Dental hygiene is physically difficult. We use very precise movements, so it doesn't really seem to be physically demanding, but this repetitive movement certainly takes its toll. Being a dental hygienist is a rewarding job, but it can be a little difficult. It's nothing you can't handle with the right degree of motivation and patience.
Dental hygienist programs consist of rigorous classes designed to expose future dental hygienists to all the tools needed to succeed. The exam will assess the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge of dental hygiene in a problem-solving context. While there is a natural ebb and flow in any industry, it seems that the dental sector has seen an enormous wave of people leaving their jobs and exhaustion could be the cause. To ensure that dental hygienists are well prepared for the job, state dental boards require the completion of a dental assistance program.
In fact, according to a survey published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 8% of dental hygienists have left the industry since the start of the pandemic. All dental hygienists require ongoing training to renew their license, and while it's possible to do the least to achieve that, here's an opportunity to challenge yourself even more. They reminded me of my fascination with dentistry and how much I wanted to be a dental hygienist, and they assured me that I wasn't the only one feeling stressed. From the perspective of an outsider, dental hygiene can sometimes seem like a profession that has been forged in many ways.
In addition to being physically exhausting, the demands of the profession can leave even the most optimistic hygienist without energy, so it's important to set a limit on the number of hours you work to improve your health. Dental hygienists who wish to obtain a license to practice safely and responsibly must carefully complete and pass (with a minimum score of 75 out of 9) the National Board dental hygiene exam conducted by the Joint National Dental Examination Commission (JCNDE). Dental offices across the country are facing a shortage of qualified staff, largely due to the pandemic, which has caused more people to have questions about their careers. This person doesn't even have to be a romantic partner if you have a close friend, a hygienist colleague, or a family member with whom you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and frustrations on a regular basis.
For those students who have just started their career in hygiene school, I would like to share some words of encouragement and tell them some things that, looking back, I would have liked to have said to myself when I was a new student. But there are other ways to keep learning and maintain enthusiasm for dental hygiene without having to go back to school. According to the RDH eVillage survey mentioned above, more than 47% of dental hygienists said that they deal with work stress by talking to a family member or friend. My instructors imposed critical thinking, which is not only absolutely necessary as a dental hygienist, but is also a valuable vital trait.