But it will be a dentist who diagnoses a cavity and gives you a filling. Finally, dental hygienists need to have physical stamina. You work in new settings. According to the BLS, the median national annual salary for a dental hygienist in May 2018 was $74,820 or $37.41 per hour.4 This varies depending upon location, experience, and whether you are a full-time or part-time employee. Dental hygienist training requirements vary by state, but typically consist of:6. I’m not an assistant. A career as a dental hygienist offers a wide range of challenges. Dental hygienists are often discounted in their role as healthcare professions by the public. How to become a dental hygienist in Ontario, Canada is quite easy. If you put the work in, your success is almost guaranteed.”, © 2020 Concorde Career Colleges. Dentists want those patients in and out. One way to ease the tough parts of the job is to connect with other people in the industry. Since each state has its own specific regulations regarding their responsibilities, the range of services performed by hygienists varies from state to state. I am a young dental hygienist who graduated over 6 years ago, and now my clinical career is … Another detractor is entering a job field that oftentimes has limited benefits, especially after the emergence of the Affordable Care Act. Check out the pros and cons of pursuing a career as a dental hygienist to see if it is the right fit for you: The field of dental hygiene is displaying a projection of rapid growth. This will help you build your new and exciting career. One of our Enrollment Services Representatives will be contacting you shortly. All information provided to Carrington College shall be subject to our Privacy Policy. Oral cavity is a really small space and if they don’t pay enough attention it is really easy to miss spots. Find Employment. Sep 19th, 2016. However, if you do decide to leave dental hygiene there are other career opportunities you can pursue. Because the education requirements are minimal, you can usually enter the career field quickly. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time.All Information provided is subject to Concorde's Privacy Policy. Look for an accredited dental hygiene program and the amount of time it takes to complete a respective program. By submitting this form, I authorize and agree that a representative of Carrington College can contact me about educational services and future offers by email, phone and/or text messaging at the email and telephone number provided above using an automated telephone dialing system, and/or an artificial or pre-recorded voice or text message. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.. This means they’ll never struggle to find a position in a practice. Dental assistants (DA) and dental hygienists (DH) have vital roles in dental practice. If you're looking to hygiene for an easy, cake-job that will make you rich, don't waste your time. Additionally, more people retain their teeth for much longer. By providing my contact information in this form and clicking the "Get A Head Start Today!" For example, a dental hygienist might do general teeth cleaning, which does not vary much from person to person. Usually, this is the most common path that dental hygienists use to become fully-fledged dentists. Physical endurance: Dental hygiene is a physically demanding profession that requires the provider to be able to repeat motions of bending/twisting when working with patients as well as fine and gross motor skills to grasp, handle, control instruments and feel for objects. A good dental hygienist … When I sat down for boards, I felt more than adequately prepared. … It all started with a vision, a will and Concorde.”, “I think it’s an amazing school. We have degrees of anywhere from 2–4 years. Responsible for everything from cleaning teeth to taking X-rays, dental hygienists are the smiling face of these offices. It is a well-known fact that a Dental Hygienist’s job is strenuous and has the potential to cause serious musculoskeletal injuries, but this does not slow us down from providing treatment services. Most people can begin their work as a dental hygienist when they have an associates degree in dental hygiene or a similar field. These integral people are in charge of everything from cleaning patients’ teeth and making nervous people feel more relaxed to taking mouth x-rays and educating patients on at-home dental hygiene. Hygiene programs tend to be very selective—many applicants spend years on waiting lists. Between 2016 and 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for dental hygienists in the United States will have increased by an impressive 20% 1.Yet this high demand is far from the only reason to consider a career as a dental hygienist. Being a dental hygienist isn’t easy. Dentist offices offer employment opportunities in nearly every city. A full 85 percent of house pets have gum disease after age 3, according to the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. Many dental assistants go back to school to get a dental hygienist degree. Some have zero degrees and are job trained. … 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). Studying commitment. Nowadays there are many reasons why someone might be hesitant to work in dental hygiene. Continue your education. The BLS also suggests that the growing demand for dental services, including those performed by hygienists, will increase as the demand for preventative dental services rises. 2. The negatives of being a dentist are often overshadowed by the positives so that pre-dental students sometimes have a misconstrued notion of what it is like to be a dentist. Because there are more hygienists in an office than dentists, it’s easier for hygienists to spend more time with patients. This consistency can be great, particularly if you love what you do, but if you’re looking for more variety, dental hygiene may not be right for you. If you are looking for a fast, fun, and easy way to break into a healthcare field for your career, then you will want to review the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist. You may be considering dentistry because you like its clinical aspects. 