Have you ever wondered why dental hygienists make more money than dental assistants?

The answer to this question lies in the different roles of each position. 

Differences in Training

Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth and providing preventive dental care. This includes taking X-rays, removing plaque and tartar, applying sealants, evaluating a patient's oral health, and more.

On the other hand, dental assistants are generally responsible for providing support to the dentist and hygienist, including chair-side assistance during procedures, taking patient histories, sterilizing instruments, and more. 

As such, dental hygienists are typically expected to have a higher level of training and expertise than dental assistants, which may cause them to make more money. 

Hygienist Training

To become a dental hygienist, you must have formal education and training. Most states require that dental hygienists complete an accredited dental hygiene program to be licensed. These programs typically cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, oral pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiology, anesthesia administration, and periodontology.

Assistant Training

Dental assistants require a combination of both classroom and hands-on training. Classroom instruction typically includes topics such as dental terminology, patient communication, anatomy, medical ethics and laws, radiology, sterilization techniques, and office management. Hands-on training usually focuses on clinical duties like taking X-rays, preparing patients for treatment, cleaning teeth.

Licensing

Hygienist Licensing

To practice as a dental hygienist, you must be licensed. Licensure requires time, money, and training. 

All 50 US states and Washington DC require dental hygienists to be licensed. 

To become a licensed dental hygienist, you must meet certain educational and examination requirements established by your state's board of dentistry. 

Generally, candidates must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program, passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and met all state licensure requirements.

Assistant Licensing

The licensing requirements for a dental assistant vary by state. Currently, 33 states require dental assistants to obtain licensure or registration to practice.

Generally, to be a dental assistant, you must be 18 years of age and have completed an accredited dental assisting program. 

You may also need to pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification exam or a state board-approved examination to practice. 

Additionally, some states may require continuing education to maintain a dental assistant license. It is important to check with your state's dental board to determine the specific licensing requirements and any applicable fees.

Responsibilities

Hygienist Responsibilities

Dental hygienists have a variety of important responsibilities that help keep patients' teeth and mouths healthy. These include:

• Performing thorough dental cleanings, including scaling and polishing teeth
• Examining gums to check for any signs of periodontal disease
• Taking x-rays and other imaging to help diagnose and treat issues
• Identifying any cavities or other dental problems
• Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and helping them create a personalized plan
• Applying sealants, fluoride treatments, and other preventive measures to protect teeth
• Administering local anesthetics before various dental treatments
• Charting patient information and updating dental health records
• Collaborating with dentists to plan and coordinate treatment plans for patients
• Supervising dental assistants, receptionists, and other staff members.

Dental hygienists also play an important role in educating the public about proper oral health and participating in outreach activities such as school visits and community health fairs. They are dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums so that they can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.

Assistants Responsibilities

A dental assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks in the office, including:

• Assisting the dentist during patient examinations, procedures, and treatments.
• Sterilizing instruments and setting up treatment trays.
• Taking x-rays, digital images, and impressions.
• Teaching patients oral hygiene techniques such as proper brushing and flossing.
• Documenting treatment information in patient records.
• Maintaining office supplies and equipment.
• Scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
• Answering the phone and greeting patients.
• Performing clerical duties such as filing, transcription, and billing.

Expertise

Many employers may pay more for hygienists due to their additional responsibilities. Thus, the higher pay associated with dental hygienists is often justified by their greater qualifications and expertise.

Supply and Demand

Because more is required of a hygienist, there are fewer hygienists available. The law of supply and demand dictates that with fewer hygienists available, but a substantial demand for them, the pay rate of a hygienist will go up. 

This is seen a lot when there is only one hygienist available in an area, but ten offices are looking for a hygienist. That hygienist is likely to take the highest paying position available, and the dental offices are willing to increase their pay rate to be competitive and land those top candidates for their business. In some cases, employers may even be willing to pay a sign-on bonus to attract candidates in short supply.

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