Are you a dental assistant looking to advance your career? Are you trying to make a larger impact on patients’ oral health or increase your responsibilities within the dental practice? Going from a dental assistant to dental hygienist could be the road to a more successful career.
Imagine increasing your salary, gaining more autonomy in patient care, and expanding your career opportunities in the dental field. By becoming a dental hygienist, you can achieve these goals while continuing to make a difference in people’s lives.
Whatever you seek—higher earnings, a job more on par with your capabilities, or a deeper connection in patient care—this guide will provide you with the knowledge and resources to achieve your goals. Dive in and discover how you can use your dental assistant experience to switch smoothly into a dental hygienist role.
Understanding the roles
Dental assistants and dental hygienists work collaboratively, but their responsibilities differ. Dental assistants provide essential support to dentists and hygienists. Here is a detailed look at some of the specific responsibilities for these related roles:
Dental assistant responsibilities
If you’re unfamiliar, dental assistants are integral to the office’s smooth operation. They ensure dentists and hygienists have everything they need during procedures by handing them instruments, operating suction devices, and preparing materials. They help with:
- Preparing patients and taking vital signs
- Explaining procedures
- Ensuring patient comfort
Assisting patients during procedures by providing support and reassurance.
On the administrative side, dental assistants handle:
- Scheduling appointments
- Managing patient records
- Billing
- Insurance claims to ensure the smooth operation of the dental office.
Before patients arrive, they sterilize and set up instruments, ensure the treatment area is clean, and prepare the necessary materials. Many dental assistants are also trained to take dental radiographs, which are crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, they might take impressions of patient’s teeth, pour models, and perform other basic lab tasks.
Dental hygienist responsibilities
Dental assistants regularly assist dental hygienists in their responsibilities, as dental hygienists have a wider scope of practice than assistants. Dental hygienist responsibilities include:
- Reviewing patients’ health histories
- Conducting oral health assessments
- Performing initial screenings for oral diseases
- Providing crucial information to help dentists diagnose and plan treatments.
Additionally, providing essential preventive care by cleaning teeth, removing plaque and tartar, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and polishing teeth are common activities for dental hygienists.
Another big responsibility is educating patients. Hygienists teach people things like proper brushing and flossing techniques, diet and nutrition related to oral health, and the importance of regular dental visits. They create treatment plans for patients while working with dentists, monitoring the progress of these plans during follow-up visits.
In many states, dental hygienists are licensed to administer local anesthesia to help manage patient pain during procedures. Meticulously documenting patient care, treatment plans, and progress notes is crucial for ongoing patient care and legal purposes. Dental hygienists must gain specific skills to fall into their first professional position quickly and easily.
Benefits of becoming a dental hygienist
Becoming a hygienist offers many advantages. A few key benefits that make this career path attractive include:
- Higher Salary Potential. Dental hygienists generally earn more than dental assistants. Dental hygienists can earn significantly higher salaries, reflecting their advanced education and responsibilities.
- Increased Responsibilities and Autonomy. Hygienists have more direct patient interaction and perform a broader range of clinical procedures, including cleanings, x-rays, and patient education.
- Enhanced Career Opportunities. With additional education and experience, hygienists can pursue specialties like public health dentistry, pediatric dentistry, or even roles in education and research.
- Professional Growth and Development. The hygienist role allows for continued learning and skill development.
Dental hygienist educational requirements
To switch from a dental assistant to a dental hygienist, you’ll need to meet specific educational requirements. Most programs require prerequisite courses in science like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and high grades in these areas can demonstrate your strengths. Goodwin University emphasizes strong scores in required courses to create a solid basis for further study.
Dental Hygiene programs can be associate degrees (typically two years) or bachelor’s degrees (four years). Choose an accredited program from a reputable institution. Goodwin University offers an associate degree program in Dental Hygiene, providing flexibility based on your scheduling and career goals.
Learn how to become a dental hygienist in our free downloadable guide!
Certification and licensure for dental hygienists
After graduating from an accredited program, you must pass national and state exams to become a licensed dental hygienist. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is a computer-administered exam to assess knowledge and skills in dental hygiene science. The NBDHE consists of 350 multiple-choice questions covering scientific principles, clinical dental hygiene, and community health.
Each state also has additional licensing requirements, which may include additional exams or jurisprudence tests on state dental laws.
Job search and career advancement
Finding your first dental hygienist job requires a well-crafted resume and cover letter highlighting the relevant skills and experience you gained as a dental assistant. Utilize online job boards, dental association resources, and professional networks to find job openings.
Highlight your education, certifications, and relevant experience. Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences pertinent to dental hygiene, and keep learning more about the world within a dental hygienist career!
Lifelong learning is essential in the dental field. Going in-depth into an area that intrigues or you are passionate about is an excellent start to specialization. You can pursue specializations in pediatric dentistry, periodontal therapy, or public health to enhance your career further. The ADHA and other professional organizations offer resources for continuing education.