When it comes to taking care of your oral health, you have two key players – a dental hygienist and a dentist. While they both play an important role in ensuring good oral health, there are some distinct differences between the two professions.
What’s the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
Very easy.
First, a dentist is a doctor. They went to dental school, which is essentially a medical school for the teeth and the hygienist is not a doctor, so that’s the first off. That’s a huge difference.
A dentist needs to do four years of Undergrad and four years of dental school, so a minimum of eight years of college to become a dentist.
If you want to specialize, if you want to be an endodontist or an oral surgeon or an orthodontist, you can specialize and do even more schooling, but the minimum is eight years of college for a dentist, for a hygienist.
Sure you couldn’t do it years of college, but you don’t need to. The minimum is generally three years. You could probably get by in three years with dental hygiene.
If you want to see my video explaining all the different routes and all the different schooling options to become a hygienist, you can click this video here.
Did you happen to read the difference between the assistant and hygienist yet? Anybody? Well, if you did, my bugs life hierarchy metaphor is, I’m proud of it.
I’m going to use that right now to explain the difference between a dentist and hygienist. The hygienist has his or her duties and can also do everything that an assistant does. Then there’s the dentist.
Of course, the dentist has his or her duties and they could do everything the assistant does and everything the hygienist does because they are the doctor and they either own the office or they are your boss at the office.
The duties of a hygienist, I already said in my other video, which is including but not limited to everything from cleaning teeth and administering local anesthetic to sterilizing instruments, taking x-rays, all that good stuff.
But the basic thing is the hygienist cleans your teeth.
Now a dentist, this is the person who comes in, checks for any cavities is able to diagnose things, so they’re the ones that are going to come in and be like, you have a cavity.
Hygienists can technically say, this tooth looks suspicious, so that’s all at your normal preventative appointment. Now, if you do have something going on, this is when you’ll see the dentist a lot more. I
f you have a cavity, you’re going to see the dentist for a filling. The hygienist is not going to do a filling. Basically, if you need any restorative work, that’s going to be the dentist.
Some dentists even do their own root canals or send you to a specialist if you need to see a specialist for the extraction or some kind of gum issue like periodontal surgery.
In conclusion, the dentist is a doctor, the hygienist isn’t the doctor! Very easy. 🥰
FAQ
Who makes more money a dentist or a dental hygienist?
Is dental hygiene a good career choice?
Is the dental hygiene program hard?
What is the highest paying states for a dental hygienist?
The states and districts that pay Dental Hygienists the highest mean salary are Alaska ($114,320), California ($100,830), Washington ($90,690), Arizona ($85,890), and New Jersey ($85,860).
How much do dental hygienist make 2023?
What is the starting pay for dental hygienist?
Is nursing harder than dental hygiene?
Is dental hygienist a stressful job?
Common Dental Procedures Performed by Dentists
Dentists are the go-to professionals when it comes to dental health. From a child’s first tooth to a senior citizen’s dental check-up, dentists are there to ensure that everyone’s teeth and gums are healthy. Dental procedures vary from simple to complex, and every dentist has a different way of handling them. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common dental procedures performed by dentists.
One of the most common dental procedures is the dental filling. When a tooth has a cavity, a dentist will remove the decay and fill the remaining space with a filling material. There are different types of filling materials available, including silver, gold, composite resin, and porcelain. The type of filling material used depends on the severity of the cavity and the patient’s preference.
Another common dental procedure is teeth cleaning or prophylaxis. This procedure is done to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which can cause gum diseases and tooth decay. During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth. After this, the teeth will be polished with a special paste to make them smooth and shiny.
Dental crowns are used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. The crown is a cap that covers the damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Dental crowns are made of different materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic, and all-resin. The type of crown used depends on the location of the tooth and the patient’s preference.
Finally, root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then seal it with a filling material. This procedure helps to prevent further damage to the tooth and preserves it for a longer time.
In conclusion, dental procedures are essential to maintain good oral health. Dentists have many tools and techniques to provide you with the best possible care. If you experience any dental problems or issues, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your dentist. They are there to make sure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful.
