Is anyone here a dental hygentist?

[C.Ann]

If so, what can you tell me about it? DD has an interesting opportunity to get into that field (heck, if she's gong to get bitten anyhow, it might as well be in a sterile environment - right? )

There's a large dental practice here where one of her friends works and the dentists would be willing to hire her and give her on-the-job training while she attends school to become certified - which they would also pay for.. This is how her friend got into the field and the practice has become so large they need to hire more people so she thought of my DD..

The hours would be SOOOOO much better than her current position (no putting in 80 to 90 hours a week and getting home 2 or 3 in the morning - or not at ALL if they're in lock-down) - no weekends (or if at all, maybe a Saturday once in awhile) - and no more being attacked in work!

So what can you tell me about it? Do you like it? Is it stressful? Is the salary decent once you have the certification and experience?

Any info would be greatly appreciated so I could pass it on to my DD..

Thanks!

 

[Cindy B]

Well, I seriously looked into the hygienest field as well.

Around here, a few community colleges offer this program. FWIW, its very competitive (hard to get into), very intense, and heavy on the science/math. there is also a practicum, and on the job training.

Around here hygienests make about $20 an hour. No, not a bad wage, but most hygienest that I have spoken too are part time. They may work maybe two days a week, no benefits. ( with the exception of a possible free dental with the dentist) ANd also the hygienests that I spoke with usually worked a night shift as well. For example they worked 12-8, or a Saturday. The Saturday hours were usually 9-5.

This crazy schedule was problematic with school age children. Once the kids got older it was easier.

You would usually start as a dental assistant. The dental assistant didn't pay much around here, maybe $8 /hour. The dental assistant files, puts the bibs on, sets out instruments, sterilizes insturments, and preps the room for the next patient. They (depending on the office) do call backs, and other duties.

 

[Cindy B]

I did forget to mention that some of my friends that were hygieniests actually worked at two/three different practices because of the scheduling.

There also is a constant threat of infections/blood borne pathogens and other things. Yes, you are shielded and gloved but you could get an infected patient that could bite you, or you could prick yourself on an instrument.

Some dentists also really trust the hygienest, and some are control freaks, (direct quote from my friend) and don't use the hygienest to their full potential. A constant complaint is that some hygienest are not being used to their full potential .

 

[C.Ann]

Whoa! Doesn't sound too good where you're located!

DD's friend started out with this practice as a dental assistant at $10 an hour.. While she was going through schooling they gave her 25-cent raises as she completed the various sections.. When she finished and became certified they gave her a 50-cent raise..
She's been certified about a year now, is currently making a little over $15 an hour (with quarterly raises to come) and works Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - with an hour for lunch.. Lots of paid holidays, paid sick and personal leave, as well as paid vacations..

I wonder if it's a regional thing - or she just fell in with a good group?

The possibility of infectious diseases is certainly something to consider, but is probably less of a danger to her than her current job.. I'll be sure to mention it though so she can take it into consideration..

Thanks so much for the input!

 

[tiggersmom2]

HI C. Ann,
I'm a Registered Dental Hygienist. I have a BS in Dental Hygiene, and yes, that did make a difference in MY area. I make around $40.00 an hour and most of the hygienist that are periodontally experienced also make this wage. I went to the Medical College of GA and it was a very RIGOROUS curriculum!

I'm lucky, I get vacation time and as many sick days as I want. However, I have NO benefits (most hygienist in my area don't) but my husband has great benefits so it doesn't matter to me.

I do know of hygienist that DO get benefits.

 

[grinningghost]

Can someone who's dentally "with it" tell me why hygienists like to pick so hard at those sensitive spots that nearly make me go through the roof?