Should I get an Associate's or a Bachelor's for Dental Hygiene?

I want to go to school for Dental Hygiene, the only thing I am unsure of now is how to go about getting my degree? Is it worth the time/money to complete a 4-year degree at a college/university with a Bachelor of science in DH? Or are accredited 2-year programs satisfactory for getting a good job in most places? Are Bachelor's, in most cases, only suggested if you want to move to another job in the dentistry field after so many years? (teaching, sales rep.s, etc), or are they highly suggested by potential bosses? I know that a Bachelor's degree is ALWAYS nice to "have in your back pocket" as my dad would say, but how necessary are they in this career? What I want to know, simply put, is if the majority of Dental Hygienists have their Associate's or Bachelor's?
Thank you for ANY help/advice.

Holly in Greenville, North Carolina said: I want to go to school for Dental Hygiene, the only thing I am unsure of now is how to go about getting my degree? Is it worth the time/money to complete a 4-year degree at a college/university with a Bachelor of science in DH? Or are accredited 2-year programs satisfactory for getting a good job in most places? Are Bachelor's, in most cases, only suggested if you want to move to another job in the dentistry field after so many years? (teaching, sales rep.s, etc), or are they highly suggested by potential bosses? I know that a Bachelor's degree is ALWAYS nice to "have in your back pocket" as my dad would say, but how necessary are they in this career? What I want to know, simply put, is if the majority of Dental Hygienists have their Associate's or Bachelor's?
Thank you for ANY help/advice.

The Dental Hygiene is:OVERCROWDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go to school for Assisting or become a Dentist.
REPEAT:THE DENTAL HYGIENE FIELD IS OVERCROWDED NOW AND AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT 5+ YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you should get your bachelor degree. As a dental hygienist with a bachelor degree there are more areas that you can find work. You can work for the state whereby it would be more educational and not clinical by doing dental infor for schools, head start programs, water plants, health departments etc. A hygienist does not only work in a private office. Research areas with national institute of dental research, some of the different companies who sell dental products-sales rep., pharmacy companies. Some indian programs providing dental health to children in rural areas. Sealant programs in some cities, so there is a host of areas, but the average hygienist thinks only of the dental office. I worked for the state for 11years before going back to private practice, and it has been the best thing.

can any one tell me is dental hygine only for women

a haile in Mesquite, Texas said: can any one tell me is dental hygine only for women

No. I do not think any job is for only one sexual group. Just as men are nurses, there are several men I have worked with who are hygienist. Sometimes it helps them to go on to dental school and be more open minded and passionate to hygienists, in the working world.

Holly....I have worked in dental hygiene for 28 years now. Have only ever had an Assoc. degree. I have had friends with similar degrees working for the state in sealant programs, head start, etc. I make just as much and more than a lot of hygienists with bachelor degrees. (I have been very fortunate with my employers.) Point is, in private practice, the dentist does not care which degree you have. I have never even been questioned about it. Although, a BA will help you if you want to pursue further or different career opportunities.

can i get bachelor degree in dental hygiene with having bachelor of science in biology and NON-accredited dental hygiene diploma???

Dawn E in Columbus, Ohio said: I think you should get your bachelor degree. As a dental hygienist with a bachelor degree there are more areas that you can find work. You can work for the state whereby it would be more educational and not clinical by doing dental infor for schools, head start programs, water plants, health departments etc. A hygienist does not only work in a private office. Research areas with national institute of dental research, some of the different companies who sell dental products-sales rep., pharmacy companies. Some indian programs providing dental health to children in rural areas. Sealant programs in some cities, so there is a host of areas, but the average hygienist thinks only of the dental office. I worked for the state for 11years before going back to private practice, and it has been the best thing.

So you worked for a hospital? I really do want to look to DH as a good career, ...in the process of applying and finishing prereqs but lately ive been having second thoughts since it seems people are scaring me that its not really in high demand and it's frustrating looking for a job? I was thinking of working for the state but will that be hard..competitive?

