Finding a dental hygiene job

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

I live in Northern Vermont. Hygienists are greatly needed here and in Northern NH.

Mara --

I had to take the clinical exam twice (don't ell anyone, please)! Knowing that I had to find another patient really caused me to consider drinking. Ha. Ha. For me, I had to go all the way back to Michigan (after I had graduated) and start my search anew. First, I placed an ad on craigslist.com. That produced both some really interesting types and also a possible candidate that I was willing to pay 100.00 for his time. If you go this route you will get more responses if you offer to pay the candidate. Plus, place the ad months in advance. Secondly, while I was killing time in Michigan, I decided to loiter around the various unemployment agancies until I was arrested for loitering and solicitation (kidding). This never produced any results and I would not suggest doing it. The way I found my perfect patient was to call some former dental hygiene students and ask them if they had any suggestions. Lots of times their former patients will offer to do the clinical again. Anyway, I would call the department head of whatever dental hygiene schools are out in the near vicinity of where your clinical is and ask if you can call former students. Actually and better yet, do it at your school and fly your patient out. I mean, it might be easier doing what I suggested at your school. Good luck.

Dental offices in small towns like ours are in need of Hygienists. Pay is good and the cost of living is lower. Try some smaller towns.

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I have been an RDH for 9 years in northern California. My hourly wage is $50+. I have spent 9 years in college earning two AS degrees, a BS degree, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. I work in two offices, a total of 5 days/week with occasional Saturdays added to this.

For those of you unable to find perm employment - try temping from job agencies. It's a good way to get your good name and reputation out in your industry in addition to building knowledge and skill.

There is plenty of RDH jobs available, one just has to know how to present oneself in print and on the phone to get the job interview. Be persistent and never give up!

Trisha,thanks for the info, I just had a question does your hands ever hurt for working to much?

To Mireya:

Good question about hurting hands.

My hands have not bothered me; however, my wrists have on a few occastions when I was not practicing proper ergonomic positioning. This occured when I got lazy or had an extremely difficult patient.

When I am not working, I use extreme caution with use of my hands, arms, and wrists. They are my lifeline, so-to-speak. Since I posted those earlier remarks you are referencing, I am now teaching dental hygiene at a college. I love it and would like to spend more time working as a teacher.

Having my Master's degree clenched the teaching position for me. I encourage all RDH's to expand their knowledge and education; it's well-worth the time, money and effort!

Jode, You sound very serious about applying for RDH jobs in California. I will do some research this weekend and get back to you :)

To the Labor Law Attorney in California:

You ask a very good question. The answer is, no I have never been paid overtime from any of my prior positions.

In the places where I have worked, RDH compensation has always been by "the Day", not by the hour. However, one office had me sign a contract at the time of me being hired.

It stated if I were to work 10 hours of overtime in a given pay period, then I would receive overtime pay. At this job, I clocked in and out just like everyone else. No overtime pay was ever paid to me from this job, or any other RDH job.

Trisha in Sacramento, California said: To Mireya:

Good question about hurting hands.

My hands have not bothered me; however, my wrists have on a few occastions when I was not practicing proper ergonomic positioning. This occured when I got lazy or had an extremely difficult patient.

When I am not working, I use extreme caution with use of my hands, arms, and wrists. They are my lifeline, so-to-speak. Since I posted those earlier remarks you are referencing, I am now teaching dental hygiene at a college. I love it and would like to spend more time working as a teacher.

Having my Master's degree clenched the teaching position for me. I encourage all RDH's to expand their knowledge and education; it's well-worth the time, money and effort!

Hi Trisha

Since this is an open forum :) I have a few questions for you dont want to ask them here. This is my email and if you could email me I will them email you my questions: carolinadiva09@gmail.com Thank You

There are abosolutely no jobs in Dayton for a hygienist. I have tried every thing. I hve 20 years in dental hygiene. I moved to this area because of my husband's work. I am very thankful that I have at least a part time job 2 days a week, but even that at times has very little hours may be 4 hrs in a week. The jobs that open around here are part time and there is too many of us applying for the same job. An Employer told me he had received about 60 resumes for one hygiene position. The economy is bad in this area and we need better leadership in the White house.

