Dental Assisting vs. Dental Hygiene

If you’re considering a career in the dental field, you may have come across two popular options: dental assisting and dental hygiene. While both roles play essential parts in patient care and oral health, they differ in responsibilities, training requirements, and career opportunities. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right path based on your interests and professional goals. This guide will compare dental assisting vs. dental hygiene, highlighting their job duties, educational requirements, work environments, and career outlooks to help you make an informed decision.

Job Responsibilities: How Do They Differ?

Dental Assisting: Supporting Dentists in Patient Care

Dental assistants work closely with dentists to provide chairside support and ensure smooth operations in a dental office. Their primary duties include:

Preparing patients for procedures
Sterilizing and organizing dental instruments
Assisting dentists during treatments
Taking and processing X-rays
Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
Educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices

Dental assistants act as an essential link between the patient and the dentist, ensuring that each visit runs efficiently and comfortably.

Dental Hygiene: Preventive Care and Patient Education

Dental hygienists focus more on preventive care and direct patient treatment. Their responsibilities include:

Conducting dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar
Examining patients for signs of oral diseases
Applying fluoride treatments and sealants
Educating patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition
Taking and developing dental X-rays
Collaborating with dentists on patient treatment plans

Unlike dental assistants, dental hygienists have more autonomy in their work and often perform procedures independently under the supervision of a dentist.

Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Dental Assistant

The educational path to becoming a dental assistant is typically shorter than that of a dental hygienist. Many dental assisting programs can be completed within 10 months, leading to a diploma. Students will receive training that aligns with the knowledge required for licensure exams, such as CDA, ICE, GC, RHS, and NELDA. In Indiana, RHS is required. Students earn Dental Assisting Certificates in Expanded Duties Dental Assisting, Comprehensive Dental Assisting, Radiation Health and Safety (Dental X-ray), Nomad Pro dental X-ray training, and CPR Certification (American Heart Association).

Becoming a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygiene programs generally require two to three years of education, culminating in an associate degree. Some hygienists choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree for expanded career opportunities. Additionally, all states require dental hygienists to be licensed, which involves passing national and state examinations.

Work Environment and Daily Experience

Where Do Dental Assistants Work?

Dental assistants primarily work in general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and pedodontics offices. They can also work at dental labs, oral surgery, and prosthodontics specialty centers. They work in a fast-paced environment, involving frequent patient interactions and multitasking between clinical and administrative duties.

Where Do Dental Hygienists Work?

Most dental hygienists work in general or specialty dental practices, but they may also find opportunities in schools, research institutions, or community health programs. Their work is more focused on patient care, with appointments typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes as they perform cleanings and assessments.

Career Opportunities and Advancement

Growth and Job Demand

Both dental assisting and dental hygiene offer strong job prospects, with employment in the dental field expected to grow steadily. According to O*net OnLine, in Indiana, the demand for dental assistants is projected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030 due to increasing awareness of oral health and an aging population.

Advancement Opportunities

Dental Assistants may pursue additional certifications to expand their responsibilities, such as radiology or expanded function dental assisting (EFDA).

Dental Hygienists can advance into roles in education, research, and sales, or even pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree for leadership positions.

Choosing the Right Path

When deciding between dental assisting vs. dental hygiene, consider these factors:

Time Commitment: How much time do you want to devote to schooling and studying for exams?

Job Responsibilities: Do you enjoy hands-on patient care and preventative treatments? Or do you prefer working with a dentist and educating the patient?

If you’re ready to start a career in dental assisting, Caris College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program designed to prepare students for success. Our program provides:

Hands-on training in a real-world dental setting
Small class sizes to give our students a personalized approach
Flexible day and night classes
Experienced instructors guiding students through clinical and administrative tasks
Preparation for certification exams is required in the field
Career support services, including job search assistance, are available to help graduates pursue opportunities in the field
Institutionally accredited by ABHES and is an approved VA program
Participate in externships
Valuable training certificates that can expand employment opportunities

At Caris College, students can develop the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in dental assisting and contribute to patient care.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Dental Career

Choosing between dental assisting vs. dental hygiene depends on your interests, time commitment, and career goals. If you’re interested in working closely with patients and dental professionals, Caris College’s Dental Assisting program may be a great option to consider.

Learn more about our Dental Assisting program and start your journey toward a career in the dental field!

Dental assistant training