When you book an appointment at the dental practice, the one professional you expect to see is a dentist. However, did you know that the industry comprises many other dental professionals? There are also dental assistants and dental hygienists that work alongside dentists. Dental assistants and hygienists comprise the larger workforce in any accredited dental practice, and most of their time is spent under the supervision of a dentist.
Both dental assistants and hygienists care for the requirements of patients. However, it is important to understand some of their roles and responsibilities are diverse. We will shed light on these two professionals by defining them and discussing their responsibilities.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A dental assistant is an employee in a dental practice that ensures the dentist has all the required tools to work on the patient. Sometimes called, four handed dentistry, the dental assistant is an extra set of hands. The dental assistant is responsible for a wide range of responsibilities. Their work includes patient care, keeping work areas clean, as well as administrative and clinical work in the office.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental hygienists clean and polish patients’ teeth. They provide oral screenings to detect any infections or diseases such as cancer. They also inform patients on proper hygiene. They are usually the first line of defense in a dentist’s office, reviewing the patient’s teeth and letting the dentist know about any concerns they may find.
What are the Benefits of Both Professions?
Many employers will hire dental assistants and hygienist as part of their team, as these positions require a great deal of patient interaction. They will be required to have a strong work ethic. Also, dental therapists and other health professionals will appreciate their ability to put a smile on the faces of patients.
A dental assistant will have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, a lifelong benefit. While they may not know their patient’s history, they will learn all they can about their teeth and help them achieve optimal oral health. They will also network with other professionals in the field.
As a dental assistant, you will work with patients, including children and the elderly. It is a rewarding experience to restore smiles. You will also help people improve their self-esteem and self-confidence. As a dental assistant, you will be a valuable member of the dental team. It is worth considering this career if you are looking for a rewarding job in the healthcare industry.
Education Level
Dental assistants and hygienists have different education and certification requirements. Each state has its professional paths. However, attending a vocational school is an easy way to learn the ropes of a dental assistant job, and can be completed in as little as a year. Whereas most dental hygienists must attend 2-year and 4-year colleges. A dental assistant can also earn additional qualifications such as certification from the American Red Cross (CPR) or a topical an aesthesia certification.
However, in addition to their education and training, dental hygienists must have a license to work in Florida. To become a dental hygienist, a candidate must pass a national licensing examination. Also, they must be registered by the state’s board of dental examiners.
On-The-Job Duties
A dental assistant is responsible for helping dentists perform their work. They collect medical and dental histories and vital signs. They also give preoperative instructions and maintain supplies and equipment inventories. A dental assistant must be well-versed in infection control procedures to keep everyone safe. They must also have a responsibility to answer the patient’s questions and help guide them through dental procedures.
Other duties of a dental assistant include collecting and updating patient files. They must maintain the confidentiality of patient records and help to protect the privacy of patients’ information. They must also use computer software and password-protected systems to store patient records.
On the other hand, the primary responsibility of a dental hygienist is to conserve the practice’s resources. This includes taking x-rays, a job that requires sensitivity and a commitment to follow precise protocols. Many dental offices use new x-ray machines that take a series of images in less than five minutes. Some dental hygienists also take impressions of patient’s teeth for dental appliances.
Most of the duties of a dental hygienist revolve around the treatments they provide to their patients, which includes brushing and flossing the teeth. They also apply fluoride to weak teeth, sealants to damaged teeth, and remove tartar and plaque. Aside from routine cleanings and exams, dental hygienists also perform preventive procedures. They document their patients’ care plans and educate them on maintaining their oral hygiene. Dental hygienists may also administer local anesthesia, prescribe fluoride, and place temporary restorations.
Licenses and Certificates
Although the requirements for becoming a certified dental assistant vary by state, there are some common prerequisites. A limited permit allows dental assistants to practice without obtaining a license for a year. To qualify for this license, they must complete a board-approved program for dental assisting. They must also have a specific number of hours of relevant work experience.
A certificate is an industry-issued document stating that a professional has passed a set of standards. This certificate can make this professional stand out in a competitive job market, but it doesn’t guarantee legal permission from a state. A license is a government-issued document verifying that a dental professional has the knowledge and experience necessary to perform the role in a professional capacity and have voluntarily agreed to practice in a certain field.
To practice as a dental hygienist, students must obtain a license and endorsement. To obtain a license, they must apply with the Office of the Professions. There are two requirements to obtain licensure. A dental hygienist must complete continuing education courses, earn CPR certification, and maintain that CPR certificate. They must also complete a two-year college program to earn a license.
A state dental board will issue a license to a dental hygienist. The process involves written and clinical boards, CPR classes, and plenty of paperwork. After being licensed, the dental hygienist can practice dentistry in Florida.
Benefits of Attending a Vocational School
There are many benefits to attending a vocational school and becoming a dental assistant. From a quick start as a dental assistant to career services to find a new job, and everything in between. The many benefits include:
A Quick Start
Unlike a dental hygienist that must complete a 2-year or 4-year degree program and get licensed, a dental assistant can get the necessary training in under a year, attending full-time. Instead of on-the-job training that might not be complete and leave knowledge gaps, a vocational school program will offer the information that a dental assistant needs to prepare for a new career. They will also be ready to start earning after graduating from a vocational program. Dental assistants can graduate quicker because the coursework is streamlined, leaving out all the electives that make a well-rounded student. A dental assistant program teaches the student what they need to start working, and nothing else.
Small Class Sizes
Instead of being one in a thousand students sitting in a large lecture hall, vocational schools offer small class sizes to allow instructors to create unique coursework for each student. Each student may learn in a different way or at their own pace, and a small class size allows instructors to offer more individual time to each student, so no one is left behind.
Industry Experienced Instructors
One of the many benefits of attending a vocational school, is mentorship and guidance from industry experienced instructors. They have dental experience and understand what employers are looking for in a dental assistant. Instructors offer one-on-one attention to students and answer any questions they may have about the coursework. Many instructors will have close ties with the community and may find out about jobs even before the public. Instructors and even classmates are a great source of networking opportunities, so students can find a job after graduation.
Career Services
The best benefit of attending a vocational school is the career services. Most vocational schools will follow graduates throughout their career offering assistance when the time comes to find a new job. Around graduation, the career services department works with graduates to perfect their resume, prepare for interviews and offer job opportunities that fit their passions. They work to find the job that matches the student’s passion, so they enjoy everyday of their new career.
Final Thoughts
While dental assistants and hygienists are equally vital, they perform different tasks. Both dental hygienists and assistants work within a dentist’s office. However, the two jobs have different responsibilities but share common traits. This includes specialized knowledge of dentistry and strong interpersonal skills. Both jobs involve patient care and follow a strict protocol. If you are interested in becoming a dental assistant and want a rewarding career, then it is time to learn more about Meridian College.
The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.
Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors, which offer you training in dental assisting that you can use to get an entry-level position at a dentist office or dental clinic. You get to work in real world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skill during lab work in dental assisting.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.