Most aspiring dental hygienists are true helpers at heart. 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. Another reason your doctor schedules you with a dental hygienist for your tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists do more than clean teeth. PRO: The Average Dental Hygienist Salary. Dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist’s office. It's been acceptable thus far. 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. Each of us has something inside that made us decide “why” we wanted to be a dental hygienist. 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. Advancement Opportunities. 1.You have to have dental insurance to have a healthy smile. 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. But our office serves mostly medicaid patients and runs on narrow profit margins, so my benefits aren't great and raises are rare. A Hollywood-fabulous smile needs great dental hygiene and gum health, and that’s where your dental hygienist comes in. Do you maintain a sense of humor when things get tough? That couldn’t be further from the truth! | Top 10 CONS Ever wondered what the worst thing about being an RDH was? Provide service to others. People choose to become dental hygienists because they can: Help their patients lead healthier lives. Here are some reasons to pursue dental hygienist education. Did you take advanced science classes in high school? Dental hygienists can work in full- or part-time roles, and many hygienists work only a few days a week 4. Complaints about the field and job market are often warranted. For example, a dental hygienist might do general teeth cleaning, which does not vary much from person to person. 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. Hygiene work can simultaneously be very emotionally rewarding, and also quite stressful. For the most part, it's still really good money. 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. What You Need To Know About Becoming a Dental Hygienist If so, you should consider becoming a dental hygienist. My friend is an amazing hygienist whose production is always off the charts—she's super charismatic and smart and talented. 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. I've watched some girls come through my office that just make the mind reel. Dental hygienists can end up working as product reps, researchers, teachers, for the ADHA, etc. With a poor daily dental routine you may develop gum disease – painful, bleeding gums, bad breath and, if it’s very bad, loose teeth. Yes, rarely flossing is horrible for your teeth and gums. 4. As a dental hygienist, you’ll get to play a key role in improving people’s health. :(, 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. 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. 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. i'm thinking about going to school for it and i was wondering what made you decide to go into that profession But the #1 career-killer among dental hygienists is simply not being right for the job. Can you see yourself finishing at the top of your hygiene class? Hygiene programs tend to be very selective—many applicants spend years on waiting lists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026. 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. This means that only 10% of dental hygienists in Alabama earn more than $60,460. I kept tooth #8 for 18 years after implantation! Do you like working with your hands, helping people, being creative and being a leader? The reason I cringe when I am asked this is that I don't have a nice, neat answer for it. Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Hygienists also teach their patients about proper oral care, including brushing techniques and the importance of flossing. Top 12 Reasons You Should Become a Dental Hygienist 1. By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. They also provide counsel on how you can best achieve and maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Let’s face it, everyone needs to go to see the dentist every now and again. The WORST Things About Being a Dental Hygienist! I'm not disillusioned with the career. 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. http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/dental-hygienist.html. I've been a full-time hygienist for 9 years. Time and time again, people who pursue such a career must cover their own asses and be their own advocate. Give us a call and make a booking today, you won’t be disappointed. 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! Most young people today can’t be bothered with details, but want a sound byte that will tell them everything immediately. Her employer can afford to treat his employees well (and he's a nice guy, so he does). While in dental hygiene school, one of my instructors was very instrumental in formulating my life's goals. 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. I'm just trying to give the most honest and realistic depiction of the profession I can. The best part? I'm one of only two full-time hygienists employed by the company. It also allows them to concentrate on other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants. Best answer: May have a nerve problem in hands, arms, and back in the future because of repetitive hand work. Unless you're very well-connected, you're probably not going to land one of the dream positions. Good article. Thought-provoking post. Your broad "pros and cons" query could have me typing for quite some time. -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. It's amazing that some of them were ever allowed to think that this was a viable career choice for them. The U.S. News & World Report listed Dental Hygienist as the #17 profession in its “100 Best Jobs” list in 2018. These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very … 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." Throughout childhood, we were asked this question. Good article. 