To avoid misconception and any doubt before pursuing a Dental career it is wise to know the difference between the profession of a dentist and a Dental Hygienist. Although both of them take care of oral health there are significant differences between the level of education as well as the clinical position in dentistry. The article will discuss the difference between the two careers.

Dentist vs Dental Hygienist

In terms of official work a dentist is responsible for more of hands-on work in treating a patient then does a dental Hygienist who is more concerned of a customer service type of job. Office works such as maintaining a file and some minor dental works are siphoned off to a dental assistant or a hygienist. Procedures such as crown capping, root canal treatments etc. are performed by a dentist.

Whereas a dental hygienist does most of the background work that makes a clinic looks appealing and safe to patients. Professional and friendly advices on maintaining good oral health and the treatment procedures that they will undergo are educated to the patients by them. In some regions of the country a dental hygienist are allowed to perform activities such as administration of anaesthesia or minor procedures such as scaling of teeth and cleaning of debris from the teeth. A dental hygienist also prepares the instruments for clinical procedures as well as help out the dentists during treatment of a patient.

As seen with the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist in terms of their responsibilities in a dental clinic it is evident that a dentist has a major role in terms of directly treating a patient. This is attributed to a major difference in level of education. A program in dental hygiene can be completed within a period of two years with the course concerning subjects in anatomy, oral health, physiology as well as nutrition.

Career in dentistry as a dentist takes a longer path than a dental hygienist. A degree of four years is a basic requirement to become a dentist. Completion of the bachelors degree is followed by a doctoral degree that may count for another four years followed by a year of hands-on internship to obtain a license. And obtaining a dental license is not an easy task, a dentist have to sit for a test after the completion of one year residency clearing the test will make them eligible for a license.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with minimum training then a dental hygienist will eventually be a best match. Those who have chosen dentistry will have a long duration of formal study and training that will pay off after a long time. Whether it be a dental hygienist or a dentist both needs time and money and will be associated in field of dentistry helping one another.