Is dental hygiene and a dental assistant the same thing?

absolutely not. A dental hygienist has at least an Associates Degree in Science and in most states has to be registered. A dental hygienist cleans teeth above and below the gum line. A dental assistant doesn't have to have a degree, only a certificate showing that he/she has completed the proper training to assist the dentist. Some states don't require the certification. Dental assistants can clean teeth only ABOVE the gum line. edit: only in some states can an assistant clean above the gumline, in most states they cannot do a cleaning at all.