Although you will get some exercise moving around to each patient, this career option is mostly sedentary. Another part of the job when you start being a dental hygienist is to educate people on how to take better care of their teeth. You can find yourself working in some challenging environments. Many dental hygienists say that their favorite part of working in this industry is the interaction they receive with their patients. It is not unusual to face issues like blood in the mouth or gum disease on a regular basis. You will also find many with an undesirable reputation. Although the working conditions in dental offices generally are good, because of the nature of the work, hygienists can be prone to postural problems and back pain. Many workers are putting in long hours, dealing with high levels of stress, and then face the challenges of raising a family and all of the other responsibilities that are necessary in modern life. You are going to face some challenging issues over the course of your career. Most people can complete the educational requirements through community college programs in two years or less. That is why it is imperative to monitor how your community views your employer and make changes as needed to maintain your career. It is one of the fastest growing areas of the healthcare industry in the United States right now as well. Even if you are the poorest dental hygienist, you still can survive due to a good salary. Most dentists hire dental hygienists as a way to complete specific procedures for their patients. A registered dental hygienist has more than a few reasons to love his or her job. Even though there are plenty of challenges that you will face with this career option, you will also discover that the levels of personal fulfillment are exceptionally high. If your dentist earns a reputation as being a swindler, then that is what yours will be as well. | Top 10 CONS Ever wondered what the worst thing about being an RDH was? Pros and Cons of Becoming a Dental Hygienist. You might see different people every day and work on their teeth, you are still performing the same exercises all of the time with this career option. You will discover that the dental family can be a positive component of who you are as a person. 1. Pros and Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist The job of a dental hygienist is one of caring for people, helping them maintain a healthy mouth, and reducing the potential for tooth loss over time. Dental examinations are free in Scotland and 80% of dental care costs are paid for by the state. You can certainly receive a lot of social energy when working in this job, but the actual tasks lack variety. The good pay attracts many career-minded individuals to this profession. I can only speak from my personal experience but through the years I have discovered both pros and cons. There are some dentists who exaggerate the condition of a patient’s teeth or oral health because more services will equate to additional income for themselves and their office. The growing employment being the primary reason in this... • Dental hygienists can earn a great amount of salary because of being in high demand. Almost every dentist that is working anywhere around the world will have an employment opportunity for a dental hygienist. 6. 20 Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. An enhanced level of job security is present because of this advantage as well, with employment opportunities continuing to grow. 6. You will have the opportunity to serve the occasional unpleasant patient. You will want to review the job market in your area before pursuing this type of opportunity to ensure that your training and licensure can bring your family a financial return one day. That means your skills can be put to use in community clinics, dental offices, and even some public health agencies. You can be an involved parent with this advantage if you have a family. The median wage for this career opportunity in the U.S. pays over $35 per hour, which equates to approximately $75,000 per year. That rate is roughly double that of the median for all employment opportunities in the United States. Even though up to 10% of people are afraid of going to the dentist, your work as a hygienist can help to calm nerves and build relationships. If you have a busy family schedule, then this job can accommodate what you need to do. Most dentists hire dental hygienists to help them with specific procedures, offering a competitive salary structure for their services. ... Pros and cons of going it alone. June 4, 2020. If you are unable to meet the service demands that your employer desires, there are enough dental hygienists looking for employment that your position can be filled without much of a delay. 3. That means you might still be able to earn a median wage above $30 per hour, but you might only be putting in 3-5 hours of work each day. Dental hygienists provide preventative oral care in various forms. If so, you'll be happy to hear that US News and World Report recently crowned the dentist as the #1 best job of 2013. 6. Let's talk about the pros and cons of working as a dental hygienist! 