No all of my jobs have been an hourly wage. No overtime no salary. Occasionaly a bonus:)

I am looking at moveing to orlando,florida in the begining of june any suggestions about where to look for jobs?What kind of pay do they have around there? do offices offer medical care? and what kind of pay and how often is fill in work? any info would be appreciated

Hi There!
I am a dental hygiene consultant and mentor and I help aspiring DH students become very marketable hygienists. If you are interested in my services, I could help you design a great resume and cover letter and also coach you into landing a super job!

Mary in Lenoir, North Carolina said: I am studing about this job in my class. And hearing all of you has really changed my mind about this job. Also good luck to all of you looking for a job.
p.s. Try Boone N.C.

Don't feel that way! The hygiene positions in NJ are plentiful and pay really well. Most new grads are getting 37 plus/hr in the Central NJ area. It's a great field in this area. I am recently seeking employment as an RDH and my phone does not stop ringing with both interview offers and temp positions!

Gerilyn N in Jackson, New Jersey said: Hi There!
I am a dental hygiene consultant and mentor and I help aspiring DH students become very marketable hygienists. If you are interested in my services, I could help you design a great resume and cover letter and also coach you into landing a super job!

Well the problem is where I live here in NC there are no jobs I do fill in work occasionally and get decent pay but perm jobs only want to pay you 22 hr. the dentist know it is hard to get a job and therefore don't want to pay you because there are probably 10 other girls lined up ready to take it. NC is saturated with RDH's you cant find a job her within 75 miles. I have been calling faxing since aug.07 I grad. in may 07

Elpidia Ria Leopando in Miami, Florida said: I am here in Florida and am looking for a job, as a dental hygienist.
You could be happy to hear from you if you call me at this number 818 6790860.
I would be here until Friday night time.
Thanks.
Ria

Hi Ria,
Remember me? Lulu Babaran from Fairview,.I'm vacationing in LA right now. I thought you're still here.

stacey in Morehead City, North Carolina said: Well the problem is where I live here in NC there are no jobs I do fill in work occasionally and get decent pay but perm jobs only want to pay you 22 hr. the dentist know it is hard to get a job and therefore don't want to pay you because there are probably 10 other girls lined up ready to take it. NC is saturated with RDH's you cant find a job her within 75 miles. I have been calling faxing since aug.07 I grad. in may 07

That is the one thing that makes me want to do dental assisting instead. I know that there are plenty of jobs for DAs but not that many for RDHs. I also stay in NC. I have no plans on moving out of the state any time soon.

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Hi Kelley, I feel for you It's very frustrating. I've been searching for employment for almost a year here in Maine, so anyway might want to cross ME off your list for potential states to move to. Good Luck

TammyJean in Lincolnville, Maine said: Hi Kelley, I feel for you It's very frustrating. I've been searching for employment for almost a year here in Maine, so anyway might want to cross ME off your list for potential states to move to. Good Luck

I am seeing that it is really hard to find a dh job. I know in my hometown, there are hardly no openings. I was thinking about doing dh but now I am not sure. I already know how hard it is to find a job with just a BS degree in Biology. I have been out of school for 2 years and I still do not have a job in my field.

NJ is a great place for hygienists. I work 2 days a week and earn a salary of 52,000 plus I am connected to the office software at home and can manage my hygiene schedule and pther duties as I want, from poolside! I also receive 3 weeks vaca, 2 paid personal days, paid holidays and a 401k with 100% match. I just took this position and actually found it hard to decide between a few choices that were on the table.
I am taking on some mentoring and consulting work as a hygienist. The opportunities for hygienists do not end in the clinical area that is for sure. Come on over this way girl!

Jode in Milford, Michigan said: I was hoping you can give some more specific information about what exactly to do to get your resume to turn into an interview. I to have several degrees and will be finishingyet another degree in DH in about a year. I currently live in MI but am planning on returning to CA (central coast area ideally) after graduation. Any info on specific areas of Northern California that have many DH jobs? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Jode,
First off - your resume has to be absolutely fantastic! It shopuld definitely be different and make you stand out from the crowd! Choose a great eyecatching font for your contact info on top. Use a nice, tasteful paper color. Try a soft ble or light green or pink. These are different but not ugly! Your opening objective has to nail it! Be positive, energetic and above all, spell check it! I do resumes and mentor hygienists as a part time gig. I always get the interview. I can help you also if you'd like. E-mail me privately if you desire at pinknicc@optonline.net. Best of luck! You earned the degree, you are worthy of the position!

