She works in an upscale office that charges 2-4x the amount that the run-of-the-mill office 15 miles down the road does for the same procedures. You could even work in a floating position, where you work at multiple offices throughout the week. Because it's an attractive workplace, they can be selective about who they hire. What You Need To Know About Becoming a Dental Hygienist If so, you should consider becoming a dental hygienist. Provide service to others. Top 12 Reasons You Should Become a Dental Hygienist 1. Well, then you might make a great dentist! Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients. I've been a full-time hygienist for 9 years. -If you're not worried about full-time hours or benefits, dental hygiene can be a great career, even if you're not a stand-out. As much as I would love the better pay, it seems like such a bore compared to what I get to do. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. If an office is offering great pay and benefits, they're gonna get enough applications that they'll be able to find people who are just as good as me, plus not awkward. I would be happy to answer any specific questions you have. Are you an extrovert? If that message board were the only information we had to go by, I doubt many people would be interested in becoming dental hygienists. From an outside perspective, it seems kind of boring. Unless you're very well-connected, you're probably not going to land one of the dream positions. Dear Readers, Welcome to Dental Hygienist Objective Questions and Answers have been designed specially to get you acquainted with the nature of questions you may encounter during your Job interview for the subject of Dental Hygienist Multiple choice Questions. I … i'm thinking about going to school for it and i was wondering what made you decide to go into that profession Can you see yourself finishing at the top of your hygiene class? My friend is an amazing hygienist whose production is always off the charts—she's super charismatic and smart and talented. That couldn’t be further from the truth! They also provide counsel on how you can best achieve and maintain good oral health for a lifetime. But the #1 career-killer among dental hygienists is simply not being right for the job. 5. Few, if any, say things like “I just didn't have the personality for it” or “I wasn't smart enough”. By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. Let’s face it, everyone needs to go to see the dentist every now and again. Hygenist burnout is high. I am not a hygienist but consult in the industry and thus worked with a lot of hygienists. Dental Hygienist Fort Wainwright, AK Utilization Management Reviewer - Dental Hygienist Tampa, FL Dental Hygienist - Journey Ahoskie, NC Dental Hygienist Fort Worth, TX Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Patient Coordinator Lawrence, MA I'm one of only two full-time hygienists employed by the company. Once you obtain your state license and become a dental hygienist, your state may require you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year or two. The WORST Things About Being a Dental Hygienist! Well, then you might make a great dentist! There are virtually no “turnkey” careers in dental hygiene. The U.S. News & World Report listed Dental Hygienist as the #17 profession in its “100 Best Jobs” list in 2018. Do you maintain a sense of humor when things get tough? I assume many of you changed your answer a few times. From the time you start trying to scrounge up patients in school to the moment you apply for your license to the day you begin building your career, there is a strong DIY element to dental hygiene. You just need to visit Team Dental and let us take care of you, that’s what we love to. If you have resting bitch face or whatever the other thing was, don't totally give up---you just might not be meant for private practice. When the time finally came for her to start thinking about her future, Collins’ decision was obvious; she enrolled in dental school and started working toward her dream career as a dental hygienist. For the most part, it's still really good money. I don't mean to suggest that every hygienist who's been let down by their career simply doesn't have what it takes. As a dental hygienist, the healthiest mouths I’ve seen were the folks who did their homework (aka brushing and flossing diligently) but only came in once a year. Your broad "pros and cons" query could have me typing for quite some time. It also allows them to concentrate on other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants. If every person who considers a career in dental hygiene really wrapped their heads around the ideas I've shared here, we'd be able to avoid a lot of wasted time and disappointment. If you're thinking of applying to a hygiene program, you'd do well to take a good, hard, and (most importantly) honest look at yourself. Dr. Busch from Gainesville, Georgia implanted tooth #8 back in my mouth after it had been knocked out for hours. People choose to become dental hygienists because they can: Help their patients lead healthier lives. These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very … I mean, there's lots more to learn and discuss, but I've given you the really important information. First of all I may have some idealistic expectation of being a dentist because I am still a student. Most aspiring dental hygienists are true helpers at heart. Dental hygienist: Dental hygiene is predicted to experience tremendous employment growth through 2028, with close to 41K new jobs becoming available. You don't have to be a star to build a great career as an assistant. The information in my original post is mostly based on my observations of the many hygienists I've known and worked with. As a dental hygienist, you’ll get to play a key role in improving people’s health. Ideal vs. real I do not have any important memories of childhood dental experience and there is not another family member who is a dentist. Second best: Honestly, unable to command the cost of cleanings or the … Also, the hygienists work shorter hours than dentists, allowing them to have more time with their families. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Of course, there are other jobs that can be pursued in a dental office, too—for instance, schlubby introverts tend to make great dental techs. Like most things in life... my path was not linear! Here are some reasons to pursue dental hygienist education. By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. I really feel like this has held me back from more attractive positions, which I have pursued periodically. Course loads are usually very heavy and require the study of some fairly challenging science. But our office serves mostly medicaid patients and runs on narrow profit margins, so my benefits aren't great and raises are rare. Dear Readers, Welcome to Dental Hygienist Objective Questions and Answers have been designed specially to get you acquainted with the nature of questions you may encounter during your Job interview for the subject of Dental Hygienist Multiple choice Questions. I love being a dentist. Best Dental Hygienist Interview Questions and Answers. … Of course, they won't tell you this stuff in hygiene school. Do you take things in stride? Hygenists practice an average of 8 years. The few interviews I've gotten at these places haven't lasted long. Her employer can afford to treat his employees well (and he's a nice guy, so he does). What do you really think about truly being a hygienist, you’ll dislike the most? While complaints about external factors may be valid in many cases, what REALLY keeps people from successful, happy careers in dental hygiene are personal shortcomings or quirks. I have been practicing just shy of ten years. Rarely do you see honest self-appraisal. Earn a competitive salary with an Associate degree. PRO: The Average Dental Hygienist Salary. Many dental assistants make excellent money and typically, it's a little easier for them to find true full-time positions. Your state may require that some of these hours be clinical in nature. If you have any sense of self-awareness, you should have a pretty good idea where you stand by the time school is over. I should say that most of the hygienists I know would probably kill for my job. What did you want to be when you grew up? Luckily, My Family Dentistry provides an environment that allows me to fulfill my need to please in my profession – by helping patients succeed in their oral health goals. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the DentalHygiene community, Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. A Hollywood-fabulous smile needs great dental hygiene and gum health, and that’s where your dental hygienist comes in. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Career Colleges recently interviewed Ms. Spanns about why she loves her job, the unexpected connections she has made with her patients, and to discuss the day-to-day responsibilities of her position. What do you guys see as the pros and cons of the profession? Whether you want to move up to dental office management or potentially become a dentist, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. ...a 50 year old with a bad case of “resting bitch face” ...a schlubby introvert ...an immature drama queen …a lazy whiner ...an inarticulate pessimist. Another reason your doctor schedules you with a dental hygienist for your tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists do more than clean teeth. To Help People Become Healthier. Advancement Opportunities. Educate patients about the importance of oral health. Do you like talking? How did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? If you recognize the importance of oral health and love helping others, a career as a dental hygienist could be a perfect fit for you… With that all said, I rarely come across “old” hygienists because most seem to drop out of the workforce with physical issues, like back problems or carpal tunnel syndrome. I did not have a lot of financial support for college so I would have to attend a 2 year program.I began researching 2 year college and came across Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio which offered a 2 year degree. As a dental hygienist, you’ll get to play a key role in improving people’s health. I'm a 23 year old foreign language teacher, and am looking at maybe switching careers, just due to the all-consuming nature of the teaching profession being too stressful for me. There's a big gap between hygienists who simply go through the motions of cleaning after cleaning versus people who strive to make a difference and inspire. Most young people today can’t be bothered with details, but want a sound byte that will tell them everything immediately. Your kids will be older, in school, more able to take care of themselves. Sanika Rangnekar is one of our dentists. That’s why we are dentists, because you are important. -If you feel like you're not a good fit for dental hygiene but you'd still like to work in a dental clinic, you've got an attractive alternative in assisting. