Having healthy teeth leads to us having confidence in our beautiful smiles. Most at-home dental routines can prevent most dental issues, but when one does arise, we make our way to a dental clinic. Both Dentists and Dental Hygienists are licensed professionals in their careers. Dentists are Doctors Of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), while Dental Hygienists are Registered Dental Hygienists (R.D.H.) After the base college course, which tends to be lengthy for dentists, special training is required for D.D.S. and R.D.H. However, a couple of differences exist between the two, one being the differences in provided treatment. Let’s find out more about them.
The Role Of A Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists require special training, just like other medical professionals. However, the length of time is shorter than that of a dentist. After completing their required degree program, a prospective hygienist must clear an examination to get a license, which grants permission to practice in their state. Upon earning the license, they can add R.D.H. after their name.
When visiting your dentist, the first professional you’ll encounter is a dental hygienist. They are an essential part of a dentist’s team. They examine your mouth and make notes of any issues, which are then presented to the dentist. They don’t diagnose the problem, leaving this job to the dentist. A dental hygienist provides treatments that ensure good oral health while educating you about skills and endorsed products that are made to benefit your teeth and your gums.
Roles And Responsibilities Of A RDH:
- Cleaning A Patient’s Teeth
- Removing plaque and tartar from the patient’s teeth.
- Polishing The Patient’s Teeth
- Noting Any Dental Conditions
- Conducting Screenings
- Perform Precautionary Dental Hygiene
- Check on the patient’s blood pressure and history of health.
- Educate patients on at-home dental care
- Aid the dentist in procedures like the removal of teeth
- If observing a potential issue, they divulge the information to the dentist.
The Role Of A Dentist
Dentists are Doctors Of Dental Surgery, doctors specializing in our teeth. Dentists study for more extended periods than Dental Hygienists due to the increased responsibilities and irresponsibilities. Dental specialization requires additional education where they’re taught the techniques to care for particular dental concerns. An example is that of a periodontist, which focuses on caring for gum-related problems. Similarly, orthodontists treat misaligned, crooked, and misshapen teeth. A dentist licensed to perform oral surgeries is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dentists also require a license to practice in their locations, as do their hygienists.
Roles And Responsibilities Of A Dentist:
- Administer The Clinic
- Conducting Treatments Like Tooth Removal
- Analyzing patient information provided by the R.D.H.
- Identifying dental diseases and bite problems
- Making referrals to dental specialists like orthodontists
Regardless of the differences in the education and responsibilities of dentists and dental hygienists, neither profession is unimportant. They assist one another in providing the best dental care to their patients.
