Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist

Both dental assistants and dental hygienists play important supporting roles in modern dental practices helping a dentist care for patients’ oral health. Sometimes people think that the terms “dental assistant” and “dental hygienist” are interchangeable terms for the same position. In fact, there are some important differences between the two. In this article, we’ll explore those differences, talk about how you can begin your career in the dental field by studying to be a dental assistant with PCI, and how to transition from dental assistant to dental hygienist as your career progresses.

Differences Between Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists

Dental assistants and dental hygienists have different scopes of responsibility and training. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Education

Dental assistants pursue diploma programs or professional certification courses. They may also complete a dental assisting associate’s degree. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, undergo a lengthier training period, typically a dental hygiene program at a technical college, university, or vocational school.

2. Responsibilities

Dental assisting duties are determined by the State Board of Dental Examiners and the dentist’s office. Their main duties include administrative tasks and being a vital extra set of hands for the dentist during procedures, passing instruments and materials, suctioning saliva, and holding the dental curing light. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, are more likely to perform clinical tasks of greater complexity, such as taking x-rays and dental impressions and removing tartar and stains from patients’ teeth.

3. Certification

The professional certification requirements for dental assistants vary from state to state. In Texas, getting certified by the recognized Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) can potentially give you an advantage in the job market. Once you have the Texas RDA certification, you’ll need to renew it every year and meet continuing education requirements. Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state they want to work in, which usually requires passing the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional or state clinical board exam.

Can You Transition from Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist?

Yes! It is certainly to begin a career as a dental assistant and then become a licensed dental hygienist. You must demonstrate that you understand best practices, the relevant procedures, and science. The transition involves these steps:

Complete a Dental Hygiene Degree

A dental hygiene associate’s or bachelor’s degree can be used to apply for licensure as a dental hygienist. Dental assisting experiences familiarize you with some of the clinical training and coursework involved in dental hygiene. Your employer can offer flexibility to allow you to pursue your degree.

Pass Your Exams

Once you have your degree, you sit for additional exams to earn a license. You must pass both the state licensing exam and the NBDHE exam. The NBDHE exam assesses your applications in dental hygiene and biomedical sciences. The state exam covers ethics and general dental care duties.

Find an Opportunity

When you get your license, you can begin working as a dental hygienist. Your current practice can employ you if you have a good reputation. Alternatively, you can find an internship role and take on additional responsibilities to grow your career. Build a resume containing your dental hygienist education and submit it to other practices.

How To Become a Dental Assistant

The hybrid dental assistant training program at PCI Health Training Center is a great way to begin your journey in the world of dental care. Limited on-campus commitments make it easier to fit training for a new career into your busy schedule. In as little as nine months, you can be ready to pursue certifications and apply for jobs in dental practices. Contact us to find out more!