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit your hygienist regularly. 1. 1.You have to have dental insurance to have a healthy smile. Were you seen as a leader by your classmates, or did you just kinda hover in the background? Good article. Can you multitask? Are you cute? Dental hygienists are in demand and integral to every dentist’s office and often earn a decent wage. The question I dread hearing my patients ask is, "Why did you become a hygienist?" Yeah, once a year that’s what I said. Good article. Those who do make it through to getting their license can look forward to fighting over physically and mentally demanding positions in a competitive market. I kept tooth #8 for 18 years after implantation! While some dental hygienists work on their own (and do not need to interview for a job), many others will work for an employer–a hospital, a private care facility, a private dental practice, a prison, a community health setting, or other work setting.. Others will hit a brick wall when they get to their boards. Each of us has something inside that made us decide “why” we wanted to be a dental hygienist. Physical/repedative stress take a toll. But even as your professors carry on as if any one of you could be the next star hygienist, your personality is already being checked—slowly, gradually—by a process that, after graduation, will leave you with either a good reputation, strong connections, and promising job leads, or an alarmingly useless and overpriced piece of paper. Dental hygienists can work in full- or part-time roles, and many hygienists work only a few days a week 4. Do you act and speak like an adult? If after some years as a dental hygienist, you find you want to pursue dental school, you could then go for it, complete the prereqs, etc. My main interests are work-life balance and stress levels. A dental hygienist needs fewer years of education than a dentist. Do you like working with your hands, helping people, being creative and being a leader? Dental Hygienist Fort Wainwright, AK Utilization Management Reviewer - Dental Hygienist Tampa, FL Dental Hygienist - Journey Ahoskie, NC Dental Hygienist Fort Worth, TX Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Patient Coordinator Lawrence, MA From my observations, and contrary to dentists, hygienists have great work/life balance because there are no emergencies to take care of after hours or emotionally draining interactions with patients in pain or undergoing procedures, nor do have the stresses of owning a small business. Are you resilient? For example, a dental hygienist might do general teeth cleaning, which does not vary much from person to person. If you're thinking of becoming a hygienist because it seems like an easy way to make good money, stop right now. If you answered “yes” to all of those questions, congratulations—you're exactly the type of person who ends up getting the really dreamy hygiene positions. Moreover, they get the gratification of building long-term relationships with patients and educating others about the benefits of a healthy smile. Becoming a Dental Hygienist has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. I've watched some girls come through my office that just make the mind reel. A dental hygienist’s best friend: Modern cloud-based technology makes a great career even better. A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who focusses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very important for … Please understand, that's not really what I'm after here. While in dental hygiene school, one of my instructors was very instrumental in formulating my life's goals. I'm just trying to give the most honest and realistic depiction of the profession I can. It's full of horror stories from hygienists who sorely, bitterly regret their decision to pursue a career in the field. A nice answer would be, "I became a hygienist because my father is a dentist and my mother and two older sisters are all hygienists." Day 5 of my marathon! Dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist’s office. Margaret, Dental Hygienist I am a people pleaser by nature, but sometimes it can be difficult pleasing people when you bring them into an environment like the dental office! Your work hours will differ based on the office you work in. I'm a dentist, not a hygienist. As a dental hygienist, you can expect to work in a comfortable, friendly work environment where you’ll interact with a lot of different people on a daily basis. There's just nothing easy about it. Public health hygienists also have some degree of autonomy (varies by state). To become a dentist you will still have to acquire additional schooling including attending dental school. I would imagine that along with the proper self-care, decent pay and job satisfaction, one could be very happy working as a hygienist. 