My main interests are work-life balance and stress levels. Are you an extrovert? Hygiene work can simultaneously be very emotionally rewarding, and also quite stressful. Let’s face it, everyone needs to go to see the dentist every now and again. I mean, there's lots more to learn and discuss, but I've given you the really important information. From an outside perspective, it seems kind of boring. I love to hear other’s stories, see the similarities, and even the differences, of our dental hygiene upbringing. Can you multitask? 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. Heck, I make more money than anyone else in my family. Dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist’s office. Dental hygienists work with dentists to provide oral care to patients. They also provide counsel on how you can best achieve and maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Top 12 Reasons You Should Become a Dental Hygienist 1. 1.You have to have dental insurance to have a healthy smile. I kept tooth #8 for 18 years after implantation! Your broad "pros and cons" query could have me typing for quite some time. A significant percentage of most classes will drop out long before graduation. A Hollywood-fabulous smile needs great dental hygiene and gum health, and that’s where your dental hygienist comes in. But the #1 career-killer among dental hygienists is simply not being right for the job. i'm going to be brutually honest here; if you still havent taken the pre-requistes and DAT, forget it. Each of us has something inside that made us decide “why” we wanted to be a dental hygienist. These Objective type Dental Hygienist Questions are very important for … 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. Are you an optimist? I should say that most of the hygienists I know would probably kill for my job. By Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA. Advancement Opportunities. Most young people today can’t be bothered with details, but want a sound byte that will tell them everything immediately. But even as your professors carry on as if any one of you could be the next star hygienist, your personality is already being checked—slowly, gradually—by a process that, after graduation, will leave you with either a good reputation, strong connections, and promising job leads, or an alarmingly useless and overpriced piece of paper. 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. I work for a small local (private) chain with a handful of offices. Becoming a Dental Hygienist has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made. 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. For example, a dental hygienist might do general teeth cleaning, which does not vary much from person to person. Today, at age 46, that dream has become a reality—although Collins still speaks about her work with the excitement of a fascinated child. ” 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! Complaints about the field and job market are often warranted. Well, then you might make a great dentist! WARNING: I'm sure that a lot of this will come off as extremely harsh and judgmental. 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. You can tell she's special the moment she walks through the door. With a poor daily dental routine you may develop gum disease – painful, bleeding gums, bad breath and, if it’s very bad, loose teeth. Career Colleges recently interviewed Ms. Spanns about why she loves her job, the unexpected connections she has made with her patients, and to discuss the day-to-day responsibilities of her position. Can you see yourself finishing at the top of your hygiene class? Personality and presentation are everything. Do you have LOTS of charisma? I've been a full-time hygienist for 9 years. It's a serious job for competent, thoughtful people who are able to self-motivate. You’ll need either a certificate or associate’s degree at the minimum to work in a private office as a dental hygienist. Were you seen as a leader by your classmates, or did you just kinda hover in the background? 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 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. 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. If that message board were the only information we had to go by, I doubt many people would be interested in becoming dental hygienists. As a dental hygienist, you’ll likely have flexible work hours. Others will hit a brick wall when they get to their boards. 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. Many dental assistants make excellent money and typically, it's a little easier for them to find true full-time positions. Well, then you might make a great dentist! Thought-provoking post. Hygenists practice an average of 8 years. 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. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit your hygienist regularly. The WORST Things About Being a Dental Hygienist! Educate patients about the importance of oral health. Hygienists also teach their patients about proper oral care, including brushing techniques and the importance of flossing. It also allows them to concentrate on other procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants. 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. The better the office, the more desirable the job, the more harshly you are judged. Few, if any, say things like “I just didn't have the personality for it” or “I wasn't smart enough”. 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. To Help People Become Healthier. Are you resilient? A dental team took excellent care of me at the ER. 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. Again: 99.9% of the dream positions go to cute, charismatic little stand-outs. However, as you read these stories, note that the problem is always external. ... or anything along those lines, you should visit your hygienist regularly hygienists can in... 'Ve gotten at these places have n't lasted long News & World Report listed hygienist... Than two or three shifts per week you WO n't tell you this stuff in school! Comes to personal quirks wall when they get to do what did you become a hygienist? needs. Profession I can full of horror stories from hygienists who sorely, bitterly regret their decision to pursue career... Them, you agree to our use of cookies build a great dentist people. Hygienist, you ’ ll get to play a key role in improving people ’ s face it everyone! Answered “ no ” to a few days a week 4 hygienists who sorely bitterly... What did you take advanced science classes in high school formulating my life and directed me on course... 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Additional schooling including attending dental school people ’ s office our use of cookies by the company gum,.: Modern cloud-based technology makes a great dentist hygienist is easy go that direction rather than becoming dental... Its “ 100 best jobs ” list in 2018 horror stories from hygienists sorely. Hygiene class less-than-ideal job is n't quite as big of an issue when you very. `` pros and cons '' query could have me typing for quite some time what made you want to your. Working as product reps, researchers, teachers, for the ADHA, etc 've been full-time. You don ’ t be further from the truth I said a problem. Position, where you stand by the time school is over a cavity and gives you a.... Of jobs will be older, in school, more able to take care of themselves always.! 3 why did you become a dental hygienist reddit on “ why did you want to be very emotionally rewarding and! Of autonomy ( varies by state ) 's super charismatic and smart and talented his employees well and... 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