What’s the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and Dental Hygienist?

If you’re wondering what the difference is between a medical assistant and a dental hygienist, you’re not alone. Both roles are vital to the healthcare industry, but they have different responsibilities. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences between these two important positions.

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Job Description

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who promote oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay through regular cleanings and checkups. Dental assistants, on the other hand, are unlicensed support professionals who work alongside dentists and hygienists to provide basic patient care.

Both dental assistants and hygienists work in dental offices, but their job descriptions differ in scope and responsibility. Dental assistants generally perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and billing insurance companies. They also may take X-rays, prepare patients for tooth extractions, and provide postoperative instructions. In some states, dental assistants may be allowed to place sealants on teeth and remove sutures.

Dental hygienists, on the other hand, focus primarily on preventive care. In addition to regularly cleaning patients’ teeth, they may also apply fluoride treatments and sealants. They also teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene at home. Some hygienists work in public health settings such as schools or nursing homes where they may provide screenings for dental cavities or gum disease.

Education

Medical assistants and dental hygienists are both important members of the healthcare team. They both work closely with patients and provide them with important services. However, there are some key differences between these two roles.

Medical Assistants typically have a postsecondary certificate or diploma, while dental hygienists must have an associate’s degree. Medical assistants typically perform administrative and clinical tasks, while dental hygienists focus primarily on providing dental care. Medical assistants may work in a variety of settings, while dental hygienists usually work in dentist offices.

Certification

To become a certified medical assistant you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam, such as the Certified medical assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have your certification, you must renew it every few years by completing continuing education credits.

Dental hygienists must also complete an accredited dental hygiene program and pass a national board exam, as well as a state or regional clinical exam. Certification for dental hygienists is usually good for three years, and renewal requires completing continuing education credits.

Salary

There is a significant salary difference between medical assistants and dental hygienists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in 2018, while dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $74,070.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for both medical assistants and dental hygienists is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The job outlook for dental hygienists is also positive, with an expected growth rate of 20 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Career Paths

Medical assistants and dental hygienists are both vital members of the healthcare team. They both provide support to doctors and other healthcare professionals, and they both work directly with patients. However, there are some important differences between these two career paths.

Medical assistants generally have more direct patient care responsibilities than dental hygienists. They may take patients’ vital signs, prepare them for examination, assist with procedures, and provide post-operative care. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, provide preventive care and education to patients. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and teach patients about proper oral hygiene.

Another important difference between these two careers is the educational requirements. Medical assistants generally need to complete a one- or two-year accredited program, while dental hygienists must complete a two- or four-year accredited program.Dental hygienists also need to pass a national board exam before they can practice.

So, if you’re interested in a career in healthcare, but you’re not sure which path is right for you, consider the differences between medical assisting and dental hygiene. Both are rewarding careers that offer opportunities to help others, but they do have some distinct differences.

Pros and Cons

Medical assistants and dental hygienists are both healthcare professionals who work with patients to provide them with treatments and services. However, there are some key differences between the two roles. Here are some of the pros and cons of each profession:

Medical Assistant:
Pros:
-Can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices
-Will have a broad range of duties, including administrative tasks, patient care, and laboratory work
-Can specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as geriatrics or inpatient care

Cons:
-May have to work long hours, including evenings and weekends
-May be required to work in a fast-paced environment with little downtime
-May be exposed to contagious diseases

Dental Hygienist:
Pros:
-Can work in a variety of settings, including dental offices, clinics, and hospitals
-Will have a broad range of duties, including patient care, teeth cleaning, and x-rays
-Can specialize in a particular area of dentistry, such as periodontics or orthodontics

Cons:
-May have to work long hours, including evenings and weekends
-May be required to work in a fast-paced environment with little downtime

Key Differences

While both medical assistants and dental hygienists are important members of the healthcare team, there are some key differences between the two roles.

Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician’s offices, and clinics. They perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals.

Dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They clean teeth, take X-rays, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on oral hygiene.

Some of the key differences between medical assistants and dental hygienists include:
-The type of healthcare setting they work in
-The type of tasks they perform
-The level of education and training required

Similarities

There are many similarities between medical assistants and dental hygienists. Both professionals work closely with patients, provide basic patient care, take histories and schedule appointments. Both medical assistants and dental hygienists may also take X-rays and perform routine laboratory tests.

Conclusion

The main difference between medical assistants and dental hygienists is the scope of their work. Medical assistants generally provide basic clinical care and administrative support to doctors and patients in outpatient facilities, while dental hygienists provide preventive and therapeutic oral health care services to patients in dentists’ offices. Both medical assistants and dental hygienists must complete formal training and earn a license to practice.