The Difference Between A Dental Hygienist And A Dental Assistant

By Andrew Hickey on Mar 7, 2025 @ 11:15 AM

When you come in for a dental visit, you probably see the friendly faces at the front desk and your dentist. But there are also other important team members who help take care of your smile. Some you may see during your visit, and others work behind the scenes.

Previously, we talked about what a periodontist does (they’re the gum and bone specialists). Now, let’s meet two more key people who help keep your mouth healthy: the dental hygienist and the dental assistant.

Understanding the difference between these two roles can help you feel more confident during your visit and better understand how their services fit into your dental insurance plan.

Key Takeaways

Dental hygienists focus on preventive care like cleanings, x-rays, and oral health education.
Dental assistants support the dentist during procedures and handle administrative tasks.
Hygienists require a degree and license; assistants often train on the job or through short programs.
Preventive services from hygienists are usually covered by dental insurance.
Assistants often manage billing and insurance paperwork, helping you avoid surprise costs.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who focus on preventive dental care. They’re the ones who:

Clean your teeth by removing plaque, tartar, and stains
Take and develop dental x-rays
Apply fluoride treatments and dental sealants
Perform oral health assessments
Educate you on brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene

They work closely with the dentist to identify early signs of dental issues like cavities or gum disease. Their goal is to help you maintain a healthy smile and avoid more serious dental problems down the road.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants are the ultimate multitaskers of the dental office. They support both the dentist and the dental hygienist by:

Preparing treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments
Assisting the dentist during procedures
Keeping patients comfortable and informed
Taking impressions and managing dental materials
Handling administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and insurance claims

While they don’t perform cleanings or diagnose conditions, dental assistants play a key role in making sure your visit runs smoothly from start to finish.

Education and Certification

If you're curious about the difference between dental hygienists and dental assistants, here's an easy way to understand how they prepare for their jobs. For both roles, you are required to have a high school diploma or GED.

Dental Hygienists

Education: They usually go to college for two to three years to earn an associate degree in dental hygiene.
Special Requirements: They complete a nationally approved program and pass a test called the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
License: Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed before they can work.

Dental Assistants

Training: In some states, dental assistants can learn on the job. In other states, they need to complete a certified training program and may also need a license.
Requirements: What’s needed depends on the state where they want to work.

How These Roles Affect Your Dental Insurance

Understanding who does what can also help you make sense of your dental insurance coverage:

Dental hygienist services—like cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments—are usually covered under preventive care in most dental plans.
Dental assistants often handle the insurance paperwork, ensuring that claims are submitted correctly and that you’re billed accurately.

Knowing this can help you avoid unexpected costs and make the most of your benefits.