If you’re wondering about the similarities and differences between dentists and dental hygienists, check out this guide from Vibrant Square Dental.
What Is A Dentist?
Dentists have a wealth of skills they can use to care for their patients. Not only can they do everything a dental hygienist can do, but they are the only dental professionals legally allowed to repair a tooth if it has been damaged. This requires a minimum of eight years of training; four years of undergraduate courses followed by four years of dental school. Depending on their chosen specialization, more time and a license may be necessary for someone to become an orthodontist, periodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
If you take a look at the end of your dentist’s name, you may notice an abbreviation such as D.D.S or D.M.D. The former stands for “Doctor of Dental Surgery” while the latter stands for “Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry” or “Doctor of Dental Medicine”. These abbreviations signify that the dentist has graduated from an accredited dental school and thus is qualified to practice dentistry. Both a DDS and a DMD have the same educational qualifications and curriculum, but the abbreviation they use is based on the degree awarded by the university they attended.
What Is A Dental Hygienist?
As a dental hygienist, it is their responsibility to provide preventative care and treatment for oral diseases. This involves cleaning teeth, removing plaque, tartar, and stains, and examining patients for oral diseases. To do this, they must use different hand, power, and ultrasonic tools. Some of their preventative care duties include giving patients a fluoride rinse, applying sealants to teeth to avoid cavities, and taking X-rays to check a patient’s teeth and gums.
Dental hygienists educate patients on the importance of proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing their teeth regularly, to prevent cavities. However, if a cavity is already present, a dentist must be consulted in order to diagnose and fill it.
The expertise and qualifications of dental hygienists enable dentists to dedicate more time to more complex orthodontic procedures. As they examine patients, hygienists are able to identify any issues so that dentists can provide the best possible treatment. All dental hygienists must possess an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, and have a license to practice. The highest level of certification is attained by Registered Dental Hygienists, or R.D.H.
You’re In Good Hands With Vibrant Square Dental
At Vibrant Square Dental, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive excellent care in a family-focused environment. We strive to staff individuals who are experts in their field and know how to deliver a comfortable and welcoming experience. General and family dentistry is the core of our practice, and we want to introduce you to the services we offer at our clinic in Vaughan, Ontario.
Every visit to our clinic will begin with an exam and consultation. You’ll receive instructions on how to care for your teeth properly and what treatments we offer to help address your oral health concerns. As a family dental practice, we’ll help you understand how your oral health changes as you age. We’re here for your whole family, from the first tooth to caring for your adult teeth.
An essential part of any oral health care plan is visiting your dentist twice a year. These visits will always include a dental exam, professional cleaning, and guidance about how we can help improve your oral health. We’re always accepting new patients if you’re looking for a new dental provider. We’re dedicated to building lasting relationships with our patients at our office. As your family changes and grows, we’ll be here to meet your dental needs. For an appointment, call us today at 905-553-3004.
