Why do you want to become dental hygienist? not dentist?

What's the different between them? And why do want to become dental hygienist.





Just curious to know.


Thanks

Why do you want to become dental hygienist? not dentist?
Well there's a huge difference between them. A hygienist cleans the tartar form the teeth, takes x-rays, checks the gums for gum disease, discusses proper oral hygiene with the patients. They have a degree in dental hygiene (either associates or bachelors) and are licensed in their state. In some states hygienists can administer anesthetic (layman's terms: give the patients shots of Novocaine). The dentist on the other hand is a doctor who went to 4 years of college and 4 years of dental school. They fill cavities, make crowns and bridges, do root canals. extractions, veneers, implants, etc etc etc. In essence they "fix" the teeth.





I am a dental hygienist because I did not want to go to school for 8 years but I wanted a job in which I got paid well and could work part time if I decided to have a family. I worked full time until I got married now I am lucky enough to work only 2 days a week, but I probably make as much as many people who work full time do. (Pay in my area is $30-38/hr)





Now you know.
Reply:The hygienist cleans, takes x-rays and such. The dentist actually does the work such as drilling, filling cavities, pulling teeth, etc. I don't know why anyone would want to become either!
Reply:A dental hygienist needs fewer years of education than a dentist. That is why many people choose to go that direction rather than becoming a full-fledged dentist.





Also, the hygienists work shorter hours than dentists, allowing them to have more time with their families.
Reply:thanks for asking :)





i've been a dental assistant since 1995 and thought dentistry was fascinating. still do actually, but i couldn't afford to go to school for a minimum of 8 years then more time for a specialty (i wanted to be an orthodontist).





and after working for a few different dentists i saw how stressed out they all seemed. and that didn't seem too fun. also hearing that dentists had a high suicide rate didn't help either.





i saw dental hygiene as a realistic goal which would allow me to have a very flexible schedule from temping occasionally to working 1-2 days a week or full time for that matter. and allow me to start a family and still have time to myself.





also, i prefer to be on the prevention end, not the restoration end. if i can prevent someone from developing cavities through proper oral hygiene instructions then they won't have to see the dentist at all!