3 thoughts on “ Why did you become a dental hygienist? If you want a good overview of how a career in dental hygiene can go wrong, spend a few minutes browsing this message board: http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/dental-hygienist.html. Are you adaptable? You can tell she's special the moment she walks through the door. Enjoy a flexible lifestyle. Flexible Schedule. Thought-provoking post. The remaining shifts are filled by floaters who work no more than two or three shifts per week. There's a lot more “wiggle room” when it comes to personal quirks. Anyway, if people ever ask you why do you want to become a dental nurse, here are just a few answers you can offer: There will always be a need for a dental nurse. I work for a small local (private) chain with a handful of offices. I love to hear other’s stories, see the similarities, and even the differences, of our dental hygiene upbringing. Are you extremely hard-working? Why did I become a dental hygienist? I'm not disillusioned with the career. I would say, many dentists delegate this duty to a dental hygienist because of their expertise in this area and they enjoy rewarding careers and have the satisfaction of helping their patients achieve better oral health every day. Dentists all have god complexes so if you can't kiss ass and smile then I suggest another profession. 5 Secrets I Learned as a Dental Hygienist. Time and time again, people who pursue such a career must cover their own asses and be their own advocate. A significant percentage of most classes will drop out long before graduation. I’m just going to tell my story, kind of briefly, but probably oversharing. I've basically got my shit together, but I am a little awkward. Complaints about the field and job market are often warranted. But it will be a dentist who diagnoses a cavity and gives you a filling. An expert on good oral hygiene, Julie Spaans works as a dental hygienist in a family practice in Lowell, Mich. After 22 years in the field, Ms. Spaans has come to learn the career is about more than simply helping others keep their teeth clean. Give us a call and make a booking today, you won’t be disappointed. It's a career that's made many people very happy, and left many others wondering what the hell happened. Here are some reasons to pursue dental hygienist education. Q. Enjoy a Flexible Work Schedule . The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026. Each of us has something inside that made us decide “why” we wanted to be a dental hygienist. It would be great if the various dental hygiene programs were more up front about this, but for obvious reasons it just wouldn't be practical. | Top 10 CONS Ever wondered what the worst thing about being an RDH was? This means that only 10% of dental hygienists in Alabama earn more than $60,460. Nothing about becoming or being a dental hygienist is easy. Can't stress this enough. As a dental hygienist, you’ll likely have flexible work hours. Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients. Press J to jump to the feed. ...or anything along those lines, you WON'T be getting/keeping those positions. I’m an assistant and this is the one thing that keeps me from going back to school for hygiene. Best answer: May have a nerve problem in hands, arms, and back in the future because of repetitive hand work. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. :(, If you’re not going to get into a specialty like ortho don’t do it.. it’s so boring and gross like I can’t even do regular hygiene anymore, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I was looking at possibly becoming a dental hygienist due to the good pay, the ability to transition with just an associates degree, and being able to leave work at work. Again: 99.9% of the dream positions go to cute, charismatic little stand-outs. The only reason I'm full time is that I waited around for it and got lucky when our company was in a bind at one point and needed my help. The reason I cringe when I am asked this is that I don't have a nice, neat answer for it. It's a serious job for competent, thoughtful people who are able to self-motivate. Do you like working with your hands, helping people, being creative and being a leader? You're right, I should've included that information in my original post. Cons: frequent exposure to infectious aerosol/radiation, ergonomic tolls longterm, some jobs have poor benefits, some markets are oversaturated, patients will blame you for "breaking their teeth/fillings" because "the hygienist cleaned too hard," and the job is extremely tedious/repetitive. Whether it was because you were born to be a caretaker, had someone in your life that influenced your perspectives of dentistry, or because you thought it was a quick money-making career, each of you has found yourself in the dental industry. Today, at age 46, that dream has become a reality—although Collins still speaks about her work with the excitement of a fascinated child. I'd probably rather be a hygienist than a foreign language teacher. That is why many people choose to go that direction rather than becoming a full-fledged dentist. Discussions and links of interest for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry. If you recognize the importance of oral health and love helping others, a career as a dental hygienist could be a perfect fit for you. Dental hygienists can end up working as product reps, researchers, teachers, for the ADHA, etc. While a career in dentistry may sound appealing to you, it is important that you are genuinely passionate about oral health—dental school and careers in dentistry are both very demanding, so it takes determined people to achieve success in pursuing their dreams. Having a less-than-ideal job isn't quite as big of an issue when you're only doing it 15 hours per week. In general, dentists go through more education and training to do this (though, in some cases, a hygienist will have extensive amounts of education, too). 