Oral health is a key part of overall health. From preventing cavities to identifying potential problems, your dentist and their team play a vital role in keeping you healthy.
Two members of that team you’ll likely encounter are dental hygienists and dental assistants. Both are crucial to providing comprehensive dental care, but their roles, training, and responsibilities differ considerably.
This article will compare and contrast the roles of a dental hygienist and a dental assistant. We’ll explore their differing education requirements, the daily responsibilities they handle, and how their salaries typically compare. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who’ve completed extensive training, while dental assistants usually require on-the-job training or certification.
Defining the roles: Dental assistant and dental hygienist
You’ll find both dental assistants and dental hygienists working in most dental offices. They both work to support the dentists and to provide you with the best possible care, but their roles and responsibilities are actually quite different.
What is a dental assistant?
A dental assistant supports dentists and hygienists by performing administrative and clinical tasks. They might schedule appointments, take and develop X-rays, and assist the dentist during procedures.
Key responsibilities include preparing the treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and making sure the patient is comfortable and ready for their appointment.
What is a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional whose main focus is preventing and treating oral diseases. They work directly with patients, providing cleanings, doing oral examinations, and delivering treatments such as applying fluoride.
Key responsibilities include performing teeth cleanings, examining patients for signs of oral disease, and educating patients on how to improve their oral hygiene at home.
Job duties and responsibilities: A detailed comparison
The daily tasks performed by dental assistants and dental hygienists differ quite a bit. While both work to support oral health, their specific responsibilities are focused on different aspects of patient care.
Dental assistant responsibilities
Dental assistants are vital in ensuring the smooth running of a dental office. Their duties are wide-ranging and include:
- Assisting the dentist during procedures, handing them instruments and materials as needed.
- Preparing patients for treatment, which includes taking their medical histories and monitoring vital signs.
- Sterilizing dental instruments and keeping the treatment rooms clean and organized.
- Taking X-rays to help with diagnosis.
- Scheduling patient appointments and keeping patient records up to date. Computer skills are essential for this.
Dental hygienist responsibilities
Dental hygienists focus on preventative oral care. Their responsibilities include:
- Performing professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
- Examining patients for signs of oral diseases, including periodontal charting to assess gum health.
- Taking and developing dental X-rays.
- Educating patients on the best ways to care for their teeth and gums.
- Administering local anesthesia, but only in states where the law permits.
- Applying fluoride and dental sealants to protect teeth.
As you can see, while both roles are important in a dental practice, dental hygienists have a greater focus on direct patient care and preventative treatments, while dental assistants handle a broader range of support tasks.
Education and training requirements
The path to becoming a dental assistant is different than the path to becoming a dental hygienist. Here’s a quick rundown of the typical requirements for each.
Dental assistant education
To become a dental assistant, you’ll generally need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Employers often prefer candidates who have completed a dental assisting program, which results in a certificate or diploma. These programs usually last a year or less.
However, many dental assistants are trained on the job. CPR certification is often a must.
Dental hygienist education
If you want to be a dental hygienist, you’ll have to complete an accredited dental hygiene program, typically earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
After graduating, you’ll need to pass national board exams and obtain a state license to practice. To make sure the program you choose is up to snuff, look for accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Salary and job outlook
Pay and job prospects are important factors to consider when choosing a career path. Let’s take a look at what dental assistants and dental hygienists can expect.
Dental assistant salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dental assistants was $46,540 as of May 2023. Data collected by Indeed puts the average salary at $65,888 per year.
The BLS projects that the field will grow by 8% between now and 2033, which is about average. Other sources show a more optimistic outlook, with an 11% increase expected from 2020 to 2030.
As with most jobs, a dental assistant’s salary can depend on factors such as experience, geographic location, and qualifications.
Dental hygienist salary and job outlook
Dental hygienists earn significantly more than dental assistants. The median annual salary for dental hygienists was $87,530 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary reported by Indeed is $89,066 per year.
The job outlook for dental hygienists is also positive, with the BLS projecting 9% growth through 2033. Other sources also predict an 11% increase from 2020 to 2030.
Experience, location, and education level can all affect a dental hygienist’s earning potential.
Skills and qualities for success
While there’s some overlap in the skills needed to be a great dental assistant and a great dental hygienist, here’s a breakdown of what each role requires.
Essential skills for dental assistants
Dental assistants need to be good communicators, with solid interpersonal skills. They need to be careful, detail-oriented, and have good manual dexterity. They also need to be organized and computer literate.
Essential skills for dental hygienists
Dental hygienists need to have strong clinical skills and a solid understanding of oral health. They also need to be able to communicate well and educate patients about oral hygiene practices. Like dental assistants, they need to be organized, but they also need to be able to manage their time well.
Dental hygienists need to be able to work independently, but they also need to be good team players.
Wrapping Up
Dental assistants and dental hygienists both play crucial roles in oral healthcare, but their responsibilities, education requirements, and earning potential differ significantly.
When deciding which path is right for you, consider your personal interests, skills, and career goals. How much responsibility are you comfortable with? How much are you willing to invest in your education? What are your long-term career aspirations?
To get a better sense of what each role entails, consider shadowing a dental assistant or dental hygienist. Experiencing the work firsthand can help you make an informed decision about your future career.