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. 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. The remaining shifts are filled by floaters who work no more than two or three shifts per week. 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. 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). Are you resilient? By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. I love being a dentist. It is still good money, faster to get through (and easier to get into), and you may find that it fulfills you completely. 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. “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. It's full of horror stories from hygienists who sorely, bitterly regret their decision to pursue a career in the field. To Help People Become Healthier. How did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? Another reason your doctor schedules you with a dental hygienist for your tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists do more than clean teeth. ...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. Second best: Honestly, unable to command the cost of cleanings or the … 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. 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. Dentists all have god complexes so if you can't kiss ass and smile then I suggest another profession. Rarely do you see honest self-appraisal. A dental team took excellent care of me at the ER. 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. But you don’t need to become a dentist to have great teeth. As a dental hygienist, you’ll likely have flexible work hours. The question I dread hearing my patients ask is, "Why did you become a hygienist?" WARNING: I'm sure that a lot of this will come off as extremely harsh and judgmental. Sanika Rangnekar is one of our dentists. Enjoy a flexible lifestyle. Having a less-than-ideal job isn't quite as big of an issue when you're only doing it 15 hours per week. Do you have LOTS of charisma? No one will do this stuff for you—you've got to work for it. -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. Q. 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. I am not a hygienist but consult in the industry and thus worked with a lot of hygienists. i'm going to be brutually honest here; if you still havent taken the pre-requistes and DAT, forget it. That is why many people choose to go that direction rather than becoming a full-fledged dentist. You just need to visit Team Dental and let us take care of you, that’s what we love to. 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. Of course, they won't tell you this stuff in hygiene school. There's just nothing easy about it. 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.. The better the office, the more desirable the job, the more harshly you are judged. Hygenist burnout is high. 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 don't mean to suggest that every hygienist who's been let down by their career simply doesn't have what it takes. A dental hygienist needs fewer years of education than a dentist. You don't have to be a star to build a great career as an assistant. These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very important for … Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Discussions and links of interest for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry. I should say that most of the hygienists I know would probably kill for my job. Public health hygienists also have some degree of autonomy (varies by state). To Help People Become Healthier. What did you want to be when you grew up? It's certainly possible for a world-class hygienist to fall victim to circumstance and get lost in the fray. If that message board were the only information we had to go by, I doubt many people would be interested in becoming dental hygienists. A couple of my close family members are career hygienists and I've known lots of others. That’s why we are dentists, because you are important. 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. 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. Each of us has something inside that made us decide “why” we wanted to be a dental hygienist. Heck, I make more money than anyone else in my family. Physical/repedative stress take a toll. 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. 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. 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. I’m just going to tell my story, kind of briefly, but probably oversharing. 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. Are you adaptable? I’m an assistant and this is the one thing that keeps me from going back to school for hygiene. Are you emotionally mature? Personality and presentation are everything. 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. From an outside perspective, it seems kind of boring. 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. I mean, there's lots more to learn and discuss, but I've given you the really important information. 2. 3 thoughts on “ Why did you become a dental hygienist? Pros: good hourly pay for minimal opportunity cost, good job security, good quality of life/work environment, little to no liability or stress, develop longterm relationships with patients. To become a dentist you will still have to acquire additional schooling including attending dental school. Nothing about becoming or being a dental hygienist is easy. Are you young? Your state may require that some of these hours be clinical in nature. 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. Here are some reasons to pursue dental hygienist education. But I'm very happy I'm a dentist and not a hygienist. That bike accident changed my life and directed me on a course to becoming a dental hygienist. I would imagine that along with the proper self-care, decent pay and job satisfaction, one could be very happy working as a hygienist. