Dental Hygiene

Are Dental Assistants And Dental Hygienists The Same?

No, dental assistants and dental hygienists are not the same. Although they have some similarities, they differ in terms of education, certification and duties.

Dental assistants typically perform administrative duties. However, they also assist dentists and dental hygienists with minor clinical skills. On the other hand, dental hygienists often have more clinical duties than administrative ones. They typically work with a dentist and can have a dental assistant for additional help.

Both are quite similar in terms of their hard and soft skills. Regarding education and certification, they differ. Some states do not require a degree for dental assistants but only a GED certificate or high school diploma. Other states may require them to have an associate degree accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). State laws may also require dental assistants to be certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

In contrast, dental hygienists have more requirements. They must complete a CODA-accredited associate degree at the very least. Dental hygienists can also choose to pursue a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. All states also require them to have a license from the state they work in.

Dental Complaints Policy

Complaints about the Dental Hygiene Program regarding the general performance of students or staff or the general quality of the curriculum and practical preparation of the student participants should first be addressed to the Dental Hygiene Program Director, Kelley Martell. Ms. Martell can be reached at 978-630-9413 or by email at kmartell@mwcc.mass.edu. Should the complaints include the behavior or performance of this individual, the complaints should be addressed to the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Kim Shea (kshea2@mwcc.mass.edu or 978-630-9175). The person receiving the complaint will be responsible for conducting a thorough investigation of the complaint and evaluation of the problem as it has been described. Any personnel on campus will be involved in this process to the extent that their input would aid in the resolution of the concern. The complaining party will be kept apprised of the process as it evolves and will be notified of the ultimate resolution of the concern in a timely fashion. A record of the complaint, the ensuing evaluation and investigation process and the ultimate resolution of the complaint will be retained in the Program Director’s files with a copy sent to the Dean of Health Professions, Public Service Programs, and Social Sciences. Should an individual wish to file a formal complaint with the Commission on Dental Accreditation, they should follow this Link for more information.

What Does A Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists play an essential role in maintaining patients’ oral health. Working collaboratively with dentists, they perform preventive and therapeutic services to ensure optimal patient care.

Typical responsibilities of a dental hygienist include:

• Documenting medical and dental histories
• Capturing and processing dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Assessing oral conditions using diagnostic instruments
• Removing deposits and stains from teeth through scaling and polishing
• Applying preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants
• Examining the gums for signs of disease or abnormalities
• Educating patients about oral hygiene and preventive care
• Assisting dentists during complex procedures

What Is The Average Dental Hygienist Salary In Massachusetts?

According to recent state- and national-level data, dental hygienists in Massachusetts earn an average annual wage of approximately $90,000–$100,000, with variations depending on experience, location and employer type. Nationally, the median annual wage for dental hygienists is approximately $94,260 (May 2024) according to the BLS. Benefits such as vacation time, sick leave and retirement contributions may also be provided and vary by employer and work status (full- or part-time).