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. For example, a dental hygienist in Colorado can practice without reporting to or receiving the supervision of a dentist. Both require specialized training beyond the basic college coursework, with a doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) Since you will find it more challenging to continue performing at high levels toward the end of your career, it can feel like you peak early when this is the opportunity you pursue. The reputation of your dentist will become a reflection of who you are to your community. Pros and Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist By Stacey Norell, RDH on June 23, 2013 in Uncategorized 0 When choosing what career to enter there are many factors to take into consideration: If you love to work with people, then the field of dental hygiene can help you experience high levels of satisfaction each day. There are challenges to face in each shift, but that is a principle which holds true with most jobs. 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If you are looking for a job which offers a competitive income, plenty of opportunities to find job security, and some flexibility with your scheduling, then becoming a dental hygienist could be the right choice to make. Employment Opportunities. You have plenty of opportunities to flex your hours as a dental hygienist. Although more experience can lead to a higher salary offer, that is not always the case if you choose to work in a smaller practice. They provide routine cleaning and fluoride treatments, do X-rays, and check for common tooth and gum diseases. There is a lot of competition for open jobs in this industry. The expertise that you bring to this job makes you a highly valued member of a person’s treatment team. Burnout is a real risk in this career field. Because there is a direct link between the quality of oral care that a person receives and their cardiovascular health. The Pros. You can work almost anywhere as a dental hygienist. Even though it might seem easy to hunch over a patient as you work on their teeth, it requires a lot of stamina to stay in a seated position throughout most of your shift. Because you hit the glass ceiling very early in your career when you choose this line of work, you must find satisfaction in how you can help others in a clinical environment. First the pros. • You should understand that this job is not for everyone. 5. 2. Salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that almost half of all dental hygienists in the United States are only working part-time. Every job has pros and cons. You can work almost anywhere as a dental hygienist.. 4. There is very little reciprocity between states for dental hygienist certification. It is not unusual to have your days be filled with a lot of busy work, and then have your boss take a final look at what you have done as a method of quality assurance. The job ratio for dental hygienists may not be positive in some communities. If you are having a bad day for some reason, it can be a challenge to recover when you are in the middle of your shift. Hygienists understand how to wear the many hats of dental care and know that a smile is a strong qualification. The job you have will never really change. The requirements can vary by state, so if you are interested in this position or career, you will need to review what is required of you locally. Almost every dentist that is working anywhere around the world... 2. If you have a drive to help people and don’t mind the occasional patient with challenging physical or emotional needs, then the 2-year (or less) requirement for training could help you to start a new career in very little time. You can have more time to pursue your interests then, including a second job in another field if that is where your passion lies. There is a certain level of prestige that comes with this position. You can find a lot of personal satisfaction in this career. Some high schools may offer the option of advancement placement or dual enrollment that can allow you to enter this field right after you earn your diploma. As a dental hygienist you have the ability to make a reasonable earning without having to worry about the amount of school that dentists need to take. Burnout is a problem in almost every healthcare field today. 1. That means you are about twice as likely to find an employment opportunity with this career option compared to all careers which are available in America. Dental hygienists typically follow the same pay scale no matter where they choose to work. This job can take a toll on your physical well-being. requiring more school than a registered dental hygienist (R.D.H.). There are plenty of challenges that you will face with this career, but the same can be said of most jobs. Although that level of income can support a family in some areas, it may not be enough to satisfy the demands of the lifestyle you want. That means when people do eventually stop by to receive care, their oral health may not be in the best of shape. 2. As Baby Boomers get older and retain their teeth longer, your influence on the importance of regular dental care can help everyone be more aware of the need for dental services. Let’s have a look at the disadvantages. Because each state or province can have differing requirements for licensure as a dental hygienist, you will want to confirm where you plan to live after graduation to avoid duplicating the costs of being able to work. 6. You may face several mental challenges in this line of work. The final offer that you receive will depending on your employment status, geographic location, and overall experience. Because half of the open opportunities in the United States for dental hygienist work is classified as part-time, there are several ways that you can create a flexible schedule for yourself while still maintaining a fruitful career. Some people thrive on the requirements of their job responsibilities, but it can affect others in negative ways. Moving a lot means you will want to take the jurisprudence exam, and then maintain your licenses in every state where you might want to settle one day. Going off of the median wage, you can still top about $37,000 by working part-time in some communities. Pursuing this career option gives you a certain level of job security, but it also means that you are creating a specific position for yourself within the dental industry. 