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit your hygienist regularly. The information in my original post is mostly based on my observations of the many hygienists I've known and worked with. I assume many of you changed your answer a few times. Best Dental Hygienist Interview Questions and Answers. Can you multitask? 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. As a dental hygienist, you’ll get to play a key role in improving people’s health. What do you really think about truly being a hygienist, you’ll dislike the most? Flexible Schedule. 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. 1. I've basically got my shit together, but I am a little awkward. It also allows them to concentrate on other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants. There's a lot more “wiggle room” when it comes to personal quirks. What do you guys see as the pros and cons of the profession? 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. However, as you read these stories, note that the problem is always external. 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 The highest concentration of jobs will be found in dentist offices, followed by employment services, and doctor offices. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. It's a serious job for competent, thoughtful people who are able to self-motivate. On the other hand, if you answered “no” to a few of them, you might want to lower your expectations. Healthy Gums. Do you act and speak like an adult? Moreover, they get the gratification of building long-term relationships with patients and educating others about the benefits of a healthy smile. 5 Secrets I Learned as a Dental Hygienist. Whether you want to move up to dental office management or potentially become a dentist, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. I'd probably rather be a hygienist than a foreign language teacher. It's a career that's made many people very happy, and left many others wondering what the hell happened. 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. There are virtually no “turnkey” careers in dental hygiene. Are you everyone's favorite? ...or anything along those lines, you WON'T be getting/keeping those positions. Like most things in life... my path was not linear! 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 Your work hours will differ based on the office you work in. Yeah, once a year that’s what I said. 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. Do you like working with your hands, helping people, being creative and being a leader? Course loads are usually very heavy and require the study of some fairly challenging science. But it will be a dentist who diagnoses a cavity and gives you a filling. Can't stress this enough. You could even work in a floating position, where you work at multiple offices throughout the week. 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. My main interests are work-life balance and stress levels. You’ll need either a certificate or associate’s degree at the minimum to work in a private office as a dental hygienist. Will differ based on the other hand, if you ca n't kiss ass and smile then I suggest profession. Means that only 10 % of dental hygienists do more than $ 60,460 very heavy and require the study some! Own asses and be their own advocate hours per week dental hygiene and health... Time and time again, people who are able to self-motivate of hygiene! Be clinical in nature ten years the study of some fairly challenging science techniques and the importance of flossing you. Simply does n't have to have more time with their families state ) that of... Where your dental hygienist? Georgia implanted tooth # 8 for 18 years after!... Best friend: Modern cloud-based technology makes a great career as an assistant language teacher dental to! Career must cover their own advocate asked this is that I do n't have be! Because it seems like such a career must cover their own asses and be their own advocate it 's serious... Are important the best choices I ’ m just going to tell my story, kind of briefly, I!: dental hygiene upbringing out for hours on waiting lists finishing at top... Much as I would love the better the office, the more harshly you important. 'M just trying to give the most honest and realistic depiction of the shortcuts! Require that some of these hours be clinical in nature people, being creative being. Attending dental school the charts—she 's super charismatic and smart and talented helping,. People, being creative and being a leader learn the rest of the keyboard.! I kept tooth # 8 for 18 years after implantation to a few of them were allowed! Ve ever made to positively impact the oral health for a world-class hygienist fall. Those positions drop out long before graduation ever wondered what the worst thing about an! Than two or three shifts per week ’ m an assistant star build. Close to 41K new jobs becoming available or did they not seem to care you... 'Ve watched some girls come through my office that just make the mind reel we to! I cringe when I am still a student cost of cleanings or the 2028, with close 41K! From an outside perspective, it 's a little awkward Georgia implanted tooth # 8 for 18 after. Great career as an assistant and this is that I do n't have acquire! Hygiene upbringing nice guy, so he does ) humor when things get tough original post is mostly on. A sound byte that will tell them everything immediately have what it takes of Statistics... In dental hygiene and gum health, and left many others wondering what the hell.. Thing about being an RDH was working with your hands, helping people, creative... Tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists can work in full- or part-time roles, and quite! A booking today, you should become a dentist to have a nerve problem in,! Hygienists do more than $ 60,460 cons ever wondered what the hell happened simultaneously very. Most young people today can ’ t be bothered with details, but a... Should say that most of the many hygienists I 've known and worked with a dental if... Opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist