If you’re thinking about working in dentistry, you may be wondering about some of the positions and what makes them different?
Dental technicians, dental assistants, and dental hygienists are three of the most popular jobs in the dental industry.
Today, we’ll explore the differences between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist.
What is a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are essential to a dental practice and collaborate closely with dental hygienists and dentists.
Related YouTube Video: A day in the life of a dental assistant
Preparatory responsibilities and assisting duties are the primary responsibilities for this role.
This job is ideal for someone who is hardworking, caring, well-organized and has excellent communication and listening skills.
A dental assistant must also possess good critical thinking abilities and the capacity to address issues calmly.
Related: Find dental assistant jobs
What Do Dental Assistants Do on the Job?
Dental assistants need hard skills and soft skills. The duties of a dental assistant often consist of the following:
- Preparing the treatment rooms for patients for appointments
- Greeting patients, providing information about dental care, and responding to inquiries
- Supporting patients during dental appointments, including placing tools and equipment
- Utilizing cutting-edge dental lab and diagnostic equipment
- Making and distributing patient reminders for appointments
- Helping people with insurance billing concerns
Of course, there’s a lot more than that--too much to list here. Check out our related article below for more details.
Related: Dental assistant skills
What are the Education Requirements for Dental Assistants?
Dental offices generally prefer dental assistants who have graduated from an accredited program in dental assisting. It is often unnecessary to have prior education or expertise in healthcare to enroll in this kind of program.
Look for dental assistant programs accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
In addition, the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes DANB certification as the national certification for dental assistants. While it may not be required, it is desirable to many employers.
You may also want to look at expanded function dental assisting.
Related: Look up dental assisting state requirements
How Much Do Dental Assistants Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Dental Assistants make an average of $37,000 a year nationwide.
On Princess Dental Staffing, our dental assistants are averaging $26 per hour ($52,580 yearly). This is based on 14,946 recently filled jobs with an accepted hourly range between $21 and $33 per hour, and a median hourly rate of $26 per hour.
Related: Look up dental assistant salaries
What is a Dental Hygienist?
A Dental Hygienist offers patients preventative oral care while working under the supervision of a Dentist.
Related YouTube Video: A day in the life of a dental hygienist
Out of the three positions covered in this content, hygineists have the highest technical and healthcare expertise and are very educated in oral health.
A dental hygienist should be passionate about assisting patients in achieving excellent dental health, have exceptional manual dexterity, and stay current on emerging dental technologies.
Additionally, hygienists are kind, detail-oriented, and professional.
Dental hygienists may work part-time and are employed by a single dental practice or a chain of facilities.
Related: Find dental hygienists jobs
What Do Dental Hygienists Do on the Job?
The duties of a dental hygienist often consist of the following:
- Perform initial dental exams on new patients
- Take and develop dental X-rays
- Patient education regarding procedures and treatments
- Whole-mouth cleanings
- Assess the patients' oral health
- Note any problems, decay, and any treatment recommended by the dentist
Just like with assistants, there’s a lot more to it than that for hygienists. So check out our related article to find out more about what dental hygienists do compared to assistants.
Related: Dental hygienist skills
What are the Education Requirements for Dental Hygienists?
Dental hygienists must get an associate's degree (two years) or higher from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Over time, some dental hygienists complete a bachelor's or master's degree.
Dental hygienists must pass both a written and practical exam after graduation to obtain a state license.
Related: State licensure requirements for hygienists
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earn around $73,000 annually.
On Princess Dental Staffing, our dental hygienists are averaging $57 per hour ($113,306 yearly). This is based on 21,693 recently filled jobs with an accepted hourly range between $45 and $71 per hour, and a median hourly rate of $55 per hour.
Related: Look up dental hygienist salaries
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How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make
Wondering how much a dental assistant makes? Here we cover dental assistant salaries by state, as well as annual and hourly salary information, entry-level salaries, specialties like cosmetic assistants, and comparisons with hygienist salaries, medical assistant salaries, and more.
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