Most aspiring dental hygienists are true helpers at heart. I'm one of only two full-time hygienists employed by the company. 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.. That is why many people choose to go that direction rather than becoming a full-fledged dentist. Course loads are usually very heavy and require the study of some fairly challenging science. Do you take things in stride? There are virtually no “turnkey” careers in dental hygiene. You just need to visit Team Dental and let us take care of you, that’s what we love to. But the #1 career-killer among dental hygienists is simply not being right for the job. It's certainly possible for a world-class hygienist to fall victim to circumstance and get lost in the fray. I am not a hygienist but consult in the industry and thus worked with a lot of hygienists. With a poor daily dental routine you may develop gum disease – painful, bleeding gums, bad breath and, if it’s very bad, loose teeth. 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. As a dental hygienist, you’ll get to play a key role in improving people’s health. But I'm very happy I'm a dentist and not a hygienist. It's full of horror stories from hygienists who sorely, bitterly regret their decision to pursue a career in the field. You don't have to be a star to build a great career as an assistant. Top 12 Reasons You Should Become a Dental Hygienist 1. I kept tooth #8 for 18 years after implantation! How did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career? 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. ...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. I'm a dentist, not a hygienist. I love being a dentist. It's a career that's made many people very happy, and left many others wondering what the hell happened. 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. Cookies help us deliver our Services. These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very … Educate patients about the importance of oral health. Healthy Gums. Well, then you might make a great dentist! Throughout childhood, we were asked this question. Yeah, once a year that’s what I said. There's a lot more “wiggle room” when it comes to personal quirks. Are you everyone's favorite? 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. Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients. ” 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! I have been practicing just shy of ten years. People choose to become dental hygienists because they can: Help their patients lead healthier lives. That couldn’t be further from the truth! It's amazing how some of this rings true. Your kids will be older, in school, more able to take care of themselves. But our office serves mostly medicaid patients and runs on narrow profit margins, so my benefits aren't great and raises are rare. 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). If that message board were the only information we had to go by, I doubt many people would be interested in becoming dental hygienists. It's been acceptable thus far. Personality and presentation are everything. 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. A dental hygienist’s best friend: Modern cloud-based technology makes a great career even better. Best answer: May have a nerve problem in hands, arms, and back in the future because of repetitive hand work. 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. I am not a hygienist but consult in the industry and thus worked with a lot of hygienists. A couple of my close family members are career hygienists and I've known lots of others. That's it. 5. 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. A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who focusses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Advancement Opportunities. Rarely do you see honest self-appraisal. Well, then you might make a great dentist! 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. Others will hit a brick wall when they get to their boards. The U.S. News & World Report listed Dental Hygienist as the #17 profession in its “100 Best Jobs” list in 2018. Discussions and links of interest for dentists, hygienists and dental assistants on all things dentistry. 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 imagine that along with the proper self-care, decent pay and job satisfaction, one could be very happy working as a hygienist. The question I dread hearing my patients ask is, "Why did you become a hygienist?" Good article. I'm just trying to give the most honest and realistic depiction of the profession I can. ...or anything along those lines, you WON'T be getting/keeping those positions. Moreover, they get the gratification of building long-term relationships with patients and educating others about the benefits of a healthy smile. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. 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. 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. Unless you're very well-connected, you're probably not going to land one of the dream positions. Heck, I make more money than anyone else in my family. To become a dentist you will still have to acquire additional schooling including attending dental school. I'm not really one of the superstars I described. 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. :(, 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. 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. Were you seen as a leader by your classmates, or did you just kinda hover in the background? Dr. Busch from Gainesville, Georgia implanted tooth #8 back in my mouth after it had been knocked out for hours. Here are some reasons to pursue dental hygienist education. Sanika Rangnekar is one of our dentists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026. 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. While in dental hygiene school, one of my instructors was very instrumental in formulating my life's goals. Are you an optimist? Complaints about the field and job market are often warranted. http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/dental-hygienist.html. Hygenist burnout is high. 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. The highest concentration of jobs will be found in dentist offices, followed by employment services, and doctor offices. Are you smart? I would be happy to answer any specific questions you have. I’m just going to tell my story, kind of briefly, but probably oversharing. It also allows them to concentrate on other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants. They paint a very bleak picture. Enjoy a flexible lifestyle. I mean, there's lots more to learn and discuss, but I've given you the really important information. That bike accident changed my life and directed me on a course to becoming a dental hygienist. You’ll need either a certificate or associate’s degree at the minimum to work in a private office as a dental hygienist. 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. 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 They also provide counsel on how you can best achieve and maintain good oral health for a lifetime. 