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Many people don’t realize the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist, or for that matter care. After all, as patients, we’re not always in the best of moods when we’re sitting in the dreaded dentist chair, and we’re just looking for someone to make us feel better. However, if you’re planning to pursue a career in the dental care field, there are important differences between the dental assistant and the dental hygienist, and you will want to understand what those differences are.
Licensed dental hygienists work to prevent and treat oral diseases. This is the person that cleans your teeth when you visit the dentist. He or she also may administer local anesthesia and carry out other duties. A dental hygienist generally must earn at least a two-year degree; however, there are 4 and 6-year degree programs available for the dental hygienist. A dental assistant, on the other hand, is not licensed, but may pursue certification. He or she assists the dentist in several ways, among them, sterilizing and passing instruments and helping to make the patient more comfortable during the dental visit. Sometimes one becomes a dental assistant and enjoys the work so much he or she pursues the education to become a dental hygienist. This can be a very lucrative and satisfying career for the career-minded dental healthcare professional. Dental assistants and dental hygienists work in professional surroundings and usually work a 40-hour week. Many of these professionals enjoy lucrative benefits in addition to a favorable salary. The Patient - Dental Assistant Relationship: One of the most important jobs the dental assistant performs is to make you, the patient, more comfortable. He or she is well trained in all the dental procedures in which they will assist. As the patient, you can make the dental assistant’s job easier, as well as your own dental experience go smoother, by trying to relax and let the professionals guide you through this process. The dental assistant will let you know what he or she needs you to do and when. Try to comply with their wishes, as it will make it easier on you in the long run. Most dental assistants are able to establish a rapport right away with a patient and devise a system so that the assistant can know when you’re in pain or need something adjusted. The dentist and the dental assistant realize that you can’t talk during most procedures, yet they still ask you questions. They are used to receiving a grunt or a grimace as an answer and usually just want to make sure you are comfortable. Be sure and tell the dental assistant about any special needs you might have. Don’t get defensive if the dental assistant tries to show you how to correctly brush your teeth. This is part of their job and if we were doing everything right, we might not be in the dentist’s chair in the first place. Realize this is something they share with all their patients and we might even learn something. |
