Dental Assistant Become Dental Hygienist – A career in the healthcare industry is stable and fulfilling, not to mention reputable! You should pay attention to your profession. Both places support dentists and provide high-quality service to their clients, but there are some key differences between the two.
Please note that dental nurse and dental hygienist are different professions. Dental nurses work under the supervision of a dentist in their day-to-day work, while dental hygienists perform broader duties and responsibilities.
Dental Assistant Become Dental Hygienist
If you are applying to the dental field, becoming a dental assistant or dental hygienist is a very rewarding career path. Both of these occupations are in high demand and are expected to increase employment over the next decade. Before changing careers, you should know each role’s responsibilities, program requirements, and certification process. Read on to find out everything you need to know about these two noble professions.
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Dentists perform a number of different tasks, such as patient care, accounting, and scheduling appointments. Their responsibilities may vary by state and employer. DAs typically have an eye for detail, maintain good dexterity, and support dentists during patient care.
Both roles support the dental team, but there are certain tasks that only dental hygienists can perform. They screen patients for signs of oral disease, provide preventative care and educate patients about oral health and oral hygiene.
Dentists work closely with dentists and dental hygienists. This role is perfect for someone who loves to work hands-on in patient care. Dental assistants offer vital support at the dentist’s office and mainly act as an extra hand for the dentist.
Both roles support the dental team, but there are certain tasks that only dental hygienists can perform. They examine patients for oral diseases and provide preventive care. It also educates patients to maintain proper oral health and hygiene. Dental hygienists often use advanced tools in their work. In some cases, an air polishing machine is even used to remove dirt with a laser. The dental hygienist also uses an X-ray machine in case of teeth and jaw problems.
What Is A Dental Assistant? Your 2023 Career Guide
The educational requirements for dental assistants vary greatly depending on the job seeker. Some positions have no formal education requirements and allow employees to learn through internships, while others only accept researchers who have completed a certification program and passed exams.
Many of these programs are found at community colleges and vocational schools. It usually takes less than a year to complete and leads to a certificate or degree. In these programs, students combine traditional classroom instruction with practical exercises.
Tip 1: High school students interested in becoming a dental nurse should take courses in anatomy, biology and chemistry.
Some states even allow DAs to perform expanded duties such as corona polishing. In these states, dental assistants are generally required to be licensed, registered, or certified by the National Board of Dental Assistants (DANB).
Where Dentists And Dental Hygienists Get Paid The Most And Least In The United States
For more information about specific certification or licensure requirements, contact your state board of dental examiners.
To become a dental hygienist, you must have a degree in oral hygiene. These programs often take about three years to complete. All DHs must be licensed, although requirements vary by state.
Some dental hygienists even complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These degrees may be needed for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs. You can find a program by looking at community colleges, colleges or universities. In addition, the Board of Dental Accreditation accredits more than 300 dental hygiene programs. Areas of study in these programs may include anatomy, medical ethics, and periodontology (ie, the study of periodontitis).
Tip 2: High school students who want to become dental hygienists should consider courses in biology, chemistry, and math. Please note that many DH programs require applicants to meet prerequisites. This typically includes college-level courses. Summer school, anyone?
From Dental Assistant To Dental Hygienist: What You Must Know
As with dental assistants, you can find out more about specific certification or licensure requirements by contacting your state’s board of dental examiners.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dentists held approximately 354,600 jobs in 2019. Their largest employers fell into three main categories.
DAs work under the supervision of dentists and often support dental hygienists in their daily activities. They may wear safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing and gloves. Many dentists work full-time, but some work evenings and weekends.
According to the BLS, there were approximately 226,400 jobs for dental hygienists in 2019. Their largest employer fell into the same three categories as dental assistants, with dental offices overwhelmingly at the top (93%).
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As with DAs, dental hygienists follow protocol and wear goggles, surgical masks, and gloves. Unlike dentists, many DHs work part-time. This is because some dentists hire a hygienist only a few days a week. For this reason, a dental hygienist can work for several different dentists.
According to the BLS, dentists make about $40,000 a year. Top 10% DAs can earn over $56,000. Dentist salaries vary by location and experience level.
The BLS predicts that employment for dental assistants will grow 7 percent through 2029. This is a faster rate than the average for all occupations (4%). As the aging population ages, the need for oral hygiene and oral care is constantly increasing. Dentists will likely need to hire more dental assistants to perform routine tasks, helping dentists complete their work faster.
As compensation, dental hygienists are paid more than DAs. According to the BLS, the average salary for a dental hygienist is about $76,000. The top 10% of dental hygienists can earn over $103,000.
Clinical Dental Assistant
Like dentists, the employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow. The BLS predicts that employment will grow by 6 percent through 2029. This is a faster rate than the average for all occupations (4%).
Large age groups have increased the demand for dental care services. They retain more teeth than other generations and therefore require more maintenance and general dental care. Dentists are expected to hire more dental hygienists and expand their overall team.
If you are just starting your studies after high school, we recommend a career as a dental nurse. The advantage of enrolling in the DA program is that you can complete the program in less than a year. In addition, DA training covers a variety of skills, making it highly desirable to employers.
Both roles can be excellent options for those considering a career change. Both require a steady hand and an eye for detail. A friendly and approachable demeanor is also important since you will likely be serving many patients every day.
Dental Assisting Program
The BLS reports that dental assistants are one of the fastest growing healthcare roles. If you want to climb the ladder in oral care, dental assistants are a good place to start.
Unitech College gives you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a dental assistant in just 10 months. Our dynamic curriculum now combines virtual education, simulation education and guided external education.
Although this blog may contain information related to Unitech College programs and courses, most of the information provided on this blog is for general information only and is provided by Unitech College. It does not represent specific educational information or opinions to be given.
* Wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not accurately reflect all regions of the country and may not take into account an employee’s years of work experience. Note that it is possible and may not be reflected. Salaries or the possibility of new employees, such as graduates of our programs. (Accessed 15/11/2021)
Dental Hygienist: Expertise, Specialties, And Training
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