1. The pay varies depending on full or part-time status, but most RDH’s earning an annual salary make more than $70,000 a year. This is a significant difference between being a hygienist and being a dentist. Taking an honest look at the profession before applying to a program will ensure that you will not have any surprises once in the field. We have degrees of anywhere from 2–4 years. 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). Both focus on oral health, but hygienists do not specialize in any particular type of treatment. Whether dental hygiene treatment is with a lighter or aggressive touch, patients notice. Dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist’s office. How to Become a Dental Hygienist. The dental hygienist course at Advanced Dental Hygiene provides the aspirants with in-depth knowledge of laser Physics and identify which lasers to be used, different soft-tissue procedures and more. Dental Hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. Despite the pandemic, being a dental hygienist is a hugely interesting, challenging and gratifying profession. Do you have an Associate's degree in health care field, which is a pre-requisite for this program? What are the requirements for becoming a dental hygienist? In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Hygienists understand how to wear the many hats of dental care and know that a smile is a strong qualification. Jobs are relatively easy to find, and work is steady. From placating anxious patients and reassuring children, to managing intense workloads and meeting ambitious targets, hygienists are under a lot of pressure. Is being a dental hygienist worth it in 2017? Even further, many don’t understand how physically demanding dentistry is, despite the fact it looks like we are just sitting there. Have you ever searched for a "dental hygiene program near me," but still aren't sure if it's the right choice? Then you will want to consider each of these pros and cons of being a dental hygienist. Working as a pediatric dental hygienist can be a rewarding job, but you must take the required steps to get there! indicate that a dental hygienist must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene education program, successfully pass a national written examination, and a state or regional clinical examination. Dental Assistant vs. Another issue is finding an office that fits their personality in this age of growing corporate dentistry. If caring for pearly whites is your calling, then becoming a registered dental hygienist (RDH) just might be the career for you. Please wait while we send your information. I’m not an assistant. Standard data rates may apply. Their job is basically to assist the dentist in any way possible and necessary, so they perform a lot of the processes we experience during appointments. Dental hygienists, in particular RDHs (registered dental hygienists), are always in high demand. Easy does it? , you can earn your associate's degree in as few as 17 months. If you want something that will give you instant full time work with full benefits outside of school, keep looking. The goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain optimal oral health. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, complete tooth loss has decreased by more than 75% for adults 65-74 over the past five decades.2. A career in dental hygiene has many rewarding aspects, which include job security, flexibility in work schedule, and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping individuals in need. You can see the definition of a dental hygienist here from Wikipedia. Dentists and dental hygienists are both licensed professionals. Eileen Morrissey comments on how dental hygiene treatment is often characterized by patients as being aggressive or easygoing. (In Indiana, the designation LDH [Licensed Dental Hygienist] is used instead of RDH.) If you wish to work full … Difficulty finding a job would be on the top of the list, along with not getting enough hours once employment is found. The BLS reports that about half of dental hygienists worked part-time in 2016.7 So, your schedule may be pliable if your employer allows it. To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need a degree or certificate from a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), in addition to passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Dental hygienists often need to make small talk and keep patients comfortable during procedures. Please visit the campus page nearest you to see our on ground health care options. This is a real career program that you will have to work hard to succeed at. In fact, e. mployment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Longer to get PhD. Carrington College does not recruit or enroll residents of the European Union. People often dislike coming for dental care and consciously or unconsciously take it out on us. The hardest thing about working as a Dental Hygienist is the time constraints. Dentists and dental hygienists are both licensed professionals. And that's why dogs, cats and other animals need their own dental hygienists. With the. The more people they can cram into your schedule, the […] List of the Pros of Being a Dental Hygienist. The dental hygienist acts like a gatekeeper to the world of oral health. Some dental programs make it easy for hygienists . According to the BLS’s Occupational Employment Statistics, while a career as a dental hygienist is profitable across the country, there are some states that pay better than others. A hygienist performs the deep clean of your teeth, flags trouble spots that could become cavities, reviews how diet can affect the health of your mouth, and much more. According to a degree, a dental hygienist may also teach hygiene students in colleges or dental schools. Congratulations, you just took the first step towards a new future by furthering your education. As the large baby boomer population ages, there is more need to care for teeth and other dental issues. You can work almost anywhere as a dental hygienist. Your professional … However, there is a big difference in the amount of schooling required for these roles. We are both contortionists and counselors. Besides a private office, you’ll work as a clinician in a variety of locations, … The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment of dental hygienists is projected to increase by 11% between 2018-2028—much faster than average.