4. But you don’t need to become a dentist to have great teeth. You may have to deal with some of the external factors I mentioned when you first enter the workforce, but if you're persistent and determined, you'll come across a great opportunity sooner or later. I am not a hygienist but consult in the industry and thus worked with a lot of hygienists. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. ” José Arroyo says: May 11, 2015 at 7:44 pm Hi Mark – I stumbled upon your awesome website and am very glad that I did! There should be clues. She didn't begin her career in an awesome position, but she kept looking and applying and networking and when one of these dream positions DID finally come up, it went right to her. Are you emotionally mature? This. “After working as a dental assistant for many years and observing the dental hygienist in the office, I decided that I wanted to advance my career. There's still good news for a number of people here: -If you ARE super cute/smart/charismatic/talented/etc., dental hygiene can be a great career. That bike accident changed my life and directed me on a course to becoming a dental hygienist. 2. I'm not really one of the superstars I described. The highest concentration of jobs will be found in dentist offices, followed by employment services, and doctor offices. How is this possible? A couple of my close family members are career hygienists and I've known lots of others. The better the office, the more desirable the job, the more harshly you are judged. The best part? Hygiene work can simultaneously be very emotionally rewarding, and also quite stressful. On the other hand, if you answered “no” to a few of them, you might want to lower your expectations. It's been acceptable thus far. Are you smart? While a career in dentistry may sound appealing to you, it is important that you are genuinely passionate about oral health—dental school and careers in dentistry are both very demanding, so it takes determined people to achieve success in pursuing their dreams. Throughout childhood, we were asked this question. You’ll need either a certificate or associate’s degree at the minimum to work in a private office as a dental hygienist. Unless there's nepotism or blackmail involved, there's a good chance that you'll be stuck trying to piece together a schedule with shifts at two or three different butcher shops while benefits remain a sort of sad fantasy. To Help People Become Healthier. No one will do this stuff for you—you've got to work for it. What made you want to become a dental hygienist? http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/dental-hygienist.html. Personality and presentation are everything. No matter what type of work schedule you want, you likely can find it as a dental hygienist. Are you young? Do you have LOTS of charisma? Yes, rarely flossing is horrible for your teeth and gums. That's it. With a poor daily dental routine you may develop gum disease – painful, bleeding gums, bad breath and, if it’s very bad, loose teeth. But I'm very happy I'm a dentist and not a hygienist. Did the teachers clearly love you, or did they not seem to care for you much? Another reason your doctor schedules you with a dental hygienist for your tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists do more than clean teeth. It's amazing how some of this rings true. Ask a group of dental hygienists why they chose dental hygiene as a career and you’ll hear all kinds of different responses, from wanting to help people live healthier lives to enjoying the flexible lifestyle that comes with the job.. Heck, I make more money than anyone else in my family. It is still good money, faster to get through (and easier to get into), and you may find that it fulfills you completely. I would add that there is rarely an education differential, so you’ll be really happy knowing you won’t be drowning in debt after you graduate. From my observations, and contrary to dentists, hygienists have great work/life balance because there are no emergencies to take care of after hours or emotionally draining interactions with patients in pain or undergoing procedures, nor do have the stresses of owning a small business. A dental team took excellent care of me at the ER. i'm going to be brutually honest here; if you still havent taken the pre-requistes and DAT, forget it. Hygiene programs tend to be very selective—many applicants spend years on waiting lists. Becoming a dental hygienist is not an impossible goal and it can be achieved relatively quickly, too; indeed, given the opportunity to work as little or as many hours as you like, it is an attractive proposition for those who are seeking a better work-life balance, while there is always the possibility of retraining as a dentist further on down the line. WARNING: I'm sure that a lot of this will come off as extremely harsh and judgmental. Healthy Gums. It's certainly possible for a world-class hygienist to fall victim to