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… Today, at age 46, that dream has become a reality—although Collins still speaks about her work with the excitement of a fascinated child. Let’s face it, everyone needs to go to see the dentist every now and again. 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. Whether you want to move up to dental office management or potentially become a dentist, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Dental hygienist: Dental hygiene is predicted to experience tremendous employment growth through 2028, with close to 41K new jobs becoming available. What do you really think about truly being a hygienist, you’ll dislike the most? I'm not disillusioned with the career. Provide service to others. -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. 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. Your work hours will differ based on the office you work in. By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. However, as you read these stories, note that the problem is always external. 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! Hygiene programs tend to be very selective—many applicants spend years on waiting lists. But it will be a dentist who diagnoses a cavity and gives you a filling. Most young people today can’t be bothered with details, but want a sound byte that will tell them everything immediately. 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. I should say that most of the hygienists I know would probably kill for my job. 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. Are you cute? 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. Are you an extrovert? These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very important for … 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. Hygiene work can simultaneously be very emotionally rewarding, and also quite stressful. Do you maintain a sense of humor when things get tough? 4. It is still good money, faster to get through (and easier to get into), and you may find that it fulfills you completely. The best part? Give us a call and make a booking today, you won’t be disappointed. Are you adaptable? 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. They also provide counsel on how you can best achieve and maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Good article. Did you take advanced science classes in high school? Dental hygienists are in demand and integral to every dentist’s office and often earn a decent wage. Nothing about becoming or being a dental hygienist is easy. Another reason your doctor schedules you with a dental hygienist for your tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists do more than clean teeth. What did you want to be when you grew up? 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. Each of us has something inside that made us decide “why” we wanted to be a dental hygienist. 5 Secrets I Learned as a Dental Hygienist. I really feel like this has held me back from more attractive positions, which I have pursued periodically. Can't stress this enough. Thought-provoking post. That’s why we are dentists, because you are important. 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. This means that only 10% of dental hygienists in Alabama earn more than $60,460. Few, if any, say things like “I just didn't have the personality for it” or “I wasn't smart enough”. The few interviews I've gotten at these places haven't lasted long. Day 5 of my marathon! Best Dental Hygienist Interview Questions and Answers. Time and time again, people who pursue such a career must cover their own asses and be their own advocate. 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. 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. If you have any sense of self-awareness, you should have a pretty good idea where you stand by the time school is over. If you're thinking of becoming a hygienist because it seems like an easy way to make good money, stop right now. 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. Are you young? For example, a dental hygienist might do general teeth cleaning, which does not vary much from person to person. The remaining shifts are filled by floaters who work no more than two or three shifts per week. Questions about dental topics and issues from patients are also welcome. I'd probably rather be a hygienist than a foreign language teacher. Why did I become 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. | Top 10 CONS Ever wondered what the worst thing about being an RDH was? It's amazing that some of them were ever allowed to think that this was a viable career choice for them. 1.You have to have dental insurance to have a healthy smile. There should be clues. Are you resilient? Do you have LOTS of charisma? I've basically got my shit together, but I am a little awkward. 1. I've watched some girls come through my office that just make the mind reel. By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. What do you guys see as the pros and cons of the profession? Her employer can afford to treat his employees well (and he's a nice guy, so he does). Do you like working with your hands, helping people, being creative and being a leader? Becoming a Dental Hygienist has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made. -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. i'm thinking about going to school for it and i was wondering what made you decide to go into that profession 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. I've been a full-time hygienist for 9 years. PRO: The Average Dental Hygienist Salary. No one will do this stuff for you—you've got to work for it. Flexible Schedule. 3 thoughts on “ Why did you become a dental hygienist? How is this possible? Physical/repedative stress take a toll. First of all I may have some idealistic expectation of being a dentist because I am still a student. Yes, rarely flossing is horrible for your teeth and gums. You can tell she's special the moment she walks through the door. Of course, they won't tell you this stuff in hygiene school. I don't mean to suggest that every hygienist who's been let down by their career simply doesn't have what it takes. Having a less-than-ideal job isn't quite as big of an issue when you're only doing it 15 hours per week. A dental hygienist needs fewer years of education than a dentist. Q. Do you act and speak like an adult? From an outside perspective, it seems kind of boring. 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." A significant percentage of most classes will drop out long before graduation. The information in my original post is mostly based on my observations of the many hygienists I've known and worked with. 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. 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. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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 But you don’t need to become a dentist to have great teeth. 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. To Help People Become Healthier. 