Are you a PHDH?

I am taking the PHDH course in March 2012. I wanted to talk with others who have taken the course to find out if they are working or not. What are the positive and negative aspects of being a PHDH? I have heard that many have taken the course but few are actually working in the field. Why?

My cousin is an epidemiologist(MPH degree) for the state of Massachusetts. She is swamped at work because they keep cutting staff. Not sure what the job market is for hygienists in public health. I've known some people who become school district hygienists though.

cwhite197 in Fall River, Massachusetts said: I am taking the PHDH course in March 2012. I wanted to talk with others who have taken the course to find out if they are working or not. What are the positive and negative aspects of being a PHDH? I have heard that many have taken the course but few are actually working in the field. Why?

I have already taken the PHDH course, and i am very interested inbecoming a PHDH, .....but how do you even start it, even after taking the course it was alot to take in, and all they kept saying to us is "dont make it bigger than it is, just do it,...."easier said than done lol

I don't think the PHDH is worth becoming because so many hygienists are out of work and running to become a PHDH thinking they will get more work. There are not many public health opportunities for hygienists AND to work in Mass as a PHDH you have to make an agreement with a MA dentist that you can refer patients to them. The only people you can ask about getting started as a PHDH would be the people teaching the class. I would have no idea how to even begin a PHDH career.

cwhite197 in Fall River, Massachusetts said: I am taking the PHDH course in March 2012. I wanted to talk with others who have taken the course to find out if they are working or not. What are the positive and negative aspects of being a PHDH? I have heard that many have taken the course but few are actually working in the field. Why?

I think no one is working in the field because there are not many job openings for PHDH or places to work. In Mass you have to work in conjunction with a licensed MA dentist (to refer patients to) that you see out in the public.