In Washington state, Dental Assistants must have an active registration and hours of hands-on internship experience. Dental practices strongly favor Dental Assistants who have completed a reputable dental assisting program.
However, previous healthcare training or education is not necessary in order to enroll in this type of program. This person is highly knowledgeable about oral health and has the highest level of technical and healthcare skills out of all three positions discussed today. A Dental Hygienist should stay up-to-date on up and coming dental technologies, have outstanding manual dexterity, and be passionate about helping patients achieve great oral health.
This person must also be professional, detail-oriented, and friendly. Following graduation, an aspiring Dental Hygienist must pass a written and clinical exam to receive a state license. So how do you know which path is right for you? Here are a few things to think about when considering your options:. Call Us Now Are you interested in a career in dentistry?
There are many excellent job prospects at various levels of this industry. Launch Your Dental Assisting Career! What is a Dental Tech? The typical responsibilities of a Dental Technician include: Filling orders for dental prosthetics or restorations, like dentures, bridges, veneers, inlays, and crowns. Dental assistants work in dental offices, where they care for patients and complete administrative tasks.
They maintain records of dental treatments, schedule patient appointments, and manage billing and payment systems. Before procedures, dental assistants may also prepare patients and the work area. Dental assistants can also sterilize dental instruments, assist dentists during procedures, and instruct patients on oral hygiene techniques. In some offices, dental assistants process x-rays and provide lab assistance for dentists. Dental assistants work directly with patients and provide administrative support, so they need strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
In many states, dental assistants must complete an accredited program and take an exam to gain licensure. In other states, dental assistants primarily train on the job. New dental assistants can train under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist to learn about dental terminology, dental instruments, and administrative responsibilities. In some states, a dental assistant must hold a license or certification.
Dental hygienists provide patient care in dental offices. They conduct examinations and clean teeth while also educating patients about oral hygiene techniques. During a patient appointment, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the patient's teeth, look for signs of oral diseases, and apply treatments to protect teeth. They also take dental x-rays to learn more about a patient's oral health.
As part of their responsibilities, dental hygienists document treatment plans and report the findings of their exams to dentists. Successful dental hygienists have a detail-oriented outlook that helps them evaluate patients and create dental care plans. They also draw on interpersonal and communication skills to work with patients, dentists, and dental assistants. In every state, each dental hygienist must hold a license. The local state Board of Dental Examiners sets the requirements for licenses, which typically include at least an associate degree from an accredited program and an examination.
The educational requirements for becoming a dental hygienist vs. However, neither career path requires a bachelor's degree.
Instead, a dental hygienist typically holds an associate degree, while a dental assistant either completes a one-year certificate program or trains on the job. Dental hygienists must hold associate degrees from accredited dental hygienist programs. During their degrees, students take classes in anatomy, periodontics, and dental terminology. Programs also provide laboratory and clinical training, where students learn to care for patients under the supervision of experienced dental hygienists.
Completing a dental hygienist associate degree typically takes years. Some programs also offer bachelor's degrees for dental hygienists. These responsibilities are on top of their medical duties, which can include examining patients, providing preventative care, and assessing patient health. Dental assistants play an important administrative role in dental offices and support hygienists, dentists, and patients alike.
Dental assistant job out is also brighter than most professions! They typically work with patients to schedule appointments and process payments and are also responsible for maintaining patient records. Dental assistants are not usually in school as long as hygienists and get to work with just a certificate or license, instead of a full degree.
Dental assistants also have a significantly higher job outlook than other professions. That means they can expect to get hired quickly. While they can be very different, the difference between dental assistant and hygienist responsibilities can be small.
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