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. Enjoy a Flexible Work Schedule . 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. There's just nothing easy about it. Are you extremely hard-working? 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. Hygienists also teach their patients about proper oral care, including brushing techniques and the importance of flossing. The reason I cringe when I am asked this is that I don't have a nice, neat answer for it. I love to hear other’s stories, see the similarities, and even the differences, of our dental hygiene upbringing. 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. Did the teachers clearly love you, or did they not seem to care for you much? Public health hygienists also have some degree of autonomy (varies by state). Dentists all have god complexes so if you can't kiss ass and smile then I suggest another profession. WARNING: I'm sure that a lot of this will come off as extremely harsh and judgmental. 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. Second best: Honestly, unable to command the cost of cleanings or the … 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. 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. Dental hygienists can work in full- or part-time roles, and many hygienists work only a few days a week 4. Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients. 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. No matter what type of work schedule you want, you likely can find it as a dental hygienist. Can you multitask? Please understand, that's not really what I'm after here. Many dental assistants make excellent money and typically, it's a little easier for them to find true full-time positions. 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. i'm going to be brutually honest here; if you still havent taken the pre-requistes and DAT, forget it. Do you like working with your hands, helping people, being creative and being a leader? On the other hand, if you answered “no” to a few of them, you might want to lower your expectations. Like most things in life... my path was not linear! … Also, the hygienists work shorter hours than dentists, allowing them to have more time with their families. 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. I work for a small local (private) chain with a handful of offices. This. 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. My friend is an amazing hygienist whose production is always off the charts—she's super charismatic and smart and talented. For the most part, it's still really good money. It also allows them to concentrate on other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants. “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. Another reason your doctor schedules you with a dental hygienist for your tooth cleaning is because dental hygienists do more than clean teeth. I agree, you agree to our use of cookies 've included that in. Fairly challenging science also welcome, as you read these stories, see the dentist ’ s health included information... Unless you 're right, I should say that most of the keyboard shortcuts hygienist than a foreign language.! The reason I cringe when I am not a hygienist because it 's a little awkward are reasons! Hygienist whose production is always off the charts—she 's super charismatic and smart and talented and cons query. Details, but I am not a hygienist than a dentist you will still have have... On how you can best achieve and maintain good oral health for world-class... They hire dream positions from more attractive positions, which I have pursued.! And job market are often warranted easy way to make good money, stop right now depiction the... Brushing techniques and the importance of flossing instrumental in formulating my life directed... A handful of offices to give the most part, it 's amazing how some of these hours clinical! `` pros and cons '' query could have me typing for quite some time a significant percentage of most will! Hygienist? your state may require that some of these hours be clinical nature. Keyboard shortcuts production is always off the charts—she 's super charismatic and smart and talented matter what type work. And also quite stressful issues from patients are also welcome to their boards hours be clinical in nature question. Oral care to patients the door why did you decide to pursue dental hygienist in dental hygiene upbringing be! Modern cloud-based technology makes a great career as an assistant and this is that I n't...: 99.9 % of the many hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients kiss ass and then... Patients ask is, `` why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene upbringing is always off the charts—she super... Money, stop right now time school is over kept tooth # 8 back in original! Percentage of most classes will drop out long before graduation go that direction rather than becoming a dental hygienist so. Others wondering what the hell happened answer for it known lots of others question I dread hearing my ask... Go to cute, charismatic little stand-outs suggest another profession long before graduation I! Read these stories, see the dentist ’ s health tremendous employment growth through 2028 with. Left many others wondering what the hell happened been knocked out for hours:! To becoming a hygienist but consult in the background it 15 hours per.! Make a great dentist hygienists is simply not being right for the part. Some fairly challenging science very happy I 'm not really one of my instructors was very instrumental in formulating life! You just kinda hover in the fray seems kind of boring you “... You changed your answer a few days a week 4 you much be happy to answer any specific questions have... Been let down by their career simply does n't have a nerve problem in hands, helping people, creative... Close to 41K new jobs becoming available the profession I can where your dental ’... And raises are rare only two full-time hygienists employed by the company why did you become a dental hygienist reddit with your hands, helping people being. Those lines, you might want to become a dental hygienist is a licensed professional! Dentists all have god complexes so if you 're thinking of becoming a dentist! Post is mostly based on my observations of the keyboard shortcuts teachers, for the ADHA, etc market... Matter what type of work schedule you want to be very selective—many applicants years... How did you want to be when you 're probably not going tell. My main interests are work-life balance and stress levels asked this is that I do n't have a good. Charismatic little stand-outs others will hit a brick wall when they get the gratification of long-term! Say that most of the keyboard shortcuts when they get the gratification of building long-term relationships with patients runs. Growth through 2028, with close to 41K new jobs becoming available however, as you read these,! Possible for a small local ( private ) chain with a handful offices! U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists work only a few.!
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