygienist, because their roles vary and the required education and training are different.

Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants are typically responsible for the following tasks:

• Working closely with patients before, during and after procedures
• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Taking and developing x-rays
• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
• Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies
• Performing office management

Most dental assisting programs last between 9 and 11 months, leading to a certificate or diploma.

Dental Hygienists

Dental Hygienists perform a wide range of services, primarily in preventative oral health care. They share some of the same duties as dental assistants, such as creating molds and taking x-rays. In addition, a dental hygienist often performs the following types of tasks:

• Collecting information about the patient's oral and medical health history
• Removing calculus, stains and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
• Making molds of patients' teeth used for evaluating treatment
• Charting patients’ dental conditions for the dentist
• Applying fluorides and decay preventatives
• Administering local anesthetics
• Removing sutures and dressings

Although the earning potential is greater, a dental hygienist education requires a 2- to 4-year associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Some dental hygienists may also pursue a master’s degree. If you’re interested in a career in dental hygiene, find a program that’s right for you.