Are you looking at a career in Dentistry? If so, you may be wondering about the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist. What are their different job responsibilities? How much does a dental assistant make versus a dental hygienist? What are the facts about dental assistants and dental hygienists? What career path makes more sense for you?
This blog looks at the two roles and gives you an idea of the kind of career path that might work for you. To begin, what is the difference between the two jobs? The main difference is that:
Because dental hygienists work directly on the patients’ mouths, they require more training than a dental assistant. A dental hygienist needs at least an associate’s degree, whereas a dental assistant can get the necessary training through a shorter, non-degree program, like the 12 week program at FLDATS.
Dental assistants are trained professionals who play an important part in the day-to-day functioning of dental offices. Here are some of the tasks that dental assistants do on a regular basis:
The exact duties of a dental assistant will vary depending on the job. Some dental assistants spend more time in the lab, while others may have administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and organizing paperwork.
With dental assisting, no two days are ever the same! Many dental assistants like the variety of tasks they get to handle. While a hygienist spends most of the day providing teeth cleanings, a dental assistant tends to have a wider variety of tasks throughout the day
Dental hygienists spend much of their day providing professional teeth cleanings to patients. With specialized instruments and techniques, they remove stains, plaque, and tartar from the patient’s teeth. They also examine the patient’s mouth for any signs of oral diseases, and they help educate patients on good dental hygiene. Here are some of the things they do on the job:
Hygienists play a critical role in improving the dental health of their patients. With regular cleanings by the hygienist, patients can keep their teeth healthier, and decrease their chances of decay and gum disease.
| Dental Assistant | Dental Hygienist | |
| Responsibilities | Works directly with dentist | Works directly with patients |
| Typical tasks | Assisting the dentist with procedures (chairside assisting), taking impressions, lab tasks, temporary crowns, administrative tasks | Professional teeth cleanings, patient education, x-rays |
| Requirements for enrolling/applying to school | High school diploma (or GED) is required to enroll in training | High school diploma and prerequisite science and math courses are required to apply |
| Length of training | 12 week program through FLDATS | 2- to 3-year associate’s degree program |
| Job outlook for future | Currently in high demand in Florida | High demand in Florida |
Becoming a dental assistant is easier and faster than becoming a dental hygienist. Most dental assistant training programs take under a year to complete. To get into a dental assistant training program, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED). Once enrolled, you will study topics such as: dental anatomy, procedures, chairside assisting, radiology, and office procedures. You can find dental assistant schools in community colleges, private career schools, and other technical schools.
Hygienist programs are longer and more challenging than dental assistant programs, and the application process can be competitive. Typically, it helps if you have taken courses in biology, chemistry, and math in high school. If you haven’t taken these courses, you may need to take additional prerequisite courses before starting the dental hygienist program. Once accepted into the program, it usually takes 2 to 3 years to earn your associate’s degree. The program will include topics like physiology, radiography, pathology, anatomy, periodontics, and nutrition, as well as lab courses where you will learn clinical skills. Community colleges, technical schools, and universities offer dental hygienist training programs.
Because dental hygienists undergo more training and have more responsibility, they usually make a higher salary than dental assistants. See the below information from the United States Department of Bureau of Labor and Statistics
If you’re still not sure which career path you should choose, consider some of the benefits of becoming a dental assistant:
Becoming a dental hygienist has many of the same benefits as becoming a dental assistant. Here are some of the reasons why people choose this career path:
To determine whether you’re a good fit for a dental profession, take a moment to reflect on your personality, strengths, and challenges. Here are some of the traits that are useful for people who want to enter the dental field.
If you have these skills, and are interested in the field of dentistry, then becoming an assistant or a hygienist might be a good career move for you. Take some time to consider the pros and cons of both career paths before deciding which is best for you. Good luck with your decision! Want more information about Florida Dental Assistant Training Schools (FLDATS)? Please call us at 407-960-3686 and we are happy to help answer any questions!
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It is the mission of Florida Dental Assistant Training Schools to provide dental assistant training that allows an individual to complete training and seek employment in the shortest amount of time.
