Can dental hygienists and dental assistants work independently in Canada?

Dental hygienists can work independently in all provinces and territories: Many operate their own clinics or mobile practices. They’re licensed to perform cleanings, assessments and preventive care without a dentist present. Provincial regulations allow them to practice autonomously, though collaboration with dentists is common in traditional clinics. Dental assistants cannot work independently in most cases: Their role is designed to support dentists and hygienists during procedures. They perform tasks like sterilization, chairside assistance and patient prep under supervision. Some provinces allow limited autonomy for administrative or lab duties, but clinical tasks require oversight.

When may I hire a dental hygienist instead of a dental assistant?

Consider hiring a dental hygienist when: You need someone to perform cleanings, oral exams and preventive treatments. Your practice is expanding its hygiene program or offering independent hygiene services. You want to reduce the dentist’s workload on routine care. Consider hiring a dental assistant when: You need help with clinical setup, sterilization and patient flow. Your dentist needs chairside support during procedures. You want to improve administrative efficiency.

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist: A Comparison

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For employers in the dental industry, understanding the distinctions between dental assistants and dental hygienists is important for building an effective team and ensuring optimal patient care. While both roles are integral to the smooth operation of a dental practice, their education, certification requirements and scope of responsibilities differ significantly.

In this article, we provide a comparison of dental assistants and dental hygienists to help you make informed hiring decisions and maximize the strengths of each profession within your practice.

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What is a dental assistant?

A dental assistant is a vital member of the dental care team, supporting dentists during clinical procedures and ensuring the smooth operation of the dental office. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, assisting with dental procedures, handling dental materials and providing chairside support to the dentist. Dental assistants also help with patient education, keeping records and managing appointment schedules.

In addition to clinical duties, dental assistants often handle administrative tasks such as billing, processing insurance claims and maintaining patient files. Their role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail and a caring, professional attitude. By efficiently managing both patient care and administrative functions, dental assistants contribute to a positive dental experience and the overall success of the practice.

What is a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who specializes in preventive dental care. Their primary duties include cleaning patients’ teeth, removing plaque and tartar, performing dental screenings and taking dental X-rays. Dental hygienists also apply sealants and fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities and support overall oral health.

Beyond clinical procedures, dental hygienists play a pivotal role in educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition and disease prevention. They often work closely with dentists to identify signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis or oral cancer, ensuring early intervention when necessary. Compassion, attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential traits for dental hygienists.

Comparisons between dental assistants vs. dental hygienists

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both play important roles in dental practices, but their responsibilities, skill sets and qualification requirements are distinct. While dental assistants focus on supporting dentists during procedures and managing administrative tasks, dental hygienists specialize in preventive care and patient education.

Here’s a quick comparison of their skills, education and average salary:

Skills

Dental hygienists operate with less supervision and perform treatment procedures, so they rely on skills like organization, time management and compassion. Dental assistants also need computer literacy to manage administrative tasks efficiently. Here are the key skills required for dental assistants vs. dental hygienists:

Skills of a dental assistant:

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Competence in sterilizing instruments and preparing treatment rooms
Excellent chairside assistance and support during clinical procedures
Effective communication and patient care skills
Proficiency in scheduling, billing and handling administrative duties

Skills of a dental hygienist:

Expertise in oral health assessment and preventive dental treatments
Skill in scaling, polishing and applying fluoride or sealants
Competence in dental radiography (taking and interpreting X-rays)
Strong patient education and counselling abilities
Keen attention to detail in detecting oral diseases and abnormalities

Education and certification in Canada

Educational and certification requirements for these roles vary across Canada:

Dental assistant:

Completion of a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC)
Many provinces require graduation from Level II (Intra-Oral) dental assisting programs
Certification through the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB).
On-the-job training may be available for basic (Level I) dental assisting roles
Provincial registration or licensing may be necessary, depending on the jurisdiction

Dental hygienist:

Graduation from a dental hygiene diploma or bachelor’s degree program accredited by the CDAC
Successful completion of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB/NDHCE) exam
Provincial or territorial registration
Continuing education requirements to maintain licensure
Some provinces may require jurisprudence exams or additional background checks

Average salaries of a dental assistant vs. dental hygienist

Dental assistants typically earn an average salary of $89,174 per year, while dental hygienists average $105,313 annually. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, additional qualifications, skills and geographic location. Benefits that may impact overall compensation can include health insurance, reduced dental procedure costs, paid time off and employer-sponsored professional development.