Gerilyn in Jackson, New Jersey said: NJ is a great place for hygienists. I work 2 days a week and earn a salary of 52,000 plus I am connected to the office software at home and can manage my hygiene schedule and pther duties as I want, from poolside! I also receive 3 weeks vaca, 2 paid personal days, paid holidays and a 401k with 100% match. I just took this position and actually found it hard to decide between a few choices that were on the table.
I am taking on some mentoring and consulting work as a hygienist. The opportunities for hygienists do not end in the clinical area that is for sure. Come on over this way girl!

That is not bad at all :) I think I am going to apply for admission for fall 2009. I think I am going to get my Masters in education since eventually I do want to teach.

stacey in Morehead City, North Carolina said: Well the problem is where I live here in NC there are no jobs I do fill in work occasionally and get decent pay but perm jobs only want to pay you 22 hr. the dentist know it is hard to get a job and therefore don't want to pay you because there are probably 10 other girls lined up ready to take it. NC is saturated with RDH's you cant find a job her within 75 miles. I have been calling faxing since aug.07 I grad. in may 07

hey Stacey, I am sure you have... but have you checked with dentemps? They may can place you in something permanent or or permanent part time. I just worked a month and a half for a girl on maternity leave. I did have to drive an hour but it was worth it. Karmella

To all RDHs looking to come to California: STC, N2O and anesthesia are requirements to obtain you license in CA. Too my knowledge there is currently only one company that offers those courses to incoming hygienests. Keep in mind that the course runs 3 weeks, mostly on the weekend, and cost approx $1200.00 each subject, and are required to bring you own patients to work on. However upon completion of the class you will have all you need to apply for RDH in CA. The phone # is 916-558-2443. Good Luck!!!

I also am having a hard time finding a job in hygiene. I am registered with the temp agencies and know many dental professionals due to my prev career as an assistant. There has currently been a flood of hygienists due to the opening of hygiene programs at Western Career Colleges which are technical schools in CA. Good luck to all!

My sister had a lot of luck in northern Idaho. She applied to a lot of dental offices & accepted a posistion that paid $39. Shortly after she started she got 4 more offers from other offices. I went out there to visit her and it reminded me a lot of Minnesota.

Dr. Deborah Boudreux,

Would you take a hygienist from Canada (Ontario, Toronto)

Try www.newhealthjobs.com free for job seeker, free for employer, free for recruiters. Dental and medical jobs nation wide.

I live in AZ and there are a few jobs in the Az republic.

Hi,
I am an RDH here in Southern CA I am looking for a Saturday job does anyone know a practice looking for an RDH for Saturdays??? Thanks and have a good night.

We are looking for a rdh in Virginia in the leesburg area our's is now going to stay home with her 1 year old son - email me at carol_buro@hotmail.com

Hi, am a BDS graduate from india, am looking for a good, short term dental hygeine school in Newyork state, could any one help me out?
Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, I just graduated from Fones School of Dental Hygiene. The first DH school in the world.Took the national board and NERB ( North Eastern Regional Board). I pass them booth. I am now moving back to California. I am waiting to take my certifications in LA, Nitrous and subgingival curretage in order to apply for the CA's board. It looks like it will be a long time before I can work. I was told that I can work in Federal facilities in CA. Please let me know if you know of places like that are hiring. I also would like to have more information in regarding the contacts of California's dental hygiene temp job agencies.
Thank you very much for your help

I just recently graduated with my LPN certificate in Iowa. I had originally planned to continue on for RN, however, I decided to change my major because there is more emotion involved in nursing than I care for in a career. I am really considering Dental Hygiene. It concerns me though to read all of these negative issues involving this profession, am I doing the right thing??? I do plan to relocate after finishing a two year program, but even then I am concerned about finding a job. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Shannon,
I graduated in 1983 in New Hampshire and the demand for RDH was huge! My sister an RN steered me away from nursing (week-end/holidays). However hospitals offer great benefits that many small dental offices don't. Also if married DH is a GREAT part-time job that pays pretty well. I recently moved to NC from FL and here in the Charlotte area there are more DH's than jobs. I think you may want to consider where you want to live when choosing your profession. I believe DH are in demand in VA and MA. In my opinion nursing is ALWAYS in demand and there are MANY options you can follow with RN...home health care, doctor office, hospice etc. Hygiene is hygiene whether you do perio, general, of pedo (you still do pretty much the same thing) less options. Good luck with your decision
Janet RDH