I am currently working in a private practice as a registered dental hygienist and have practiced since 1981. Physically I am getting burned out working 8-9 hr days without a lunch break and no hourly increases for the past three years.I have two associate degrees, One is an Associate in Science and the other is an Associate in Applied Science. I would like to combine my credits to obtain a Bachelors of Science or a Bachelors in Applied Science. I realize that additional courses will be required to complete this degree. My hopes are to teach in a dental hygiene clinic.
Do you think this is an unrealistic goal and is the pay scale with this type of job worth it. Please offer some advice.

I have been a dental hygienist only four years now and im suffering from trapezius myalgia and numbness in my right thumb. This is an ongoing pain for me and its very discouraging, i do like my job and my patients but my body can't handle the strain. Im only 40 and with all this pain i feel like im 80! i need some advice on how i should go about chosing a career that is going to be for the long term. I have AAS, i would like to get my bachelors degree but i just dont know in what. Does anyone have any good advice? please share your experiences and thoughts.

Does anyone know anything about accelerated degree programs to get a two year degree in DH in one year?

anjenako143 in glendale, California said: So you worked for a hospital? I really do want to look to DH as a good career, ...in the process of applying and finishing prereqs but lately ive been having second thoughts since it seems people are scaring me that its not really in high demand and it's frustrating looking for a job? I was thinking of working for the state but will that be hard..competitive?

We don't want to scare you, it's unfortunately the "Reality" of the Dental Hygiene field now. It's not the field of opportunity it once was, and the numbers of new, old and grad's is creating a "vying for....and sometimes back stabbing (yes, I do mean this) for ANY employment listings". If you wish to ONLY go into Dental , go for DENTAL school. If you like the medical field: Nursing, Radilolgist, etc....think about your future, and a retirement.....not so with many R.D.H.'s.......Reality "-----", (choose your own word).

k-rdh in Cedar Rapids, Iowa said: I have been a dental hygienist only four years now and im suffering from trapezius myalgia and numbness in my right thumb. This is an ongoing pain for me and its very discouraging, i do like my job and my patients but my body can't handle the strain. Im only 40 and with all this pain i feel like im 80! i need some advice on how i should go about chosing a career that is going to be for the long term. I have AAS, i would like to get my bachelors degree but i just dont know in what. Does anyone have any good advice? please share your experiences and thoughts.

Hi, How about TEACHING? There is not a repetitive movement for hands like that of Hygiene....AND....a plus.....you will recieve for your hard work......retirement ben's! Look into it, I'm sure this would be a nice tangent to your present skills since you do "teach". GL

jenny in La Quinta, California said: Does anyone know anything about accelerated degree programs to get a two year degree in DH in one year?

Hi Jenny, Please consider other medical majors as options for a career. I say this because, if you've been reading across the board on many threads....Dental Hygiene employment...is going through a rough time. If you want to waste $ (a lot for training in this field), this is the field to do it in. I'm only stating truth about our situation. Wages are going down, tuition is WAY up there, and will you be able to find enough work to support yourself; basic needs and some for fun? Very ?able now. Maybe in 7-10yrs. it will turn around , but the Dr.'s have many resumes that have the qualifications needed...but it's a "pick this one...and if she doesn't work out I have 30 more in the drawer".

It's funny, last time i was blogging here, I was unsure about what path to take....dental hygiene or some other health career. Actually i got into a 4 yr univ. and taking my BS in hygiene. Im so stressed w/ the overwhelming work/study...but i am happy to be here. I was really scared about all the comments: dental hygiene is full...dont even try....go for dentistry ...assisting...anything cuz it's just the reality that...it's not working out....especially w/ the economy...im sure that's why everyone was baggin' on this career.

Now that im here studying, I've come to realize the many other options that this field has: teaching, advocate, administrative position...etc. Im sure the future is uncertain. But i am certain now that dental hygiene is MY field and for all those who are pursuing their dreams...no matter if it's hygiene or something else....I have only one thing to say. "FIGHT ON!"

