OT but is anyone a Dental Hygenist?

[james'mommy]

I'm thinking about going back to school. I'm currently a sahm of a school age child. I have a BA in English but I have no desire to use it. There is a community college here that offers an AA in Dental Hygiene. Can anyone give me an idea of what the schooling entails. Is an AA enough to get a job working at a dentist office? What approximately does a DH make? Are there flexible jobs out there? TIA

 

[daleswife]

Im not anything to do with a dentist....however, I will tell you a funny story....I get very squmish when I go to the dentist. Anything that has to do with my mouth freaks me out....anyhoo, there was an add in the paper for a dental assistant...I thought well its not my mouth, I will apply. The dentist wanted me to come in for an interview....went very well.. then he wanted me to come in for an acutal proceedure to see what I would be doing......I did.....Almost PASSED OUT!!!!!!! LOL......So there went my career in dentistry....!!!!!

 

[KirstenB]

My college roommate studied dental hygiene. It was a rigorous 4+ year curriculum. Since you already have a BA in English, I'd think you'd just need all the science and lab-type classes, plus the practical experience in a clinic. She makes really good money. Many years ago, she was making $50000 a year, and I'm sure it's gone up.

 

[Paull117]

My sister is a dental hygienist. She gets paid well, but from my understanding you really need to watch the area you live in. In our area because the school is in town, the area is saturated with Hygienist. Also the program was not easy to get all the classes most people finished in 3 yrs not 2.

If I where to go back to school for a 2 yr program I would have to choose nursing. Again just check your area.

Paul