Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist: Understanding the Difference

If you’re a fan of beautiful smiles, you might be interested in becoming a dental hygienist or dental assistant. Either career path can be rewarding, but which is right for you?

Prospective students often find the dental hygienist vs. dental assistant choice confusing. Here, we’ll explore the difference between dental hygienists and dental assistants so you can decide which career is right for you.

At a Glance: Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants support dentists and patients while performing a range of clinical and administrative dental office tasks. An assistant’s permitted duties vary from state to state, but typically include:

• Preparing treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments
• Updating patient records
• Assisting the dentist chairside during procedures
• Scheduling patient appointments
• Arranging billing and payment with patients
• Educating patients about post-treatment care and proper oral hygiene
• Taking and processing dental X-rays where permitted by state law (1)

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide preventative care. A dental hygienist typically has more independence when working with patients than a dental assistant. Dental hygienist tasks include:

• Performing teeth cleanings and removing plaque and tartar
• Examining patients for signs of oral disease
• Taking and developing dental X-rays
• Applying preventive treatments such as sealants and fluoride
• Educating patients about oral hygiene practices (2)

Where Do Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists Typically Work?

Dental assistants and hygienists typically work in dentists’ offices. However, dental offices are not the only possible work environments. Dental hygienists and assistants may also work in:

• Private dental practices
• Community health centers
• Specialty dental offices, such as orthodontic, periodontal, and oral surgery practices
• Hospital or public health dental departments

Education and Training Requirements

Hygienists and dental assistants both help patients have healthy teeth, but they have separate responsibilities. Hygienists work independently with patients to provide preventive services. They clean and check teeth for signs of dental disease and educate patients on how to keep their teeth healthy. To enter the field, dental hygienists must usually earn an associate’s degree from an accredited institution. Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program, for example, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Dental assistants provide chair-side support to dentists, update patient records, and schedule appointments. To be eligible for a dental assistant position, individuals may need a certificate of completion or diploma, and some states require licensing or registration. (4)

Licensing Requirements for Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists must obtain state licensure before they can practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically include completing an accredited dental hygiene program and passing applicable written and clinical examinations.*

Explore Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs at Carrington College

If you’re interested in a career in dental healthcare, becoming a dental hygienist or dental assistant lets you enter the workforce without earning a four-year degree. To learn more about either of these dental programs, contact Carrington College. Additionally, you can read more about becoming a dental assistant or dental hygienist in our helpful guides.