Genevieve in Los Angeles, California said: It's funny, last time i was blogging here, I was unsure about what path to take....dental hygiene or some other health career. Actually i got into a 4 yr univ. and taking my BS in hygiene. Im so stressed w/ the overwhelming work/study...but i am happy to be here. I was really scared about all the comments: dental hygiene is full...dont even try....go for dentistry ...assisting...anything cuz it's just the reality that...it's not working out....especially w/ the economy...im sure that's why everyone was baggin' on this career.

Now that im here studying, I've come to realize the many other options that this field has: teaching, advocate, administrative position...etc. Im sure the future is uncertain. But i am certain now that dental hygiene is MY field and for all those who are pursuing their dreams...no matter if it's hygiene or something else....I have only one thing to say. "FIGHT ON!"

Hi G, You will most likely find the reality of hygiene when you are looking for employment. If possible, look into your above mentioned areas: advocate, Administration, ...NOW...also find out if you really enjoy the school you're attending,if it has available positions for new grad's. within the school. It's a very stressful road....good luck to you....be ready for the real world with the best resume, ref's, and any additional skills...P.S. Don't be too hard on the views of the "experienced R.D.H.'s " giving you a not so wonderful view....it is a reality for many now.

EXP....you continue to be the voice of reason and truth here.

k-rdh in Cedar Rapids, Iowa said: I have been a dental hygienist only four years now and im suffering from trapezius myalgia and numbness in my right thumb. This is an ongoing pain for me and its very discouraging, i do like my job and my patients but my body can't handle the strain. Im only 40 and with all this pain i feel like im 80! i need some advice on how i should go about chosing a career that is going to be for the long term. I have AAS, i would like to get my bachelors degree but i just dont know in what. Does anyone have any good advice? please share your experiences and thoughts.

K, I would look around and see which college(s) will transfer the most credits you have. That is what I did. I am 1 credit away from my BS in biological health science. My school took all of my credits...90 ( I had extra credits because I was undecided at first) so I only had to take 10 additional classes to get my BS. Look around and speak to the schools in your area. Also, there are quite a few online programs that may offer more flexability in terms of your current schedule. It took me a while, but I found a great school that was willing to take everything I had. I did not want to get a BSDH...it's too limiting and I did not want to be tied to this career any longer than I had to be! I can definitely relate to how you feel. I have only been doing hygiene for 2 years and I KNOW that I do not want to do this much longer. My body aches constantly and other than a great hourly wage, I have nothing else. No benefits, no job security, no retirement package...ect ect. I always urge my fellow RDHs to get a BS or higher because this career is just too unstable and work related injuries are far too common. You will feel so much better once you are on your way to earning a BS. I feel like a weight is being lifted off of me because now I will have more options and I won't be tied to this career for the rest of my life!!

ChloeRDH in Southington, Connecticut said: K, I would look around and see which college(s) will transfer the most credits you have. That is what I did. I am 1 credit away from my BS in biological health science. My school took all of my credits...90 ( I had extra credits because I was undecided at first) so I only had to take 10 additional classes to get my BS. Look around and speak to the schools in your area. Also, there are quite a few online programs that may offer more flexability in terms of your current schedule. It took me a while, but I found a great school that was willing to take everything I had. I did not want to get a BSDH...it's too limiting and I did not want to be tied to this career any longer than I had to be! I can definitely relate to how you feel. I have only been doing hygiene for 2 years and I KNOW that I do not want to do this much longer. My body aches constantly and other than a great hourly wage, I have nothing else. No benefits, no job security, no retirement package...ect ect. I always urge my fellow RDHs to get a BS or higher because this career is just too unstable and work related injuries are far too common. You will feel so much better once you are on your way to earning a BS. I feel like a weight is being lifted off of me because now I will have more options and I won't be tied to this career for the rest of my life!!

Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

eli in Toronto, Ontario said: can i get bachelor degree in dental hygiene with having bachelor of science in biology and NON-accredited dental hygiene diploma???

not very likely. The pre-req for dental hygiene 4th year is to have a DipDH from an accredited school already. It is highly unlikely that a University like UBC would recognize your non-accredited 'credits,' so you will be S O L. The program is well subscribed, and they give automatic entry to new grads from BC public DH schools. Wouldn't hurt to call them up first and check.

