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Hi! Yes I am a dental hygienist. I graduated from Hygiene school in 2021. It’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made however this might not be the case for everybody. In my personal experience, I went to public community college for my degree and paid around $35-$40k in total for one year of prerequisites, two years of associates degree, and all of the books materials, and exam costs. I made just shy of three times that amount my first year after school. Private schools are obviously much more expensive. I truly find the field of periodontics very interesting and really love educating patients in addition to working as a preventative healthcare specialist. There is very high demand for hygienist right now and you also have the option to temp if you don’t want to be tied to one office/employer. Also to answer your question yes, you can work in the sales field with this experience. Some things that would turn people away are the following: the schooling is HARD!!! I think the average Joe would be totally shocked to see what the education entails for a person everyone thinks simply cleans teeth all day. Also, public schools are very competitive to get into because they are so much cheaper. in the field, there are a lot of aches and pains associated with our job since we are in that hunched over position using your hands all day. Think neck pain, back pain, wrist, pain, etc. This is the case for any operative medical profession like surgeons. Personally, I have invested in really good loupes and always practice good ergonomics, so nothing has bothered me so far. Lastly, all the negative connotations associated with dentists will be associated with you. Whether that means patients are afraid of you or you make them anxious, or that you’re just trying to take their money. It’s also not uncommon to have a patient cry when they learn about their diagnosis. This is the most stressful part for me- I have no idea how doctors tell someone they have cancer and I feel bad telling someone they have gum disease. Some patients genuinely need treatment but they think you don’t know what you’re talking about or you’re just trying to bill them (we get paid the same regardless of what they do lol)- but again lots of healthcare workers deal with this. Oh and blood, funky smells, puss, etc. if that bothers you.
I absolutely love my job. There are lots of options after school. Teaching, sales, private, public health, periodontics, pediatrics. I have been in practice for 13 years- my shoulder is starting the bother me but I invest in massages and chiropractic visits. Financially it is worth it. There are lots of schools- you can complete coursework with a associates. But if you plan on teaching, you will need a bachelors to start. I received my masters in 2021 and I’m currently the senior hygienist at my job. I work in public health. They are paying my student loans which is a plus. Good pay and good benefits.
I love being a RDH and proud to say 33 years at it! Exactly what is stated above, you have to invest in massage and chiropractictor. But if you stretch and do yoga you can stay pretty healthy.
Best part about my job is encouraging each pt. to Take care their mouth will probably help prevent other health issues in their life time
I have never worked a night , holiday or weekend in my career !!! Raising a family able to work 3 day /4 day alternating weeks was awesome.
Only down fail is the dentist and state law’s where we cant be our own bosses
Down fall is small businesses cant give you healthcare. But large practice only look at $$$ instead of what’s Best for the Patient. Beware of that!
I loved working at a Community Health Clinic and school too. I’ve seen 62 different nationalities and helped refugees smile proudly and give them hope and a future. And kids at the Title 1 schools I love encouraging them to dream big because most of the parents are NOT helping them Dream at All!!! So its being a counselor while teaching them to take responsibility for their smiles = health life. It’s a Very Rewarding Job !
Itas a very rewarding job
What state do you live in?
I love being a Registered Dental Hygienist! Proud to say