¹, The growing demand for dental hygienists is in part because of demographics. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.. After you finish your dental degree program and complete your licensing, you’ll have the choice to work in one or more private practice offices. However, changing careers from a dental hygienist to dentist is not an easy swap. They’re usually the primary communicators between dentists and patients. A dental hygienist’s job includes assisting the dentists. You may also wonder can a dental hygienist become a dentist? CON: Lacking Career Variety. Like many other customer-facing positions, your day will sometimes be impacted by unpleasant patients. With a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can move up to research, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs. Read: "Struggles of being a dental hygienist" >> The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026. A typical shift is eight a.m. to five p.m., which is accommodating to one’s personal life. Physical Stamina. Being a dental hygienist is a gratifying job, but it can be a bit difficult. ... to make sure that you will like the job and will want to work in a dental office. Some have zero degrees and are job trained. I am a determined, open-minded, keen on details, considerate, and a prompt readiness to act under difficult situations. Dental hygienists clean and examine teeth, educate patients on best oral hygiene practice, take X-rays, and sometimes make a diagnosis based on their findings. [13] Eileen Morrissey comments on how dental hygiene treatment is often characterized by patients as being aggressive or easygoing. The reality is that many individuals come to a dental office full of anxiety. As a dental hygienist, you may want to consider brushing up on customer service skills. Almost every dentist that is working anywhere around the world will have an employment opportunity for a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists and dentists are kind of like the nurses and doctors of dentistry, with the dental hygienist being the nurse. Physical Stamina: Excellent stamina is essential since dental hygienists spend a lot of time on their feet. “Concorde was one of my best vehicles that helped me gain the confidence I needed to change my life. While a dental assistant does administrative and clinical work under a dentist's supervision, a dental hygienist can provide preventive dental care in an unsupervised capacity. The team scrambled and my boss asked me to pick up another clinical day. Enjoy a Flexible Work Schedule. Planning ahead, being organized and being able to prioritize tasks are essential skills for a dental hygienist. You’re a Friend. We're sorry - you do not appear to meet the prerequisites for this program. Being a dental hygienist taxes our physical and mental well-being. However, there is a big difference in the amount of schooling required for these roles. I can look in your mouth and tell you you have had a cold or sore throat. Becoming a dental hygienist is not an easy path, it’s not just simply a 3 month certificate program that you can pass easily just by showing up and participating. For more information about licensure requirements, visit the American Dental Hygienist Association. If you want a strong career outlook, a steady average salary, and a flexible work environment, you may want to pursue dental hygiene as a career. It’s not really about teeth. Before investing in a dental hygiene program, you must check your own personal motivations. The other dental hygienist was comprehensive in her thinking, and her attention to detail made job-sharing easy. In terms of income and career stability, it’s a no-brainer. Khan is a dental hygienist, one of the highest paid jobs in America that doesn't require a bachelor's degree. After earning your license, you may obtain employment. Being a dental hygienist, one gets directly associated with the patients and gets engaged in different tasks as well as related to protective measures in … The field of dentistry is very lucrative for dental hygienists and dentists. And in … If you're thinking of becoming a hygienist because it seems like an easy way to make good money, stop right now. Find out more about the average dental hygienist salary and learn where the best-paying metropolitan areas are for a dental hygienist across the country. Why Go From Being A Dental Assistant To Becoming a Dental Hygienist? It's pretty tough for your pooch to brush and floss twice a day. That fits their personality in this growing industry, it ’ s job includes the... Really easy to find, and neck for signs of oral disease our sense of.... First accreditation as a pediatric dental hygienist during procedures that fits their in! Considerate, and offers the option to work hard to succeed at and mentally draining control oral... Can earn a decent wage your new and exciting career our Enrollment services Representatives be. Ages, there is no AA degree in a dental hygienist to succeed at big difference in United... 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Person ’ s easier for hygienists to spend more time with patients for checking the … being a hygienist so! “ Concorde was one of my Best vehicles that helped me gain the confidence I needed to change life... Most common path that dental hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck signs...