Do you need to hire a dental assistant or a dental hygienist?

Choosing between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist depends on your practice’s needs. If you need help with clinical procedures, patient preparation, sterilization of instruments and administrative tasks like scheduling or billing, a dental assistant is a versatile choice. Their skills in both chairside and office functions provide the comprehensive support required for efficient daily operations, benefiting both dentists and patients.

If your primary focus is preventive dental care, like professional teeth cleaning, X-rays and patient education, a licensed dental hygienist can be vital. Their specialized expertise in oral health assessment and disease prevention canimprove patient outcomes. Evaluate your current workflow and patient care needs to identify which role can enhance your team and strengthen your dental practice’s overall effectiveness.

Tips for hiring a dental assistant

When hiring a dental assistant in Canada, begin by understanding the provincial or territorial regulations governing the profession. Since licensing requirements vary by province, employers must verify that every candidate meets local standards. On-the-job training is often available for entry-level (Level I) dental assistants, but candidates with formal education from accredited programs may bring added knowledge and proficiency to your practice.

Assessing a candidate’s familiarity with dental procedures, sterilization techniques, patient care and office protocols can also help ensure their readiness for the role. Look for individuals who demonstrate strong communication skills and professionalism, as dental assistants often serve as the bridge between patients and practitioners.

Beyond technical capabilities, consider the importance of professional development. The dental field is constantly changing and assistants who express a willingness to pursue continuing education or upgrade their skills can contribute significantly to your practice’s long-term success. Evaluate candidates for their ability to work effectively in a team setting, manage multiple tasks and respond calmly under pressure.

References from previous employers or instructors can provide valuable insight into a candidate’s reliability and work ethic. By taking a comprehensive approach to hiring, balancing regulatory compliance, technical skills and interpersonal qualities, you can build a cohesive dental team that supports both practitioners and patients, fostering an environment of excellence and trust.

Tips for hiring a dental hygienist

When hiring a dental hygienist in Canada, review the candidate’s educational background and regulatory compliance thoroughly. Ensure they have completed an accredited dental hygiene program and passed the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB/NDHCE) exam, a requirement in all provinces. Verify their registration with the provincial dental hygiene regulatory authority and check that they meet ongoing continuing education requirements and background checks for patient safety.

Also, assess their credentials, clinical skills and communication abilities. Look for candidates proficient in preventive care, patient education and modern dental technologies. Strong interpersonal skills are vital for collaboration within the dental team. Prioritizing both regulatory compliance and interpersonal qualities ensures you hire skilled hygienists who improve the patient experience.

While there are many differences between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist, both roles are important to the smooth operation of a dental office. Understanding the differences can help you decide which job to hire for and how each role best fits into your practice.

FAQs for dental assistants vs. dental hygienists

Dental hygienists can work independently in all provinces and territories:

Many operate their own clinics or mobile practices.
They’re licensed to perform cleanings, assessments and preventive care without a dentist present.
Provincial regulations allow them to practice autonomously, though collaboration with dentists is common in traditional clinics.

Dental assistants cannot work independently in most cases:

Their role is designed to support dentists and hygienists during procedures.
They perform tasks like sterilization, chairside assistance and patient prep under supervision.
Some provinces allow limited autonomy for administrative or lab duties, but clinical tasks require oversight.

Consider hiring a dental hygienist when:

You need someone to perform cleanings, oral exams and preventive treatments.
Your practice is expanding its hygiene program or offering independent hygiene services.
You want to reduce the dentist’s workload on routine care.

Consider hiring a dental assistant when:

You need help with clinical setup, sterilization and patient flow.
Your dentist needs chairside support during procedures.
You want to improve administrative efficiency.

Many dental offices have both hygienists and assistants to manage patient care. Dental assistants may help dental hygienists and dentists with patient prep and care. If you have a small office, you might hire dental hygienists to carry out all the work. However, a dental assistant is not typically qualified to handle many of the tasks assigned to a hygienist, including cleaning teeth and checking for oral diseases.