Why would anyone go to a non-accredited school in the first place?

skrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: not very likely. The pre-req for dental hygiene 4th year is to have a DipDH from an accredited school already. It is highly unlikely that a University like UBC would recognize your non-accredited 'credits,' so you will be S O L. The program is well subscribed, and they give automatic entry to new grads from BC public DH schools. Wouldn't hurt to call them up first and check.

Why would anyone go to a non-accredited school in the first place?

amen

Just because you have trouble finding work in a certain area, doesn't mean other certain areas will be the same. Just a thought. :)

Is it possible to receive an associates degree in applied science and become a dental hygienist and work and also return to school while i am working to become a dentist? Or is it better i go for a bachelors in applied science and then work as a hygienist and also go to school for dentistry? I need to work Now, so that is why i want to work as a hygienist and go to school for dentistry...is it possible????please help me with this ?

nano614 in Elmwood Park, New Jersey said: Is it possible to receive an associates degree in applied science and become a dental hygienist and work and also return to school while i am working to become a dentist? Or is it better i go for a bachelors in applied science and then work as a hygienist and also go to school for dentistry? I need to work Now, so that is why i want to work as a hygienist and go to school for dentistry...is it possible????please help me with this ?

I feel the best advice to give you in regard to becoming an R.D.H. is to NOT train in this field. I would look into DENTAL school and see what the pre-req's are. If you have a science background and have taken and passed courses...see if you can apply these toward a Dental schools program. As far as working, I didn't, and those who do....they really are good at organizing and sticking to and getting up in the morning for work and school and studying...it's stressful and time consuming for any Dental training, so, speak with the school's Admissions, work out cost, etc...then go from there...Hope all works out for you.

nano614,
You can get your aas to work as a hygienist and then go on to a bs and so forth if you need to work to keep going. It would be more than I could handle but maybe you can. I had a very good friend in hygiene school who did just that. It took her 5 years after hygiene school and she also got married, adopted her 7 year old stepdaughter, and had 2 kids of her own. She now works for the army in TN and makes fantastic money and has all the benefits too. Best of luck!

hi , i wanna do my AAs in dental hygiene in Broward Comunity Colleage and then work as a dental hygiene while doing my Bs in pre-dental in barry University .. are those credits transferable to a dental school?

Maria in Hollywood, Florida said: hi , i wanna do my AAs in dental hygiene in Broward Comunity Colleage and then work as a dental hygiene while doing my Bs in pre-dental in barry University .. are those credits transferable to a dental school?

Most classes are. Make sure you have high grades and the classes aren't too old. C's are transferrable but anything higher just looks good. Some courses older than 5 yrs have to be redone.

I would love some input... I am a recent grad, and I want to pursue a BS.. Does anyone know of any schools that will accept the DH transfer towards a BS??

rye

Hi Rye, Where do you want to go (workwise) with a BS? Are you looking at: Advocate, Administrative...? In Visalia, CA, what is the job market like at present? It seems that the D.H.'s on this site are split as to employment opportunities, what's your take?

ChloeRDH in Southington, Connecticut said: K, I would look around and see which college(s) will transfer the most credits you have. That is what I did. I am 1 credit away from my BS in biological health science. My school took all of my credits...90 ( I had extra credits because I was undecided at first) so I only had to take 10 additional classes to get my BS. Look around and speak to the schools in your area. Also, there are quite a few online programs that may offer more flexability in terms of your current schedule. It took me a while, but I found a great school that was willing to take everything I had. I did not want to get a BSDH...it's too limiting and I did not want to be tied to this career any longer than I had to be! I can definitely relate to how you feel. I have only been doing hygiene for 2 years and I KNOW that I do not want to do this much longer. My body aches constantly and other than a great hourly wage, I have nothing else. No benefits, no job security, no retirement package...ect ect. I always urge my fellow RDHs to get a BS or higher because this career is just too unstable and work related injuries are far too common. You will feel so much better once you are on your way to earning a BS. I feel like a weight is being lifted off of me because now I will have more options and I won't be tied to this career for the rest of my life!!