Can anyone comment on the RDH job market in Colorado? I have recently obtained my Colorado state license and am relocating from Florida. I have 28 years experience and have been in the same 2 offices, a general and a periodontal practice, for 15 years. So to start over, especially in another state, is a little daunting. Can anyone give any advice or tips on where there would be more opportunities?

LL in Broomfield, Colorado said: I live in Broomfield and work in Westminster. The northern part of the City of Denver makes average about 35 per hr...

I have worked here in Florida for 25+ years as a dental hygienist and am planning on relocating in Colorado. Preferably about 1 or 2 hours away from Denver area. How is the job market in your area? I have recently obtained my RDH license in Colorado, but I am not certified for Nitrous or Local Anesthetic. Do most practices require you be licensed in these 2 areas before they consider you?

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Chicago, IL is saturated with hygiene. I have been looking here.

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I would like to respond to MJSchooley in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I am an RDH in California who makes $50+ an hour.

I grew up on Oregon, and earned my BS in Dental Hygiene from attendeding OIT in Klamath Falls, OR.

I took my dental hygiene clincal boards at UCSF - San Francisco, California; passed my boards and had a job in California within weeks upon receiving my RDH license. Keep in mind, I still lived in Oregon until I had been hired in California. I took 1 week leave of absence where I drove my car from Oregon to California just to find a job.

I used yahoo to find dental offices in California who had more than 1 dentist practicing in the offices - I wanted to work in a large office to insure longevity in employment. I randomly chose places where to send my information without even knowing if they were hiring. I sent out my resume w/cover letter telling of my availability for a working interview. I mentioned that even if they were not hiring, if a colleague was, to please pass my name along.

I contacted 45 offices within a 25 mile radius and had 15 interviews lined up during my 1 week visit. I came out with a job in that week.

Four years after working in private practice, I returned back to night school to earn my MBA in Healthcare Administration. This took me less than 2 years to accomplish. I continued to work Full-time as a single mom with 2 children living with me.

You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

I am a hygiene student at a two yr school and I am already thinking about what I should do next or in conjunction to hygiene.. (as a back up plan- just in case I get hurt or something)
What are you planning on doing with your MBA? Im curious as to what others who've been a RDH for awhile move on to be..
Faculty have encouraged going on to earn a BS in Health Science.. but Im having trouble figuring out what that would transfer into in the future. thank you.

I would encourage all RDH's to earn their BS degree. It adds more flexibility to your future, opens doors, allows further advancement towards an MBA degree.

Other occupations for an RDH besides dental office work are teaching, public health, community health educator, employment with Colgate, Oral B, etc.

It would be extremely wise of you to take your faculty's advice. They have been there and are pointing you in the right direction. Our future is unclear today, but who knows what tomorrow, next month or next year will bring. The more we open doors for us, the more option/choices we have.

Hope this helps.

It has been really hard to find a job in NC. I am a native of North Carolina and I am having an extremely hard time finding a job. I just graduated from dental hygiene school and recently finished the regional board exam for licensure. I have not seen that many ads for a hygienist, but I hear most of the time dentist don't advertise the openings. So it's kind of a who you know situation. Not sure what to do. I've already talked to my hubby about relocating if I can't find a job. Any one have advice to offer? I'd be glad to try anything. Haven't got board scores back yet, but they should be here by this week. Again, any tips that anyone has for a more productive search are appreciated.

Hi I have been practicing for 8 years. I have AAS and a AGS degree. I also wonder what other jobs clinical hygienist have gone on to do. I would like to complete my BS degree. Does anyone have advice on taking classes online vrs. going to class? I am curious about oppourtunities in public health and rep postions. I don't think I am interested in teaching.

you can check bsdh online courses in university of bridgeport (fones school of dental hygiene). they also offer online course for bs degree.

