Difference Between Dental Hygienists and Dentists
Dentists and dental hygienists depend on each other to provide the best care to their patients. The difference between dental hygienist and dentist comes down to several factors that influence the career and the care they provide.
In this article, we will go over the main difference between dental hygienists and dentists and how they play an important role in the dental field.
Table of Contents
Difference Between Dental Hygienists and Dentists
The difference between dental hygienists and dentists is that they are two very different degrees and careers. Dentists and dental hygienists work with each other every day to care for their patients and prevent diseases. They each play a significant role to keep smiles strong and improve total body health.
The factors that influence the difference between dental hygienists and dentists are broken down below.
Required Education
There is a big difference between dental hygienists and dentists is the amount and type of education necessary to practice dentistry.
In order to be a dentist, you must have the proper education with a doctorate degree. This can mean being in college for 8 to 10 years before receiving a license. The educational steps needed to become a dentist are:
- Undergraduate Education: First, a four-year undergraduate degree is required. While there is no specific major required for dental school, most students complete a science-based degree.
- Dental Admission Test (DAT): After completing an undergraduate degree, aspiring dentists must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a standardized test that measures their scientific knowledge.
- Dental School: Dental school typically takes four years to complete. This degree is a combination of lectures and hands-on patient care in clinics
There are various degrees you can complete in order to become a dental hygienist. The most popular degrees are an associate’s Degree or a bachelor’s degree. The educational steps needed to become a dental hygienist are:
- Pre-Requisite Courses: There are several course requirements most dental hygiene programs expect you to complete prior to entering dental hygiene school. These courses can typically be completed in 2-3 full-time semesters.
- Dental Hygiene School: Most dental hygiene programs can be completed in 2 to 4 years, depending on what degree you are striving to achieve. These degrees are a combination of lectures and hands-on patient care in clinics.
Dentist vs Dental Hygienist Licenses
In order to practice, dentists and dental hygienists must pass board exams to test the knowledge learned in school.
The required board exams will differ depending on the location you wish to practice in. The boards are a combination of a written exam and a clinical hands-on exam to assess your ability to practice.
The board exam difference between dental hygienists and dentists is the required information needed in order to perform that job. Dentists have different duties and responsibilities that require more knowledge than dental hygienists.
After the required board exams are taken and passed, dentists and dental hygienists will apply for licensure in the area they like to practice. There are multiple licenses and certifications all dental providers must hold in order to practice.
Each license has different requirements in order to obtain including necessary continuing education. The amount of hours of continuing education for each license period varies depending on where you live and practice. Licenses do expire and will need to be updated every few years.
The Pay Difference
There is a large pay difference between dental hygienists and dentists. This is due to the different degrees required and the duties performed while practicing.
The average salary for dentists and dental hygienists in the United States varies depending on several factors, such as location, experience, and specialization.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dentists was $178,260 as of May 2021. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dental hygienists was $77,230 as of May 2021.
As you can see, dentists make a significant amount more than dental hygienists. This is because they have more duties and responsibilities than dental hygienists. This does not influence the important both careers equally hold in improving oral health.
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice difference between dental hygienist and dentist will vary depending on the laws and regulations of where you practice. Dentists are allowed to perform every treatment a dental hygienist can do. Dental hygienists cannot complete certain duties of dentists.
Dentists perform many dental treatments that dental hygienists cannot due to the differences in degrees and licenses. In many places, dental hygienists must practice under a dentist they are unable to diagnose and restore teeth.
To learn more about the scope of practice of dental hygienists, check out our article The Pros and Cons of Dental Hygiene.
Responsibilities of the Career
Dentists and dental hygienists have many responsibilities in their day-to-day practice. The responsibilities will vary depending on where you practice and the duties you perform. Both careers have a responsibility to provide the best care possible to their patients and to do no harm.
Difference Between A Dental Hygienist and Dentist
There is a large difference between dental hygienist and dentist. Because they are so different, the two careers play a crucial role in patient care. Each career is vital in dentistry and depend on each other to decrease dental diseases and keep smiles strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see a hygienist without seeing a dentist?
Dental hygienists and dentists play different roles in patient care. Dental hygienists are prevention specialists while dentists play a bigger role in restoring dental health. It is important to receive an exam by a dentist and is recommended to receive one at least every 6 months.
Do dentists or dental hygienists fill cavities?
In most locations, it is solely the dentist’s duty to fill cavities. But in certain areas, dental hygienists are allowed to diagnose and fill simple cavities. There is also a career called Dental Practioner (similar to a Nurse Practioner but in dentistry) who is able to fill cavities and provide other dental treatments.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Some products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