Hi there,
I find your comment helpful. I also have an associate degree in DH, 8 years experience and would like to pursue BS degree in something else(that accepts most of my credits:) that can possible lead me to Master in Public health. I live in NY and wonder if there are any online classes that I can take towards BS and how long would that take. I start with Internet search but not much luck. Please if you or anyone has any information for me I would appreciate

Hi. I am currently working toward my BAS in Allied Health.I believe any AS is accepted as long as it is in some type of health care.I am taking all of my classes on line through Youngstate University.Allied Health is a great place to start if you are considering a masters in Public Health. Good Luck!

Nancy in Medina, Ohio said: Hi. I am currently working toward my BAS in Allied Health.I believe any AS is accepted as long as it is in some type of health care.I am taking all of my classes on line through Youngstate University.Allied Health is a great place to start if you are considering a masters in Public Health. Good Luck!

Hi Nancy. Thank you for your answer. I tried to google Youngstate University but nothing came out. Did you mean Youngstown state university? Thank You.

I have been fortunate to work in an office for the past ten years where I was paid a 33% commission rate. DH can get very repetitive and I always viewed the commission as a motivation and reward for hard work. Recently my employer realized I was making way above the average hygiene rate and decided to put me on salary. In all, taking a $13/hr pay-cut. I want to negotiate a fair deal and stay on commission. They seem to think I'm the last hygienist on earth who still works on commission. Am I? And what is fair? Any suggestions about what to do next?

dissapointed in Columbus, Ohio said: I have been fortunate to work in an office for the past ten years where I was paid a 33% commission rate. DH can get very repetitive and I always viewed the commission as a motivation and reward for hard work. Recently my employer realized I was making way above the average hygiene rate and decided to put me on salary. In all, taking a $13/hr pay-cut. I want to negotiate a fair deal and stay on commission. They seem to think I'm the last hygienist on earth who still works on commission. Am I? And what is fair? Any suggestions about what to do next?

I don't think that there are that many dental hygienists who still work commission. It kind of depends. Some do, but they are technically self-employed and on contract with the dentist. That way they get paid per appointment and not per hour. If you are considered self-employed though, you have to pay your own insurance and technically pay the dentist a 'rental' fee for the space and equipment you use. So if the dentist covered all that and you were working commission, I understand why he switched you to per hour. You could talk to the dentist to see if he'll consider taking you on contract as self-employed... but in the long run, it may end up being around the same pay cut.

Sorry for the error. Yes i did mean Youngstown State University.

dissapointed in Columbus, Ohio said: I have been fortunate to work in an office for the past ten years where I was paid a 33% commission rate. DH can get very repetitive and I always viewed the commission as a motivation and reward for hard work. Recently my employer realized I was making way above the average hygiene rate and decided to put me on salary. In all, taking a $13/hr pay-cut. I want to negotiate a fair deal and stay on commission. They seem to think I'm the last hygienist on earth who still works on commission. Am I? And what is fair? Any suggestions about what to do next?

Sorry to hear about that! Most hygienist I know are hourly...W/ new grads making $28-32..and exp...$32-$35...The hygiene jobs in cols. are hard to find..w/ Ohio State and Col. State Programs...Maybe the dentist would consider a bonus program?

hi I go Houston community college and I have been doing the basic core classes there until I had decided what i wanted to do..well i now want to become a dental hygienist...i am not smart (as in I am not good in school..i try hard and do my best but i still don't do as good)so this is why I am falling back on going to UT health science center where they do bachelor program for dental hygienists (b/c I'm sure it is going to be hard)...so my question is should i get an associates degree from Hcc and see from there..my concern with that is I wont find a good job especially with today's economy...

Is there someone who has just recently graduated and is now a dental hygentist with either an associates or bachelors degree??? If so how is that going for you and what do you get paid??? If you dont mind answering these questions please do. (I know these questions are a little personal thank you so much )

I'm in the process of getting an associates degree in dental hygienist, and I have not had any jobs yet (none at all no fast food, retail, etc. no work experience) I have only been taking classes at college since I graduated high school, so what can I do to build my resume???
If you get an associates degree in dental hygienist, where are some places that I can look for jobs???

