Yes! In some states, dental assistants can perform teeth polishing, sealing, and applying fluoride. Some states allow dental hygienists to diagnose dental and oral health diseases.

How does a dental assistant help a dental hygienist?

If the doctor has a new patient that needs information about periodontal disease and has a need for scaling and root planing, the assistant calls a hygienist for patient education. If the hygienist is available she should help seat patients, clean rooms, take X-rays, and sterilize instruments.

What is the best way to become a dental hygienist?

Complete a qualification in Oral Health in an accredited program. This could be an Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) or a Bachelor degree majoring in Oral Health. Achieve AHPRA registration via the application process.

Can a dental assistant clean teeth?

Dental assistants receive training to do basic oral health procedures, but they can’t perform invasive ones. By law, they can’t clean teeth because this practice requires specialized oral health training. Furthermore, they can’t perform any task that would require them to use a drill or dental prick.

What comes after a dental assistant?

Becoming a dental assistant is not only a great career on its own, it’s a path to many rewarding opportunities in the dental field. Numerous WDAS students move on to become hygienists, dentists or even have branched off to become a specialized dental assistant.

What is the next step after dental hygienist?

Here are career paths a dental hygienist can take beyond private practice: Dental hygiene educator: either clinical, didactic, or both* Public health: as a clinician or program coordinator. Clinician in a prison system.

Can you make a living off being a dental assistant?

The national average annual wage of a dental assistant is $39,770, according to the BLS, which is markedly less than the national average wage for all occupations, $51,960. Below is a list of the top-10 highest-paying states for dental assistants.