Dental Hygienist vs Dentist: Who Does What During Your Appointment?

When you bring your family for a dental check-up, you usually see two friendly professionals—your dental hygienist and your dentist.

It’s common to wonder what each of them does and why you need to see both. Understanding their distinct roles can help you feel more comfortable and informed during your visit.

While your dental hygienist focuses on preventive care and cleanings, your dentist is responsible for diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. Both work together as a team to help you and your family maintain healthy smiles.

What Your Dental Hygienist Does

Your dental hygienist is a registered healthcare professional who plays a key part in preventing dental problems before they start. They focus on keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Think of them as your personal coach for oral wellness.

Key Responsibilities

During your visit, your hygienist performs several important tasks. They’re often the person you spend the most time with. Their duties include:

• Performing professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing your teeth to leave them feeling smooth and bright
• Taking and developing dental X-rays
• Applying preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants
• Educating you and your family on effective home care techniques

Education & Training in Canada

To become a licensed professional, a dental hygienist in Canada completes a two or three-year diploma or bachelor’s degree program. After their education, they must then pass a national board exam. This ensures they have the skills to provide you with excellent preventive care.

What Your Dentist Does

Your dentist is a doctor of oral health with extensive training. Their role is to manage the overall health of your mouth. Dentists diagnose and treat a wide range of issues that can affect your teeth, gums, and jaw. A dentist’s focus is on restoring and maintaining your oral function and health.

Key Responsibilities

Your dentist performs a comprehensive examination of your mouth to check for any potential issues. This work goes beyond just looking at your teeth.

A dentist is responsible for:

• Diagnosing conditions like cavities and gum disease
• Creating complete treatment plans for any necessary work
• Performing restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals
• Handling tooth extractions and other minor oral surgery
• Reviewing X-rays to spot issues below the surface
• Prescribing medications when necessary

Education & Training

A dentist’s education is thorough, involving around eight years of post-secondary studies. This includes an undergraduate degree followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.) degree from an accredited university. Their training prepares them to handle complex dental situations.

The Main Differences: Dentist & Hygienist

While your dentist and hygienist work closely together, their roles are distinct. The easiest way to remember the difference is that your hygienist focuses on prevention, while your dentist focuses on diagnosis and treatment. Both are important for your family’s oral health.

Scope of Practice

Your hygienist provides preventive services like cleanings and offers education on home care. Your dentist has a broader role that includes diagnosing conditions and performing restorative or surgical procedures.

Can a Dental Hygienist Diagnose Problems?

A hygienist is trained to spot potential concerns, such as early signs of gum inflammation or a possible cavity. They’ll chart these observations and bring them to your dentist’s attention as needed. However, only a dentist can make a formal diagnosis and create a treatment plan.

A Team Approach to Your Family’s Dental Care

Think of your dentist and hygienist as your personal oral health team. Their collaboration is what provides you with thorough and efficient care at every visit. 

Why You Need Both

You shouldn’t have to choose one professional over the other, because their roles are interconnected. Regular cleanings with your hygienist help prevent problems from developing. Similarly, a periodic exam with your dentist is important for catching potential issues early, while they’re often still simpler to treat.

Can You See a Hygienist Without a Dentist?

For routine cleanings, an established patient may sometimes see only the hygienist. However, a regular examination by your dentist is a key part of your long-term oral health plan. We always recommend this step to help keep your smile in great shape.

What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment

A typical visit to a dentist in Ottawa involves seeing both professionals to make your appointment efficient and thorough. We coordinate our care to respect your time and provide a seamless experience. Here is a simple breakdown of what usually happens.

Step 1: The Visit Starts with the Hygienist

Your appointment usually begins with the dental hygienist, who prepares you for the dentist’s exam. They’ll welcome you and get your visit started. The first part of your appointment includes:

• A friendly review of your health history
• A professional and gentle cleaning
• Taking any necessary X-rays
• A discussion about your home care routine

Step 2: The Dentist’s Examination

After your cleaning, your dentist will come in to complete the check-up. This is when they’ll assess your overall oral health. During this part of the visit, your dentist will:

• Review the hygienist’s notes and your X-rays
• Perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth
• Discuss any findings or potential treatment needs with you
• Answer any questions you have about your oral health

Oral health is connected to overall health, and addressing dental issues early can help you avoid discomfort and more involved procedures later on. Your dental team provides professional care, but your at-home routine is just as important. Between visits, consistent brushing and flossing make a big difference.

Visit Your Trusted Dentist in Ottawa

Come visit us at Dow’s Lake Dental to meet our friendly and compassionate team. We’re happy to welcome new patients and walk-ins, and we offer service in English, French, and Arabic.