Holly in Greenville, North Carolina said: I want to go to school for Dental Hygiene, the only thing I am unsure of now is how to go about getting my degree? Is it worth the time/money to complete a 4-year degree at a college/university with a Bachelor of science in DH? Or are accredited 2-year programs satisfactory for getting a good job in most places? Are Bachelor's, in most cases, only suggested if you want to move to another job in the dentistry field after so many years? (teaching, sales rep.s, etc), or are they highly suggested by potential bosses? I know that a Bachelor's degree is ALWAYS nice to "have in your back pocket" as my dad would say, but how necessary are they in this career? What I want to know, simply put, is if the majority of Dental Hygienists have their Associate's or Bachelor's?
Thank you for ANY help/advice.

Training period is generally 2 years, though there are bachelor and master program that exist in dental hygiene. After completion of the training an associate degree is awarded. State license is vital to begin their work officially. Many states require the professional to go through a dental hygiene training program that is completing a written test and a practical exam.

there are many sources out there that says that dental hygentist with even a certificate or an associates degree get a high pay like in the $30 range...i was wondering if that is true??

I am a practicing RDH in the state of Ohio and been practicing nearly 29 years. I make approximately $32/hr. I have an AS in Applied Science,passed the state and a national board exam to obtain a license that lets me practice in the state. I do not know of any states that require only a certificate. Does any one know of any?

dissapointed in Columbus, Ohio said: I have been fortunate to work in an office for the past ten years where I was paid a 33% commission rate. DH can get very repetitive and I always viewed the commission as a motivation and reward for hard work. Recently my employer realized I was making way above the average hygiene rate and decided to put me on salary. In all, taking a $13/hr pay-cut. I want to negotiate a fair deal and stay on commission. They seem to think I'm the last hygienist on earth who still works on commission. Am I? And what is fair? Any suggestions about what to do next?

My daughter works in Columbus and has been working for 2years as a dh. She earns 28.00 per hour. However many of her friends from school are earning 30-34 per hour. She also does not have to pay for her medical insurance.

exp in Massachusetts said: We don't want to scare you, it's unfortunately the "Reality" of the Dental Hygiene field now. It's not the field of opportunity it once was, and the numbers of new, old and grad's is creating a "vying for....and sometimes back stabbing (yes, I do mean this) for ANY employment listings". If you wish to ONLY go into Dental , go for DENTAL school. If you like the medical field: Nursing, Radilolgist, etc....think about your future, and a retirement.....not so with many R.D.H.'s.......Reality "-----", (choose your own word).

I agree, If one was to look into working as a network with several dentist it would be far different.. remember as DH's you compliment them "Dentist" They need us!! I'm business major and its just like monopoly. Its not like they can take the skill away.... I just finished all my pre-reqs and on my way to applying to several DH programs.. after that...get my RDHAP and monopolize. The Job Market is awsome.. just depends on how to apply it. If you wanna work for a dentist.. cool.. wanna open a small clinic only focused on cleanings and exams?? even better!!

Ryan RDH in SO CAL in Visalia, California said: I would love some input... I am a recent grad, and I want to pursue a BS.. Does anyone know of any schools that will accept the DH transfer towards a BS??

rye

What Dh program did you go to? Well I am planning on doing the same.. BS to RDHAP to DDS... if My RDHAP business plan works out the way I want it to it looks like Imma just be using the RDHAP. ummmmmm. as for schools.. Loma Linda and I think Even USC!! Thats why I was asking what school you previously attented.

