Good idea to go into DH for 20 year old male in CA?

Hi, Ive been looking into this career as a dental hygienist. I live in riverside california, i also dont have a problem commuting to la or somewhere reasonable where i can work.
Is it a good idea for me to go into this field, especially because im a male? How are the jobs here in california?

Thank you any advice helps.

marianoh44 in Moreno Valley, California said: Hi, Ive been looking into this career as a dental hygienist. I live in riverside california, i also dont have a problem commuting to la or somewhere reasonable where i can work.
Is it a good idea for me to go into this field, especially because im a male? How are the jobs here in california?

Thank you any advice helps.

Hi, Please read threads from other D.H. professionals in the state you would ultimately want to work in....but please have a back-up career choice....if you've been reading many of the ?'s and responses....it's not rosey for the majority. There is an oversaturation, wages in many states are going down, benefits:med/dent, retirement, even continuing ed. NOT offered for many of us...you are on your own for your old age...you need to know how to invest on your own if you want to live comfortablely when you retire. I don't mean to sound negative...but this is what is happening to alot of us and we have the skills, professionalism, licenses, certifications and cont. ed.....but so do the 100 others passing out their resumes.....GL

exp in Massachusetts said: Hi, Please read threads from other D.H. professionals in the state you would ultimately want to work in....but please have a back-up career choice....if you've been reading many of the ?'s and responses....it's not rosey for the majority. There is an oversaturation, wages in many states are going down, benefits:med/dent, retirement, even continuing ed. NOT offered for many of us...you are on your own for your old age...you need to know how to invest on your own if you want to live comfortablely when you retire. I don't mean to sound negative...but this is what is happening to alot of us and we have the skills, professionalism, licenses, certifications and cont. ed.....but so do the 100 others passing out their resumes.....GL

yes i understand, your not sounding negative, but i appreciate the honesty. i have been reading lots of forums and similar questions, but most are from other states. i cant really find some good advice on california though.

but i have been looking at other options as well, nursing is one of them. im sure that i want to do something in the medical field just not sure what yet... too bad dental hygiene is like this, i really wanted to go into this career.

marianoh44 in Hemet, California said: yes i understand, your not sounding negative, but i appreciate the honesty. i have been reading lots of forums and similar questions, but most are from other states. i cant really find some good advice on california though.

but i have been looking at other options as well, nursing is one of them. im sure that i want to do something in the medical field just not sure what yet... too bad dental hygiene is like this, i really wanted to go into this career.

I know, unfortunately, everybody want their cut and/or job: Schools, Dr.'s supporting the schools, etc....those who choose this field and find "regular/set/days/weekly" are in the minority and it could happen to them too....someone willing to take less hourly, work crazy hours, "sell, sell, sell products....", not care if they have a benefit pkg. Dr.'s now can pick and choose, and choose, and....til they find the R.D.H. with all the qual's....and possibly pay less...If you still want to be in the Dental field....and many do get benefits: look into Dental Assisting, less cost to train and you may find a Dr. that needs you for set days and receive ben's? better chance of retirement pkg too...GL

I have decided to go into Registered Nursing... it seems like the dental hygiene field isn't doing too good and for a newcomer it might be hell to find a job, at least there are more open doors for nurses and the pay seems to be pretty good, now the hard part is getting that degree hehe...

marianoh44 in Moreno Valley, California said: Hi, Ive been looking into this career as a dental hygienist. I live in riverside california, i also dont have a problem commuting to la or somewhere reasonable where i can work.
Is it a good idea for me to go into this field, especially because im a male? How are the jobs here in california?

Thank you any advice helps.

I'm a male hygienist, and I've worked in the Dental Hygiene field for nearly 10 years. In my experience, the vast majority of patients don't care what gender their hygienist is, but unfortunately there ARE still a fair number ( maybe 10-15%) of DENTISTS that simply WILL NOT hire a male hygienist.

However, the greatest challenge for anyone going into the hygiene field right now is simply that there are too many hygienists looking for work ( especially in California ) and not enough offices hiring, in part due to the abysmal economy. Many hygienists here in the San Francisco Bay area are having their days/hours/salaries reduced, or are being layed off altogether. Accordingly, I would strongly recommended that you consider alternate careers ( nursing, physician's assistant, physical therapy, speech language pathology ). Seems like the demand/job market is at least somewhat better in those fields.