Common Dental Procedures Performed by Dentists
Dentists are the go-to professionals when it comes to dental health. From a child’s first tooth to a senior citizen’s dental check-up, dentists are there to ensure that everyone’s teeth and gums are healthy. Dental procedures vary from simple to complex, and every dentist has a different way of handling them. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common dental procedures performed by dentists.
One of the most common dental procedures is the dental filling. When a tooth has a cavity, a dentist will remove the decay and fill the remaining space with a filling material. There are different types of filling materials available, including silver, gold, composite resin, and porcelain. The type of filling material used depends on the severity of the cavity and the patient’s preference.
Another common dental procedure is teeth cleaning or prophylaxis. This procedure is done to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which can cause gum diseases and tooth decay. During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth. After this, the teeth will be polished with a special paste to make them smooth and shiny.
Dental crowns are used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. The crown is a cap that covers the damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Dental crowns are made of different materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-ceramic, and all-resin. The type of crown used depends on the location of the tooth and the patient’s preference.
Finally, root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then seal it with a filling material. This procedure helps to prevent further damage to the tooth and preserves it for a longer time.
In conclusion, dental procedures are essential to maintain good oral health. Dentists have many tools and techniques to provide you with the best possible care. If you experience any dental problems or issues, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your dentist. They are there to make sure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful.
Is The Work of A Dental Hygienist Boring? I’ve had some people say that it’s fun and there’s a lot of variety. But then I’ve had someone else say that it’s just cleaning teeth all day. I know either way that they make plenty of money–but money isn’t my main objective.
Anyone out there with real experience in this field?
I’ve been a hygienist for 12 years now and I can tell you I love it. There is more to it than just cleaning teeth though. You have the chance to help treat people and help them in their dental health. To be able to help anyone is a true reward of any job I feel. Although at times it can feel monotonous, however you will have a variety of patients with a variety of problems and completely different personalities. I can remember one of my very first patients who sat in the chair and told me straight off ” he hated the dentist office, hated dental work and cleanings and although he didn’t know me probably wouldn’t like me either” !! LOL I was terrified at the time, but he became a regular patient of mine and would only see me from then on for his cleanings.
Money in this field is good too…and you are right. It should not be your main motivator.
Something I would suggest to you if you are really interested in this field is contact your personal dentist and talk to him about your interest in this field. Ask him if you might be able to come in for a few hours one day and observe the office at work and watch one of the hygienist’s. Most dentist’s I have come across and the one I currently work for are usually pretty good about this. Naturally, you won’t be able to really do anything, but at least it would give you a feel of what they do.
Remember, like I said, it is more than just cleaning teeth..you are a heatlhcare provider for these people who come to see you and you have the opportunity to really help people.
Good luck 🙂
why do you want to become dental hygienist? not dentist?
What’s the different between them? And why do want to become dental hygienist.
Just curious to know.
Thanks
Well there’s a huge difference between them. A hygienist cleans the tartar form the teeth, takes x-rays, checks the gums for gum disease, discusses proper oral hygiene with the patients. They have a degree in dental hygiene (either associates or bachelors) and are licensed in their state. In some states hygienists can administer anesthetic (layman’s terms: give the patients shots of Novocaine). The dentist on the other hand is a doctor who went to 4 years of college and 4 years of dental school. They fill cavities, make crowns and bridges, do root canals. extractions, veneers, implants, etc etc etc. In essence they “fix” the teeth.
I am a dental hygienist because I did not want to go to school for 8 years but I wanted a job in which I got paid well and could work part time if I decided to have a family. I worked full time until I got married now I am lucky enough to work only 2 days a week, but I probably make as much as many people who work full time do. (Pay in my area is $30-38/hr)
Now you know.
Dental assisitant 20k a year dental hygiene 70k a year. Dental assistant: its all your fault/responsibility. hygiene: I’m running 3 minutes behind can you please start my next patients xrays set that room and turn this one?
As a hygienist, I do not treat assistants in my office this way. I tend to my patients, op, and instruments myself. However, part of being an assistant is to help both the doctor and the hygienist. I don’t expect the assistants to help me because I’m plenty capable of doing it myself. However, I do not mind helping them when needed and vice versa. Respect each other and you won’t have this cattiness.