You can also take your 2-year degree in dental hygiene and turn it into a 4-year degree in the field of dentistry while still earning a living doing something you like. You can be an involved parent with this advantage if you have a family. It's rare for you to work on weekends, holidays, or even nights in most situations. The pros and cons of being a dental hygienist balance the desire to earn a fair and competitive salary in the health field and, at the same time, managing sometimes challenging situations.
This type of work is not for everyone. If you want to help people and don't mind having occasional patients with challenging physical or emotional needs, then the requirement of 2 years (or less) of training could help you start a new career in a very short time. Consider each key point carefully before making a decision. If you become a dental hygienist, your certification allows you to provide services in your home state.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly half of all dental hygienists in the United States only work part-time. If you are a dental hygienist in that situation, the reputation of that office will become part of who you are, whether you want it to be or not. Most dentists hire dental hygienists to help them with specific procedures, offering a competitive salary structure for their services. Not everyone is like that when you start taking care of their needs, but if you're the type of person who can't stand bad breath or look at your teeth who could use a little help, then being a dental hygienist probably isn't the right choice for you.
These rationalizations do not hit the mark on the current situation in which many dental offices find themselves. If you're looking for a fast, fun, and easy way to enter the health field for your career, you'll want to review the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist. Whether dental hygienists choose to stay in the clinic or pursue a new career path outside the operating room, at the end of the day, dental hygienists want what all professionals want: to be allowed to work to the fullest of their education and to be valued and respected for what they do. Other forum posters suggest that dental hygienists are unfairly taking advantage of the situation by demanding high salaries and having unrealistic expectations.
While dental hygienists work longer hours than nurses and other professionals, the amount of work they do each day can quickly cause exhaustion. Tonya Lanthier, RDH, founder and CEO of DentalPost, a mobile and online dental employment agency, recommended that offices with staffing issues take intentional steps to create a culture in which team members feel valued, appreciated and respected and that they provide ongoing education to keep team members inspired and challenged to do more. This means that their skills can be used in community clinics, dental offices, and even in some public health agencies. When you can find work as a dental hygienist, you have an opportunity to change someone's life for the better.
While employment opportunities for dental hygienists are increasing, today's schools are graduating many people who are ready to start their careers. Most dental hygienists enter the profession because they want to make a difference in patients' oral health by partnering with their dentist, employer, and co-workers. As baby boomers age and keep their teeth longer, their influence on the importance of regular dental care can help make everyone more aware of the need for dental services. .