Essentially,
the distinctions these three professions share are less hierarchy based and
more based on licensing
standards.

A Dentist Defined

A dentist is responsible
for diagnosing, injecting, prescribing, and performing reversible and
non-reversible procedures.

A Dental Assistant Defined

When it comes to being a
dental assistant, there are different types of licensors, like dental
assisting. If you go through a dental assisting program, you would be
certified to take X-rays, perform sterilization, and help the doctor with
procedures like
suction.

The next level is the
expanded function dental assistant, who undergoes additional training. This
allows them to perform procedures like fillings, making temporary teeth, and
using scanners to take digital
impressions.

Dental Hygienist Defined

Then there are the dental
hygienists, who complete a 2-4 year degree in dental hygiene, are licensed to
clean teeth, and, considering they opted for a certification, administer
injections as well.

The main advantage to the
additional certification is that if, for example, a dental hygienist had to
numb a patient, they would have to call in a dentist, but not, they can do it
themselves.

Bilski Dental: Certified &
Inclusive

There
are many procedures that a dentist, a hygienist, and a dental assistant can
perform, but these distinctions make them somewhat different from each other.
They must undergo various training forms to be eligible for their respective
profession. Still confused? Book a consultation with a dental
professional now!