What are the best hygienist qualifications and training to get ahead?

What is the best training for becoming a hygienist? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective hygienist?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Thinking of applying for dental hygiene school and would love some feedback on the field.

tara in Fairbanks, Alaska said: Thinking of applying for dental hygiene school and would love some feedback on the field.

I have been a dental hygienist for 14 years now. I started in the dental field right out of high school as a dental assistant. I worked full time and took classes at night/weekends. Took me awhile but I am so glad I did it. I have worked with the same dds now for 9 years. She was a former hygienist before going on to dental school so she appreciates quality of care. I am now the mother or 2 young children and work 3 days a week. I get five sick days/yr and bonuses. I make in 3 days what most people make working a full week. Hygiene is very flexible. I love what I do and I love going to work for the 3 days! Being in the same practice for 9yrs you really get to know your patients. There are other hygienists in the practice I work and some of my patients are so loyal-if they are scheduled with another hygienist they reschedule with me and walk out the door! I am fortunate with my career to have such flexibility, great pay and helping people on a daily basis...very rewarding!! Hygiene is the best in medical career where you only need a minimum of a AS Degree and you come out making very decent money! Good luck to you if you pursue a career in dental hygiene, it is rewarding in so many ways!

Brook in Martinsburg, West Virginia said: A friend turned me on to the idea of becoming a Dental Hygienist because of the money and the flexibility. What schools offer this program? I can't seem to find any near where I live except maybe Kaplan College. Has anyone taken the 2 yr course online?

I have no idea what schooling could possibly be done on-line - it's an in-person job like nursing. I got my BS in hygiene in 2008....I've spent half my time since then being unemployed. With the economy and the flood of hygiene schools turning out huge numbers, it's not the career I was looking for. Apparently a lot of areas are now suffering from low pay because there are so many RDHs available to do the work! I'm looking at going back to school so I can feed myself! Good luck....I'd look into nursing if I were you.