Dental hygienists are oral healthcare professionals who focus on preventive care and patient education. They are responsible for cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral disease, and providing oral hygiene instructions. Dentists, on the other hand, are oral healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. They perform a wider range of procedures than dental hygienists, including fillings, crowns, and root canals.
While dental hygienists and dentists have different roles, they share a common goal: to improve the oral health of their patients. Many dental hygienists go on to become dentists, as the two professions are closely related. Dental hygienists have a strong foundation in oral healthcare, which gives them a head start in dental school.