3. 3. The field of dental … If you are a dental hygienist in that situation, then the reputation of that office will become part of who you are – whether you want it to be or not. That means you can encounter plenty of terrible moods over the course of your day. There are concerns about the cost of receiving treatment since dental coverage is not always part of a healthcare plan. 4. Even if you can only find 20 hours of work per week, this wage is the equivalent of earning $17.50 per hour in a full-time job. This job helps you to build many community relationships. Some regions may recognize a license that you earn elsewhere, but that outcome is not guaranteed. By Sandra Turner. You are going to be doing the same work all day, every day. Pros of Being a Dental Hygienist 1. Being a dental hygienist has lots of different pros and other benefits – some of which may come as a surprise! Many dentists offer the same salary or hourly wage to workers whether they have several years of experience working with patients or if they are fresh off of their graduation ceremony. According to information published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job opportunities available in this career field are expected to increase by more than 20% through the year 2029. 7. The average hourly wage for a dental hygienist in the United States is currently $35 per hour. You will also encounter plenty of bad moods while they are sitting in your chair, thinking about the costs they will pay for the work you are doing. 1. Then all you would need to do is obtain whatever license is necessary in your jurisdiction. 0. Both are licensed dental professionals. 2. The field of dental hygiene is growing rapidly. Although there is a little bit of reciprocity in this field across the United States, most governments will require that you take their tests before you can start working, which usually comes at a price that you’ll need to pay for out of your budget. If you want to work as a dental hygienist, you should analyze all the pros and cons. That means there is more competition for the open positions at dental offices since there are more people available than there are opportunities. Consider each key point carefully before finalizing your decision. While it may never be an issue for some, it may be the main issue for others. Almost every dentist office will hire at least one dental hygienist to provide help with the services that patients require. It is rare that you will work weekends, holidays, or even nights in most situations. A dental hygienist salary is typically between $60,000 and $80,000. 3. Many dental hygienists find that they feel under-paid and under-valued after they gain some experience in this field. The field of dental … Upselling is on the rise in this industry, partially due to the rising cost of tuition and debt that occurs. When you start thinking about a move, then you will need to recertify after you finalize your relocation. Because you must go through specialized training to offer the services that are wanted, you can earn a highly competitive salary in the United States. Most people can begin their work as a dental hygienist when they have an associates degree in dental hygiene or a similar field. Share: It is common knowledge that a dental hygienist gets paid well as it is a licenced profession. There are many pros of being a dental hygienist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very real issue to proactively combat when you receive an employment offer. Read on to learn about the most important dental hygienist pros and cons! They will share ideas with you, and then you can bounce thoughts off of them sometimes too. In the year and a half that I worked as a temporary hygienist, I was able to see a great deal of the pros and cons associated with the position and wanted to share those with my fellow colleagues so that you could determine if temping may be a great option for you as well. Since there is not a lot of time to rest your eyes or give your brain a break during the day, the stamina requirements can be problematic for anyone if they are having an off day for some reason. 5. “One of my favorite parts of being a hygienist is how much time I get to spend with my patients,” says Amber Metro Sanchez, RDH. The nature of this job also means that you will see tooth decay, plaque, halitosis, and several other conditions on a regular basis that could be bothersome. Not everyone is like this when you start serving their needs, but if you are the kind of person who can’t stand bad breath or looking at teeth that could use some help, then being a dental hygienist is probably not the right option for you. Applicants have to meet certain criteria to enter dental hygiene school and must at least complete an associates program. You are going to be asked to maintain a rapid pace to get through as many services as possible. Is this report sugar-coating the realities of the job? 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