When it comes to our teeth, having confidence in our smiles originates in good oral health. While most at-home dental practices, such as flossing, can prevent several issues, we go to a dental clinic when one does happen. While at a dental appointment, we usually encounter two dental professionals. They are Dental Hygienist and your Dentist. Here are the differences between the two of them.
What Does A Dental Hygienist Do?
A Dental Hygienist is responsible for oral examinations and noting any dental issues that may be prevalent. They require special training like any other medical professional. However, the training period is shorter than that for a dentist. Upon completing the required program, the hygienist must pass an examination to acquire their license. This license grants the permission to practice anywhere within their state and allows them to add R.D.H. (Registered Dental Hygienist) to their name.
During your visit to the dentist, the first person you’ll encounter is the hygienist. Being an essential part of the dentist’s team, they’ll examine your mouth and make notes of any issues before presenting them to the dentist. They aren’t there to diagnose the problem, as that’s up to the dentist. A hygienist provides treatments to aid in improving your oral health and teaches you skills to maintain your oral health. They can also suggest oral health products to address specific concerns.
Responsibilities Of An R.D.H.:
- Cleaning The Patient’s Teeth: During their examinations, a hygienist will clean the patient’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar. This cleaning helps them gather more precise X-rays of your teeth for areas of your mouth that they suspect may need to be checked by the dentist.
- Educating The Patient On Dental Care: A hygienist will educate the patient on ways to maintain good oral health through the usage of endorsed products such as toothpaste or mouthwash, as well as the steps they need to take each day.
- Relaying Potential Dental Issues To The Dentist: If a hygienist notices a potential issue with a patient’s oral health, they’ll note it and bring it up to the dentist so that it can be looked at and treated if necessary.
What Does A Dentist Do?
Dentists are doctors who specialize in the care of our teeth. They have to study for more extended periods than their hygienist counterparts due to the expanded responsibilities of their profession. Dentists require additional education in which they are taught the techniques to care for specific dental concerns. Upon completion of their education and additional training, Dentists will be able to get their license, which is similar to that of a hygienist. However, a dentist will put D.D.S. at the end of their name. D.D.S. stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, signifying that they are trained to handle any potential dental issues, including those that might require surgery. They take the information provided by the R.D.H. and utilize it to provide their patient with the best treatment options for their oral health.