Dentist vs. Dental Hygienist: What’s the Difference?

October152024
Dentist vs. Dental hygienist: What’s the difference?
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Taking care of your oral health requires a village—well, almost! Although you’re responsible for your at-home oral care, several dental professionals also have important roles to play every time you visit your dental office in Mississauga.

Both dental hygienists and dentists have crucial responsibilities. Their help is essential for your long-term oral health. Whenever you stop by Bristol Dental Clinic in Mississauga, you will likely see both your dentist and a dental hygienist. If you’re not sure which one is which, this article explains it all. (Hint: the dental hygienist is the one polishing your teeth!)

Dentist

What is a dentist?

Dentists are doctors for your mouth. They are medical professionals that specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of the teeth and gums. In order to do this, they study for longer periods of time, typically between six and eight years.

Many dentists specialize in a specific type of dentistry, which requires additional training and education. For example, periodontists specialize in treating gum-related issues.

What does a dentist do?

Generally, dentists are more hands-off than dental hygienists. Although dentists are capable of performing all the same tasks as dental hygienists, most of their time is allocated to assessing patient data, making diagnoses, and doing procedures. The dental hygienist performs cleanings and can take X-ray scans. However, only the dentist can diagnose potential problems and determine treatment. 

Dentists undergo considerably more education and training, which is why they’re able to diagnose dental conditions. Furthermore, dentists have the exclusive authority to treat and reconstruct physical damage to the tooth.

As a result, they’re the ones who can perform treatments like fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions. This extensive knowledge also means that dentists are better equipped to answer patient questions.

In addition, dentists are able to prescribe medications and make referrals to dental specialists when needed.

Lastly, dentists are responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes work. They’re in charge of administration at the clinic, thus ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Dental office administration
  • Analyze the patient data and medical history compiled by hygienists
  • Determine causes of symptoms and diagnose oral health conditions
  • Identify dental disease and bite problems
  • Conduct treatments and procedures (such as fillings, crowns, tooth removals)
  • Prescribe medications
  • Make referrals to dental specialists like oral surgeons and orthodontists 

Dental Hygienist

What is a dental hygienist?

Unlike dentists, dental hygienists are not doctors. Consequently, they do not diagnose or treat problems with your teeth or gums. Nonetheless, they still have a very important role at dental offices in Mississauga!

Dental hygienists are oral health professionals specializing in preventative care. To do this, they go through a dental hygiene program that takes two to four years to complete.

This allows them to examine patient mouths, prepare patients for their appointments, perform cleanings, and more. They’re an essential part of a dentist’s supporting team.

What does a dental hygienist do?

After the front desk staff, the first person you meet is likely the dental hygienist. First and foremost, they scan your teeth and gums using the dental X-ray machine. They also examine your mouth visually, making note of what they see and any potential problem areas.

However, dental hygienists do not diagnose. Instead, their notes are passed onto the dentist, who can identify issues and decide on treatment. So, although the hygienist does not diagnose, their observations are extremely important.

Every patient should be screened for oral cancer regularly. Exactly how often depends on your age and risk factors. Your dental hygienist conducts this screening procedure.

The dentist hygienist is also the person responsible for cleaning your teeth. During regular checkups, they perform scaling and polishing. This involves removing plaque and tartar that’s stuck to your teeth, as well as polishing your teeth to remove light stains. In addition, they rinse your mouth with fluoride and apply sealants to teeth in order to prevent cavities.

Dental hygienists also advise on how to best care for your teeth, offering tips on correct brushing and flossing techniques. If you want to better understand how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, just ask your dental hygienist. They’re happy to help!

It’s common for dental hygienists to assist dentists with procedures and surgeries, too.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Perform teeth cleanings during regular checkups
  • Scaling (removing plaque and tartar) and polishing teeth to remove some staining
  • Take X-ray scans of teeth and gums
  • Conduct screening procedures (such as for oral cancer)
  • Take note of any signs or symptoms that could indicate serious conditions
  • Provide information on at-home dental care
  • Assist dentists with procedures or surgeries (like tooth removal)

What’s the difference?

Education

Education is the biggest difference between dentists and dental hygienists. Furthermore, this difference in education explains the differences in responsibilities.

Dentists attend dental school after completing their undergraduate degree. If they decide to specialize in a certain area of oral care, then they need to complete a few additional years of training. This can last another two or four years. All in all, their education is intensive and extensive. Post-schooling, new dentists either have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD).

Dental hygienists, on the other hand, undergo less schooling. To become a dental hygienist, you need to earn an associate degree (although some aspiring hygienists also further their expertise with a bachelor’s degree). Once their schooling is complete, dental hygienists complete an examination before registering with their provincial governing body.

Responsibilities

Since dentists receive far more education than hygienists, they have more knowledge and expertise. Crucially, this allows them to diagnose oral health issues and decide on the best possible treatment. Their additional schooling is also why dentists are the ones performing complex treatments and surgeries. 

Hygienists are mostly responsible for basic preventative care, such as conducting screenings and routine cleanings. They defer to the dentist for all diagnoses and do not perform any procedures beyond scaling and polishing.

Contact Bristol Dental Clinic for a Dental Office in Mississauga

Bristol Dental Clinic is a family, cosmetic, and specialty dentistry clinic in Mississauga. We are a fully-digital office with the latest dental technology, which allows us to provide the highest standard of dental care. Our office is comfortable, welcoming, and staffed by highly experienced (and kind) dental professionals.

To book an appointment at our dental office in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.

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