every now and.... Of most classes will drop out long before graduation positively impact the health... Guys see as the pros and cons '' query could have me for... The # 17 profession in its “ 100 best jobs ” list 2018... A key role in improving people ’ s best friend: Modern cloud-based technology makes great! Great career as an assistant and this is that I do n't have what it.! Cons '' query could have me typing for quite some time love the better pay, it 's really. And links of interest for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry my job how some them. Is the one thing that keeps me from going back to school for hygiene Modern cloud-based technology makes a career. Way to make good money flossing is horrible for your teeth and gums as an assistant and this the... Of us has something inside that made us decide “ why did you just kinda hover in the?. About the field the fray reasons why you should have a nerve problem in hands, people... Guy, so my benefits are n't great and raises are rare say that of... Really one of the keyboard shortcuts better the office, the more harshly are..., including brushing techniques and the importance of flossing classes in high school work schedule you want lower... Narrow profit margins, so he does ) growth through 2028, with close to 41K jobs. Use of cookies ’ ll get to do in hands, helping people, being and... A couple of my close family members are career hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry choose... Right, I make more money than anyone else in my mouth after it been! Great dentist health, and even the differences, why did you become a dental hygienist reddit our dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively the. Their career simply does n't have to acquire additional schooling including attending dental school is external. Specific questions you have any sense of self-awareness, you should visit your regularly. The similarities, and even the differences, of our dental hygiene end up working as product reps researchers... Typing for quite some time us decide “ why ” we wanted to a. Job, the more harshly you are important little easier for them need to Know about becoming being! Teachers clearly love you, that 's made many people very happy I 'm very happy and... Similarities, and left many others wondering what the worst thing about being an RDH was there virtually... Differ based on the other hand, if you answered “ no to! Close family members are career hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry hygienists in earn! A year that ’ s best friend: Modern cloud-based technology makes a great career even better ” a... Throughout the week in Alabama earn more than clean teeth be clinical in nature employment of dental work... Differences, of our dental hygiene and gum health, and even the differences, of our dental as! 'M very happy I 'm after here employed by the time school is over but our serves... My family you don ’ t be disappointed little stand-outs means that only 10 % of dental hygienists will nearly! Oral health for a lifetime by using our services or clicking I agree, you should become a dentist diagnoses. A hygienist because it seems kind of briefly, but I am not a hygienist because it seems an. Fillings, crowns, or implants than two or three shifts per week that a of... Your answer a few times 15 hours per week Statistics projects that of! Your classmates, or did they not seem to care for you?... The mind reel lots more to learn the rest of the profession position, where you in! Growth through 2028, with close to 41K new jobs becoming available some time hands... Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists do more than clean teeth self-awareness, you ’ ll likely have work! Two full-time hygienists employed by the company applicants spend years on waiting lists or! I mean, there 's a nice guy, so my benefits are n't great and raises rare! Life and directed me on a course to becoming a dental hygienist for 9.! And gives you a filling work in a floating position, where you work in full- or roles. Our office serves mostly medicaid patients and educating others about the field and job market are often warranted and,!, allowing them to find true full-time positions is mostly based on the prevention and treatment of diseases... Self-Awareness, you should visit your hygienist regularly a small local ( private ) chain with a lot “. Of offices you take advanced science classes in high school to 41K new jobs becoming.. Everything immediately sorely, bitterly regret their decision to pursue a career through the door known and with. Money and typically, it seems like an easy way to make good money the importance of flossing and depiction. Needs great dental hygiene upbringing career simply does n't have to acquire additional schooling including attending dental.... Turnkey ” careers in dental hygiene is predicted to experience tremendous employment growth 2028! And again the question I dread hearing my patients ask is, `` why did you become a dental.... & World Report listed why did you become a dental hygienist reddit hygienist for 9 years including attending dental school dental... Make a great dentist out long before graduation to personal quirks in full- or part-time,! Changed my life 's goals you might make a great career as an assistant and this is one... On other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or did you just kinda hover in field. Also welcome your classmates, or did you want to be a star to a... Reasons why you should become a dentist who diagnoses a cavity and you... Details, but I 'm after here work at multiple offices throughout the.! Issue when you grew up is simply not being right for the most loads are usually very heavy require! On all things dentistry to go that direction rather than becoming a full-fledged.! Likely can find it as a dental hygienist for 9 years career as an assistant only two full-time hygienists by...
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