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Dental careers can provide excellent job opportunities and highly competitive income. The dental hygienist position is among the most popular in the dental industry because it enables candidates to enter the field without a medical degree. However, due to the tight ties between the two professions, many individuals eventually choose to start as dental hygienists to become dentists.

In this article, we examine the differences between working as a dental hygienist and a dentist; then, we go over how to transition from a dental hygienist to a dentist.

Let's get started . . . 

What is a Dental Hygienist?

A dental professional who assists dentists in caring for patient's teeth is a dental hygienist. In addition to cleaning patients' teeth with dental tools and educating them on how to maintain their oral health at home, dental hygienists can undertake examinations on teeth to look for oral diseases or other disorders. A dental hygienist can also maintain records of their improvement by looking over a patient's dental histories and records to follow their oral health over time.

What is a Dentist?

A dentist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions that can harm oral health, including the state of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Dentists can use test results to diagnose patients, provide medications, create treatment programs to help patients improve their oral health, and perform procedures like placing sealants on teeth or using whitening equipment. Some dentists are also adept at performing surgical operations, including tooth extraction and soft tissue oral surgery.

Can a Dental Hygienist Become a Dentist?

It is typical for dental hygienists to switch jobs and become dentists. This is because the education and training required to become a dental hygienist will give them a solid basis for their career. Dental hygienists are frequently aware of what a dentist's office is like because they can operate in several environments. A dental hygienist could decide to change careers to become a dentist to make more money or do more complex dental procedures.

Similarities and Differences Between Dentists and Dental Hygienists

The following are some points where dental hygienists and dentists are similar and different:

Similarities

Dental hygienists and dentists have a few similarities, such as:

• Both jobs are in the dental industry.
• Both dentists and dental hygienists typically need licenses.
• Both careers can require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Many of the same skills are helpful for dental hygienists and dentists.

Differences

Dental hygienists and dentists can differ in the following ways:

• Dental hygienists are not required to attend dental school, but dentists are.
• While dentists need a doctorate, dental hygienists can enter the field with only an associate's degree.
• While dental hygienists can only clean and check teeth, dentists can also do surgical operations.
• Dentists require a dental license, while dental hygienists need a license in dental hygiene.

How to Transition from a Dental Hygienist to a Dentist

After working as a dental hygienist, follow these steps to become a dentist:

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree

Dental hygienists can start their careers with an associate degree, although most states demand a bachelor's degree as dentists' minimal level of education. Most future dentists major in biology or biochemistry to learn about human anatomy and hone the abilities required for success in the medical field. However, you can also choose a closely related degree, like as biology science or physiology.

2. Complete dental school

One of the most apparent distinctions between being a dental hygienist and being a dentist is the requirement to attend dental school. All dentists must have a Doctor of Medicine in dentistry (D.M.D.) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree to work in the field. Most dental schools ask candidates to have a bachelor's degree or at least three years of undergraduate education toward a bachelor's degree. Candidates typically take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) when applying to dental schools, which qualifies them for specific programs.

3. Acquire a license

Obtaining a dental license is one of the final stages you can take to become a dentist after working as a dental hygienist. This can be a particularly crucial step in preparing for your new career. Most licensure programs demand that applicants hold a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree and pass the American Dental Association's National Board Dental Examinations. Additionally, dentists typically need to pass the state or regional clinical exam relevant to where they currently reside and intend to practice.

Skills that Transfer to Being a Dentist

A dental hygienists may possess the following skills that they can put to use whenever they decide to become dentists:

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Patience
• Manual dexterity
• Technical skills

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