I am a hygienist of 7 years and move to memphis, tn from Atlanta. I am working for temp agency right now. I 'm only finding work couple days week. I have sent out resumes and tried to find other ways to contact dentist. I am expeinced in perio, pedo, soft tissue management. I have worked in production based offices, and have great computer knowlege.
I am havinag troulbe find a good jobs, if any one knows of any postions in this area please contact me.

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

I hate to say this but join the club, My wife has 5 years experience with great recomendation letters as she was let go from an office in Hastings. We have been looking for 6 months in the MSP area. The real problem is saturation in certain areas. Schools are cranking out graduates faster than the dental jobs can become availabale. If you have experience it hurts you more because they want to hire hygentists for the standard 28.00 per hour. You may also want to try towns out of the way, Mankato, Saint Cloud, Bemidji etc. We were almost ready to move to Indianapolis as there were more jobs there. All because two selfish dentists could not get along and one left. Send a letter right after the interview telling the dentist what you can bring to the office, positive attitude, good skills, etc. This let's them know they really want to hire you.

Vanessa in Anchorage, Alaska said: Alaska needs dental hygienists, and the pay is very competative, not everyone would love Alaska but I was born and raised here so I do. Beautiful mountains, coast, plenty of outdoor activites. I think it's awesome. I've been to Madison too, so I know you can handle the cold.
I think they need hygienists to travel to remote villages in AK if you're willing to do that for a few years, it would help you get out of debt.
As soon as I get my pre-requsites done I'm going to start the RDH program here.

HEY ,

TRAVELING AS A HYGIENIST IN AK SEEMS INTERESTING HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THAT.

Hi Janet

I am looking to relocate in Florida. I saw your replay, "I got license thru credentials and it was a lot of paperwork and $750.00 and about 4 months time.".
I am RDH In Toronto, Canada.I have US DH board exam.
I have dentistry Degree from Europe.
I want to take Florida license By Credentials...
If you can help me with more details...what the papers they ask for...
I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...
elysa777@yahoo.ca/

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

WOW that surprises me that you can find a job. Where do you live?

Hi Elysa,
I am licensed in Florida and got my NC license thru credentials. When I moved to Fl in 1991 I had to take the Florida boards they are not reciprocal with any other state. If your national boards are more than 7 or 10 years old (I forget)you have to re-take those as well. Fl board of dentistry will send you a packet of everything you need. Boards are offered in Dec. and June.
Good Luck,
Janet

Hi Janet,

Thanks for information. I start to apply for Florida license.
Let's see what will be!

Mike in Clinton Township, Michigan said: Have you looked at home prices in Virginia? $900,000 is the starting price to build anywhere near the demand areas you are talking about.

Texas? You better be cute and blonde and definately not a man or non-caucasian.

California, same as Virginia, huge commute and astronomical home prices.

Rent in VA starts at $1,600 a month for a two bedroom condo, homes are $2,000 a month and up plus utilities.

I live in Va and I dont make anywhere near 900,000! The average here is 35 an hour and I live in an upscale community

Lynn B in Georgetown, Kentucky said: I have worked here in Florida for 25+ years as a dental hygienist and am planning on relocating in Colorado. Preferably about 1 or 2 hours away from Denver area. How is the job market in your area? I have recently obtained my RDH license in Colorado, but I am not certified for Nitrous or Local Anesthetic. Do most practices require you be licensed in these 2 areas before they consider you?

Were in fl do you work? I am looking for a job here in orlando, and am having a hard time finding one close to my house I am seperated and need to take the kids to schoola and daycare don't open till 7 so I have to look close to there. What kind of $ should I be looking for with 1yr exp??????

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I have been an RDH for 9 years in northern California. My hourly wage is $50+. I have spent 9 years in college earning two AS degrees, a BS degree, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. I work in two offices, a total of 5 days/week with occasional Saturdays added to this.

For those of you unable to find perm employment - try temping from job agencies. It's a good way to get your good name and reputation out in your industry in addition to building knowledge and skill.

There is plenty of RDH jobs available, one just has to know how to present oneself in print and on the phone to get the job interview. Be persistent and never give up!

Hello,

I read your reply and found it interesting that you went on for your master's degree. I was also interested in earning an M.B.A., do you have any advice? Has it been helpful to you that you have an advanced degree?