When you visit your local dental practice, you may see a variety of dental professionals – but have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Dentist and a Dental Hygienist?
It’s a question I get a lot from our patients as Principal Dentist at tooth in Waterloo, so I thought I’d do a quick blog to explain!
Both play crucial roles in your oral health, but their responsibilities and areas of expertise differ. Understanding the distinction can help you know who to see and when.
What does a Dentist do?
A Dentist is a highly trained medical professional who diagnoses and treats issues related to the teeth, gums, and mouth. In the UK, all Dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and have completed a five-year university Degree in Dentistry. If the Degree has been done overseas, depending on the country (if it is non-EU for example), then the Dentist will have to take additional qualifications/exams to be able to register to practice in the UK. Patients are really well protected in the UK, and no one can practice Dentistry without being registered.
What treatments does a Dentist do?
Dentists carry out a wide range of treatments, including:
Dental Examinations (often referred to as Dental Check Ups) and diagnoses of oral health problems
Restorative Dentistry such as fillings, crowns, and bridges and more
Root canal treatments (also known as Endodontics)
Tooth extractions and surgical procedures such as dental implants, surgical extractions etc.
Cosmetic treatments such as veneers, teeth whitening, composite bonding/build ups etc.
General dental advice relating to the mouth and oral health.
Taking X Rays, OPGs and CBCT scans
A Dentist will also create treatment plans and refer patients to specialists when needed.
Dentists are also responsible for ensuring that any complex issues, such as decay, gum disease, or jaw problems, are identified and treated appropriately.
What does a Dental Hygienist do?
A Dental Hygienist focuses primarily on preventive care and oral hygiene. Like Dentists, they are also registered with the GDC and have undergone specialised training, typically through a diploma or Degree in Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy or Oral Health.
Hygienists are experts in:
Professional teeth cleaning (also known as scaling and polishing)
Removing plaque and tartar build-up
Providing tailored oral hygiene advice
Educating patients on how to care for their teeth and gums at home
Helping prevent gum disease and maintaining long-term oral health
They can also do whitening under prescription from a Dentist
Although Dental Hygienists do not typically carry out restorative procedures like fillings or extractions, they play a vital role in helping patients maintain healthy mouths and avoid more serious dental issues.
So… Who do I need to see - a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist?
For optimal dental health, you will need to see both! Seeing both your Dentist and Dental Hygienist as part of your routine care regime is critical to keep your mouth, gums and teeth healthy and to help prevent future issues. Your Dentist will assess your overall oral health, while the Hygienist will help you stay on top of daily maintenance and hygiene.
At tooth, we encourage patients to see their dental Hygienist every 6 months, or more frequently if recommended. Regular visits can help prevent gum disease, freshen breath, and keep your smile looking its best. It is the same for dental check-ups - unless otherwise advised, it is usually recommended to see a Dentist every 6 months.
How Dentists and Hygienists working together for your oral health!
At tooth dental care in London, Dentists and Dental Hygienists work closely as a team to provide complete and comprehensive dental care. While our roles are different, we complement each other to ensure our lovely patients receive both the treatment and education they need to maintain lifelong oral health. We are like the yin and yang of Dentistry - together giving the perfect holistic tooth care service!
How do I book for a dental check-up or dental hygiene?
If its been a while since you last saw a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist, then don’t worry - you are definitely not alone. At tooth we know how busy people can be, and how time can pass without even noticing - but the advice is always the same - the best time to book to see a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist if you are due or if it has been a long time since your last one is now! Just thinking about it means you are motivated to book - just click below and get it done as nothing bad can come of it. You will end up with healthier and cleaner teeth, and if you do have any issues you’ll be aware, and you’ll have to opportunity to resolve the issues at today’s prices and before they get worse. There really is nothing to lose, and a great, confident smile to gain!
To book just click here to email us, complete the form here (did you know we aim to reply within just 2 hours during opening hours (and we are open 8am-8pm on weekdays, and open on Saturdays too!). Alternatively, click the button below to Whatsapp Us. I look forward to seeing you soon at tooth dental practice in London.
Dr. Anna x