Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant: Understanding the Difference

No, dental hygiene and dental assisting are two different professions in the dental field.

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who provide preventive dental care, such as cleanings, exams, and fluoride treatments, and who educate patients about oral hygiene. Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist and are not authorized to perform certain procedures, such as fillings or root canals.

Dental assistants are unlicensed professionals who help dentists perform a variety of tasks, such as taking X-rays, providing patient care, and scheduling appointments. Dental assistants are not authorized to perform any procedures that require a license.

In general, dental hygienists have more education and training than dental assistants and perform a wider range of duties. However, both professions are essential to providing quality dental care to patients.