The difference between a dental hygenist and a dental assistant?!

Question: The difference between a dental hygenist and a dental assistant?

I had always thought that they were basically the same thing until i did some research on it. I guess dental hygenist have to go to school 2-4 years like REAL school and get paid twice as much as a dental assistant. and a dental assistant goes to school (a tech or trade school) for 9-11 months. NOw... i know someone who went to a little 9 month school and brags that hes a dental hygenist when in reality compared to what i found out hes only an assistant. ANYONE whos a dental hygenist out there please... tell me.... is he confused?or does he know EXACTLY what hes talking about and wants to upgrade himself thinking that hell fool people who dont know about that stuff?

Answers:

Dental hygiene school takes 2 years of schooling and gives an Associate's degree upon graduation. A dental hygienist is allowed to clean teeth and various other duties depending on the state. A dental assistant needs no schooling at all but can go to a trade school for less than a year and graduate with a certificate (not the same as a degree). The certificate is just a piece of paper that says the person has completed a program. Dental assistants are not allowed to clean teeth and can only do office duties and assist the dentist. They are at the bottom of the totem pole in a dental office setting.

DDS

hygenist will clean teeth. assistant only assists the dentist in what he wants, sets up, hands tools, assists the dentist. hygenist makes alot more money alot.

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The difference between a dental hygenist and a dental assistant?!

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