Should I Become a Dental Assistant Before a Hygienist?
The decision to become a dental assistant before a dental hygienist depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and career objectives. It may be helpful to research both career paths, speak with professionals in the field, and consider factors such as education, experience, and long-term goals before making a decision.
In this article, we will answer the question ‘Should I Become a Dental Assistant Before a Hygienist’ and how this career path has benefited me working in the dental profession.
Table of Contents
Choosing Your Dental Career Path
Dental assisting and dental hygiene are two distinct career paths within the dental field. Whether you should become a dental assistant before a dental hygienist depends on various factors, including your career goals, education, and personal preferences.
Should I become a dental assistant before a hygienist? Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Different Career Paths
Dental assistants typically provide support to dentists during procedures, perform administrative tasks, and assist with patient care, while dental hygienists focus on preventive dental care, such as teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases, and providing educational information to patients.
Education and Training
Becoming a dental assistant requires less time and formal education compared to becoming a dental hygienist. Dental assistants often complete a diploma or certificate program, which can take anywhere from several months to a year to complete.
Dental hygienists typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene, which usually takes two to three years to complete. They also have to maintain their licensures which includes continuing education courses and certifications throughout their career.
Experience and Exposure
Working as a dental assistant before pursuing a career as a dental hygienist can provide valuable experience and exposure to the dental field. You’ll gain insight into dental procedures, patient care, and office operations, which can be beneficial when pursuing further education or training in dental hygiene.
Financial Considerations
Dental assisting programs are generally shorter and less expensive compared to dental hygiene programs. If you’re concerned about the cost of education or want to start working in the dental field sooner, becoming a dental assistant first may be a more financially viable option.
Dental hygiene programs are available in state and private colleges with varying tuition and financial aid opportunities. A dental hygiene licensure also requires certain certifications and continuing education credits which can add to the financial maintenance to the profession.
Long-Term Goals
Consider your long-term career goals and aspirations within the dental field. If you’re certain that you want to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, you may choose to skip becoming a dental assistant and focus directly on obtaining the necessary education and training for dental hygiene.
My Career Path
I have been working in the dental field for over 11 years. I became a dental assistant working in a pediatric clinic before becoming a dental hygienist. If you’re wondering ‘Should I Become a Dental Assistant Before a Hygienist’, I found that it was very beneficial for several reasons.
Working as a dental assistant before becoming a dental hygienist benefited me in my education experience. It greatly helped me to have a solid foundation of oral health and dentistry during my dental hygiene program. It may have also helped me get into a very competitive dental hygiene program.
Becoming a dental assistant before practicing dental hygiene also helped me become a better dental hygienist. My education helped me support my patients on the preventative side of dentistry. My experience as a dental assistant has also helped me support my patients on the treatment side of dentistry.
Should I become a dental assistant before a hygienist? My combined professional experience as a dental assistant and a dental hygienist has also made me more valuable to dental practices. It has opened up more doors and made me a competitive asset to future job opportunities.
Should I Become a Dental Assistant Before a Hygienist?
When asking the question ‘Should I Become a Dental Assistant Before a Hygienist?’, you need to consider all aspects before starting your career. Becoming a dental assistant before pursuing a career as a dental hygienist can provide valuable experience, skills, and insights that can enhance your success and effectiveness in the dental profession.
Below are some advantages to dental assisting prior to dental hygiene.
Exposure to the Dental Field
Working as a dental assistant provides firsthand exposure to the dental field, including dental procedures, patient care, and office operations. This experience can help you gain a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of working in a dental setting.
Hands-On Experience
Dental assistants often have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by assisting dentists during procedures, taking dental x-rays, sterilizing equipment, and providing chairside support to patients. This practical experience can be valuable when pursuing further education and training as a dental hygienist.
Understanding Patient Care
Dental assistants interact closely with patients, providing support, answering questions, and addressing concerns. This experience helps develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of patient needs and preferences, which are essential for providing quality dental care as a hygienist.
Networking Opportunities
Working as a dental assistant allows you to build relationships and network with dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and office staff. Networking can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential opportunities for advancement in the dental field.
Career Flexibility
Should I become a dental assistant before a hygienist? Having experience as a dental assistant can provide flexibility in your career path within the dental field. You may choose to continue working as a dental assistant, pursue further education to become a dental hygienist, or explore other opportunities such as dental office management or dental sales.
Financial Benefits
Dental assistant programs typically require less time and investment compared to dental hygiene programs. By working as a dental assistant first, you can start earning a salary sooner and potentially save money for further education or training as a dental hygienist.
Certain financial aid programs may also be offered to further your education. Dental offices may want to invest in your future with them and may provide some financial support.
Additional Dental Career Support
Should I become a dental assistant before a hygienist? Dental assistants and dental hygienists provide vital roles in dentistry, supporting their patients and their oral health. Both career paths are great options and provide job security for your future. Check out our articles below for more support in your dental career.
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. Certain products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