I've been looking to go to school to be a DH. In Washington, the average salary is supposedly $92,000 statewide. From the research I've done, it appears that this is much higher than the rest of the country. There is supposed to be so much growth in this field and new job openings and there are really only 3 schools accepting 50-60 students each year within an hour of where I live so the competition doesn't seem like it would be too terrible. I'm definitely going to talk to some people in the field before I make any decisions though. I would love to just go to be a dentist, but with my educational history and the fact that I'm already 25, I think it may be impossible to get into dental school. I know I can get good grades and I'm very intelligent, it's just so tough these days to get in.

meand4boys in Spanaway, Washington said: I've been looking to go to school to be a DH. In Washington, the average salary is supposedly $92,000 statewide. From the research I've done, it appears that this is much higher than the rest of the country. There is supposed to be so much growth in this field and new job openings and there are really only 3 schools accepting 50-60 students each year within an hour of where I live so the competition doesn't seem like it would be too terrible. I'm definitely going to talk to some people in the field before I make any decisions though. I would love to just go to be a dentist, but with my educational history and the fact that I'm already 25, I think it may be impossible to get into dental school. I know I can get good grades and I'm very intelligent, it's just so tough these days to get in.

Hi, What is your educational history? I don't think "25" is too old to pursue a career as a "Dentist". If you are intelligent, speak with the Dental schools that interest you, speak with a "real person" in Admissions as to what your background is, and what they look for in candidates for their programs...As far as D.H. in WA...speak with P.T. D.H.'s and temp ag's for Dental to see what the real situation is for D.H.'s in your state...they will give you more of the "real picture" for D.H., than those who are fortunate to find F.T. employment....maybe, also speak with any F.T. D.H.'s, to see what they actually receive for pay and if they have benefits....I feel, that most who are in this field are in 2+ offices and are more likely on their own as far as retirement pkg (investments and savings, on your own). The $92K you mentioned is more likely if you CAN find F.T. employment in this field...What is the cost of living in WA? How much will the Dr. pay you hourly? Do you have to clock out if pt's don't show? Do you have uniform or Cont. Ed allowance, separate from pay? These are all things to consider. GL on your choice.

Good ideas! I think talking with someone in the admissions part of the dental school is a great idea, as is getting the real scoop from those working as DH's in our area. Has anyone heard about any recent changes made to DH's scope of duties recently or in the future? I heard they made some sort of changes to where the DH's are able to do more than they are/were and this is going to increase demand for these positions.
As for my education, I have always been of 'above average intelligence' if you can call it that. Due to problems at home, I dropped out of HS and got my GED (passed with a very good score). Now I've married and have 3 children and am more motivated than I have ever been to try something different and to be successful! I'm currently a Realtor so, as you can imagine, anything looks better than what I'm seeing in my career! Thanks for the ideas!

meand4boys in Spanaway, Washington said: Good ideas! I think talking with someone in the admissions part of the dental school is a great idea, as is getting the real scoop from those working as DH's in our area. Has anyone heard about any recent changes made to DH's scope of duties recently or in the future? I heard they made some sort of changes to where the DH's are able to do more than they are/were and this is going to increase demand for these positions.
As for my education, I have always been of 'above average intelligence' if you can call it that. Due to problems at home, I dropped out of HS and got my GED (passed with a very good score). Now I've married and have 3 children and am more motivated than I have ever been to try something different and to be successful! I'm currently a Realtor so, as you can imagine, anything looks better than what I'm seeing in my career! Thanks for the ideas!

You're welcome....Pharmacy and Radiology, are good career choices if you like sciences and you are more likely to find employment and BENEFITS with these careers*.

dissapointed in Columbus, Ohio said: I have been fortunate to work in an office for the past ten years where I was paid a 33% commission rate. DH can get very repetitive and I always viewed the commission as a motivation and reward for hard work. Recently my employer realized I was making way above the average hygiene rate and decided to put me on salary. In all, taking a $13/hr pay-cut. I want to negotiate a fair deal and stay on commission. They seem to think I'm the last hygienist on earth who still works on commission. Am I? And what is fair? Any suggestions about what to do next?

Hi....I work commission in one office 2 days per week in Newark at 40%, excluding only the exam fee or products, such as Sonicare. Anything else goes on my production, even if the assistant takes my patient's xrays when I'm busy. I have been in that office for many years though and my boss will probably retire in the next 5-7 years. He probably doesn't want to go through the hassle of changing anything or the headache I would give him..lol Oh, and the only benefits I have in that office are paid vacation, paid CE classes, and paid uniforms. Works for me...and him, too. He's one of the good guys. :)