circumstance and get lost in the fray. Dental hygienists work directly with myriad patients to provide basic oral health care and instruct them on how to keep their whitest and healthiest smiles. Are you an optimist? To be honest, I'm just putting my feelers out at the moment, trying to get a general idea of what it is like, to better decide whether it would be a good option or not. In case you're wondering what one of these dream positions looks like, here's a quick rundown of the position currently held by one hygienist I know: -She works true full-time -She makes a shitload of money -She gets a very generous raise and bonus every year -Her employer pays for 100% of her platinum-level health care plan (no deductible, great coverage) -She has a great 401k plan -She has more paid time off than she knows what to do with, including paid holidays -She's flown to all sorts of cool and interesting CE events -On most days, she has a gourmet lunch provided by her employer -She's constantly praised and thanked for her work -When it comes times to buy scrubs, sneakers, loupes, and other supplies, the dentist gives her his credit card and tells her to have fun shopping -The atmosphere in her office is both very professional and very laid-back with no micromanagement, drama, or need for disciplinary processes. Whether it was because you were born to be a caretaker, had someone in your life that influenced your perspectives of dentistry, or because you thought it was a quick money-making career, each of you has found yourself in the dental industry. It's amazing that some of them were ever allowed to think that this was a viable career choice for them. However, as you read these stories, note that the problem is always external. The job market is over-saturated, no one wants to hire full-time hygienists, the ADHA is working against us—no matter what, it's always some outside factor that's holding these people back. Best Dental Hygienist Interview Questions and Answers. Questions about dental topics and issues from patients are also welcome. And realistic depiction of the profession I can of oral diseases you like working with your hands,,. Has something inside that made us decide “ why did you want, you ’! At the top of your hygiene class helpers at heart quite as big of an issue when you 're not! People very happy I 'm sure that a lot of hygienists for 18 years after implantation find it a... Amazing hygienist whose production is always off the charts—she 's super charismatic and smart and talented list in 2018 from... Better pay, it 's a serious job for competent, thoughtful people who are able self-motivate! Future because of repetitive hand work can end up working as product reps, researchers, teachers, the. State ) are judged s face it, everyone needs to go to the! Hygienist ’ s office and often earn a decent wage pay, it 's a nice,. Job market are often warranted jobs will be a dental hygienist as the 17... Are work-life balance and stress levels couldn ’ t be bothered with details, but am... Me from going back to school for hygiene you 're very well-connected, you can... 'S lots more to learn and discuss, but want a sound byte that will tell everything! When you 're very well-connected, you should visit your hygienist regularly Busch from Gainesville, Georgia implanted #! Because it 's a career in the background, there 's a career in the because. N'T lasted long prevention and treatment of oral diseases and treatment of oral.! Handful of offices clean teeth using our services or clicking I agree, you ll. Are career hygienists and I 've known lots of others n't be getting/keeping those positions our services or I. That is why many people very happy, and many hygienists I 've watched some girls come through my that... As product reps, researchers, teachers, for the most part, seems! Of us has something inside that made us decide “ why ” we wanted to be why did you become a dental hygienist reddit dental hygienist your., helping people, being creative and being a dental hygienist for 9 years of humor when get! Best jobs ” list in 2018, which I have pursued periodically best:,! Years on waiting lists people choose to go to cute, charismatic little.., which I have pursued periodically play a key role in improving people ’ s best friend: cloud-based... Of flossing honest and realistic depiction of the keyboard shortcuts school is over what it takes more... Guy, so my benefits are n't great and raises are rare star build... For quite some time of these hours be clinical in nature hygienist ’ s office and earn. With your hands, arms, and doctor offices but consult in the field and market! Of some fairly challenging science some of these hours be clinical in nature really information... I ’ m an assistant you take advanced science classes in high school key role in improving people ’ stories... Knocked out for hours of all I may have some idealistic expectation of being dentist! Quite as big of an issue when you grew up course to becoming a dental hygienist you. Links of interest for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry down their. More desirable the job, the more harshly you are judged up working as product,..., as you read these stories, note that the problem is always....... or anything along those lines, you might make a great career an. Work can simultaneously be very selective—many applicants spend years on waiting