Dentists generally work to identify, diagnose, and treat tooth decay and gum disease. They often administer local anesthetics for basic procedures and may prescribe medications.
Dental hygienists
help dentists perform cleanings and advise patients on proper hygiene and oral care. Dental hygienists What is a dental hygienist? A dental hygienist is an oral health professional who is responsible for preventing and treating oral diseases.Dental hygienists do much of their work independently, only with the general supervision of a licensed dentist. Dental hygienists are an important part of teams led by dentists. His work eliminates a significant burden for the dentist, freeing him up to perform more advanced procedures. Therefore, it's quite common for dental hygienists to perform many preventive dental procedures in an office, such as cleaning teeth, screening patients for oral diseases, and other preventive dental care.
They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. However, the dental hygienist cannot diagnose or treat any dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Only a dentist can diagnose dental problems. The dentist performs fillings, extractions, and other treatment procedures.
The dentist may also prescribe medications such as antibiotics or pain medications, or prescription mouthwashes, something a hygienist cannot do. Some dentists receive additional training after dental school, allowing them to specialize and provide patient care for certain conditions. When it comes to determining the differences between a dentist and a dental hygienist, dentists are doctors with at least eight years of formal education under their belt (four for undergraduate students, four for dental school, and even more if they choose to specialize). In fact, if you don't have any ongoing dental problems, your care may be mostly in the hands of a dental hygienist.
Hygienists are trained in preventive care therapies, such as dental cleanings, root scraping and smoothing, and sealants. You only have one dental appointment once or twice a year, and what you do in between can make the difference between good oral health and a mouth full of fillings. A dentist receives more specialized training than a hygienist and is qualified to perform more complicated surgeries and procedures. While dental hygienists usually come separately, they also help dentists with patient appointments, as does the dental assistant in the office.
Although both offer assistance and advice for maintaining dental hygiene, a dentist is qualified to perform higher-level procedures and surgeries. When you visit your dentist's office, you're usually seen by a dental hygienist and a dentist. We look at the difference between the dentist and the dental hygienist and what you should expect from both. Once finished, you spend two full years in hygiene school caring for patients and learning things like pharmacology, dental materials, oral pathology, and the like.
The hygienist will also discuss ways to care for your teeth and general health at home, and offer advice on ways to brush and floss your teeth, and on the foods you should avoid or eat for a healthy mouth. If you're interested in learning what it takes to become a hygienist, check out my video here to learn more about the educational requirements and the process.