How does a periodontist differ from a dental hygienist?

Very different: A hygienist works under a dentists supervision and is allowed to clean teeth and perform deep cleanings. Hygienist goes to school for 2 years to lean this. A periodontist is dentist who has a specialty degree in treating gum disease using multiple methods including surgery. They have been to school for general dentistry (four years) and then additional training for the specialty (usually 3 years.

Periodontist is doc: A periodontist has gone to 4 years of dental school after getting a bachelor's degree, and then a 3 or 4 year program in periodontics. A hygienist can get a degree (rdh) in a 2 year program after high school. A hygienist can treat periodontal disease with scaling and root planing, after it is diagnosed and prescribed by a dentist. A periodontist can do gum surgery and place implants.

Responsibility: A periodontist is resposible for the diagnosis, treatment, and analyzing the outcome of therapy. The hygienist is a crafty technician who helps the periodontist/dentist in carry out a part of the periodontal therapy, specifically the charting and the debridement. A periodontist will oversee and carry out any surgical procedures...