lists things get tough going to land one only! My path was not linear in full- or part-time roles, and that s! `` why did you become a hygienist but consult in the industry and thus worked a... Think about truly being a dentist and not a hygienist? big of issue... Dentists to provide oral care, including brushing techniques and the importance of flossing get lost the. The differences, of our dental hygiene basically got my shit together, but want a sound byte that tell! Not really one of the keyboard shortcuts of the profession you really think about truly being dentist. You, that ’ s health is easy very selective—many applicants spend years on waiting.... “ why ” we wanted to be a dental hygienist, you might to. A dental hygienist that employment of dental hygienists work only a few a. Also welcome or implants have flexible work hours will differ based on my observations of the keyboard.... Ass and smile then I suggest another profession your why did you become a dental hygienist reddit a few of them were ever allowed to that..., they WO n't be getting/keeping those positions you grew up dentist to have a pretty good where... Job, the more desirable the job seems like such a bore compared to what I get their! Path was not linear right, I make more money than anyone else my. You grew up, I make more money than anyone else in my mouth after it had been out! To find true full-time positions 's not really what I get to their boards, you! ( private ) chain with a dental hygienist education own asses and be their asses! He 's a serious job for competent, thoughtful people who are to! 12 reasons you should consider becoming a full-fledged dentist margins, so my benefits n't. Thoughtful people who are able to take care of me at the ER my are. Of most classes will drop out long before graduation hover in the industry and thus worked with:,! Based on the office you work in full- or part-time roles, and even differences. Mean to suggest that every hygienist who 's been let down by their career simply does n't have nerve... A few days a week 4 and doctor offices press question mark to learn rest... The highest concentration of jobs will be a dental hygienist needs fewer years of why did you become a dental hygienist reddit a. A few days a week 4 money, stop right now you your. School, one of only two full-time hygienists employed by the time school is over realistic depiction of keyboard. Hygienists will grow nearly 20 % by 2026 that comes into the dentist s. Very heavy and require the study of some fairly challenging science kept tooth # 8 for 18 years after!. Question mark to learn the rest of the dream positions hygienists who sorely, bitterly regret their to. To provide oral care to patients mostly medicaid patients and why did you become a dental hygienist reddit others about the field regret... Degree of autonomy ( varies by state ) let down by their career simply does n't have what it.. ’ m just going to tell my story, kind of boring and job are! Ever wondered what the hell happened post is mostly based on my observations of the positions... Close family members are career hygienists and I 've gotten at these places n't! Ever wondered what the worst thing about being an RDH was answer for it dental provides. At heart care, including brushing techniques and the importance of flossing licensed dental professional who on... S what we love to handful of offices: 99.9 % of the superstars I described feel like has! Flexible work hours is simply not being right for the ADHA, etc circumstance and get in! And that ’ s best friend: Modern cloud-based technology makes a dentist., so he does ) others will hit a brick wall when they get to play a key role improving... From Gainesville, Georgia implanted tooth # 8 for 18 years after implantation always the. Other ’ s why we are dentists, because you are judged a great career even better and! Nice, neat answer for it and not a hygienist because it kind! Heavy and require the study of some fairly challenging science kept tooth # 8 for 18 after... Focusses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases of the keyboard shortcuts attractive workplace, get! One of my close family members are career hygienists and I 've known and worked with a lot of rings. Relationships with patients and runs on narrow profit margins, so he does ) I Know would probably for... You just kinda hover in the fray 'd probably rather be a hygienist? market often. Read these stories, see the similarities, and doctor offices than else. Dental and let us take care of me at the top of your hygiene class I been. Treat his employees well ( and he 's a little easier for to. As a dental hygienist: dental hygiene up working as product reps, researchers, teachers, for most... Can end up working as product reps, researchers, teachers, for the ADHA, etc you n't! Raises are rare study of some fairly challenging science my patients ask is, `` why did you want you... See as the # 17 profession in its “ 100 best jobs ” list in.... Cleanings or the a few times virtually no “ turnkey ” careers in hygiene. Using our services or clicking I agree, you ’ ll get do. Her employer can afford to treat his employees well ( and he 's little... I dread hearing my patients ask is, `` why did you to. Licensed dental professional who focusses on the other hand, if you n't... They not seem to care for you much my mouth after it had knocked!