Hygiene Degree

Jasmine in Vancouver, British Columbia said: I've graduated the hygiene diploma program seven years ago and I'm getting kinda bored with hygiene. I've been thinking about taking the completion program our local university offers to get a degree. But I'm not sure if it's worth it and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were?
As far as I'm aware there's no actual advantages right now in job search or wages around here, but I guess that may very well change down the road. But I'm thinking if I maybe want to go to dental school or study something else I'd probably need a degree of some sort and I'm thinking more along the lines of the future rather than immediate benefits.

If you have a degree in hygiene, do you think it was worth it? Would you do it again? Are you still working in a regular office?
And if you don't have one, have you ever thought about getting one? What made you decide against it?

I'd welcome any and all thoughts on the topic. Thanks!

I was contemplating the same path. I chose NOT to be hygiene-specific and decided to pursue a Health Science degree instead. The way our profession is going, I don't think it's wise to limit ourselves to this field. I think it's best to broaden your opportunities. Hope this helps!

exp in Exeter, New Hampshire said: Please take the advice of 30yr VET...take a few days and read all the threads on here. The schools are a business and want your money...job availability? Not happening for many in Canada and the states...why? Oversaturated field, now and for many years to come. If you want to go the dental route, maybe look into being an assistant:DA, this will cost alot less, you are more likely to find reg/set/hours/days...and "Benefits", that elude many RDH's. Online articles and Govt. info....written by non-RDH's , they write what they are told...false info. IMHO. There are many experienced RDH's on here from Canada, that DO have positions and are telling you from seeing the MANY resumes coming into their offices, with no job op's . Alot of money to train, alot of debt to repay and as far as finding work, it may not be consistent...and many don't recieve any type of benefits or 401K...very few get these. Please also look into colleges that offer 2-3 majors you have interest in so at least you can transfer credits easily. RDH curriculum is very specific, other than ie- Anatomy and Physiology, Chem, Bio, and some English and math courses...at least training toward a DA would allow a readibly transferable credits. What other fields are you interested in? Also, if you have the time, consider speaking with actual RDH's that work PT and FT.

Save your money and your time. Find a career you can actually get a job in.

Hello, Jobless in Vancouver,

What you said about the long-term physical effects hygiene does to your body...it's NOT worth it. I can't believe I worked full-time for about 4 years before realizing how much damage I've done to myself. No matter how much therapy you do, your body will never be the same. I have been a hygienist now for 9+ years and even though I have been cutting back my hours significantly in the last 5, it still does little to help me physically.

I am looking for an innitiator, who want to start her business. I have a space in Brampton Downtown, 485 sq.ft. I can finish for some one if she or he want to start her own business. There are denturist and oral surgeon in the same building. only 7 units in 3 storey building with 50 car parkings. My email -- jutla @rogers.com.

To those of you who are debating whether or not to go into dental hygiene - do you know how to read??? Hygienists from EVERYWHERE are saying the same thing. Pay attention!

Hi everyone: i have some questions regarding RDH program: i am really stuck between these two choices.

1. Toronto college of dental hygien and aux.
2. Canadian institute of detal hygien in hamilton

if any one of you know anyting about thse 2 colleges pllzz give me some info. much appreciated

Honestly, why don't people who are interested in going into hygiene read the previous posts on the forum they are posting on? CDA to RDH, read about how bad the job market is before you sink alot of money into tuition!

CDA to RDH? in Coquitlam, British Columbia said: Hi everyone: i have some questions regarding RDH program: i am really stuck between these two choices.

1. Toronto college of dental hygien and aux.
2. Canadian institute of detal hygien in hamilton

if any one of you know anyting about thse 2 colleges pllzz give me some info. much appreciated

I can't understand this phenomenon either, it's as though the young people are just ignoring what more experienced people say by default. I think they are still full of that optimism and confidence of youth? Kind of like when your parents tell a teenager how things honestly are, the teens do there best to ignore and do the opposite? They seem to cling to the one person / website / counsellor who told them what they wanted to hear, and refuse to listen to the people actually out in the field. To be fair they wouldn't feel the reduced wage as much as we would, since the reduced wage is all they know.... but that's jumping ahead to when they actually find work. Let them learn the hard way I guess!

I agree. People who post questions about which school to go into, etc.... are either not reading the posts about the poor job opportunities or just don't believe they will encounter any difficulties finding employment. Those students who actually go into dental hygiene in a community college will need to have very high marks, so I am assuming that they are bright individuals. Well then, do the math. There are roughly close to 2000 new graduates every 18 months in Ontario. Do you really think that there are 2000 jobs available every 18 months?

twiggy66 in Ottawa, Ontario said: Honestly, why don't people who are interested in going into hygiene read the previous posts on the forum they are posting on? CDA to RDH, read about how bad the job market is before you sink alot of money into tuition!

Neither, there aren't any jobs- $36,000 for schooling ,for a career that you can't even make that in your first year of working is ridiculous. If you do find a job (most likely 1 day a weeks) chances are it's available because the pay is low or the working conditions are substandard or worse-both. 3-4 years after graduating you may be lucky enough to be able to piece together 15-20 hours a week working in 3 different practices. Look into nursing- that career has benefits, job availability, and pension.

people how can you not find work as a hygienist, you have the option of becoming self employed so if you cant find work you are not working hard enough. just like dentist hygienist are business people, if you don't have the head for business go into nursing and work for someone for the rest of your life

Jennifer in Norfolk, Virginia said: I hate that people are tell other people not to become a hygienist! I got out of hygiene school and had a job in no time at all. I think it all depends on where you live and how saturated the market is. Around here dentists are always looking for hygienists. I also think it is all what you make it....if you can go through 4 years of hygiene school and not realize you don't like it...then you are going to be miserable. It takes a special kind of person to be a dental hygienist. All in all I think dental hygiene is a great profession. It is worth it! The money is great!

@Jennifer in Norfolk, Virgina I agree!!!!! I hate seeing all this negativity about our profession. Every job has it's downfalls but, in any great profession you can deal with that. I think the amount of negativity some of these people have are the reasons they can't find a hygiene job. I am also unemployed but I'm not giving up. People keep saying become a RN and not an RDH. Well guess what those jobs are in a decline too. Talk to any RN that has been one for 25+ years and they will tell you about pain, lack of respect from doctors that most of these pre/modonna hygienist couldn't handle and on top of all that the disaster that is the healthcare system. Yes they have an easier time finding jobs but is it worth it? Hold out for a job and in the meantime pursue higher education to further your job opportunities as a hygienist!

You are employed obviously

Not all provinces have this option. It is also a large financial investment which many new grads cannot afford. Many people in the United States are still unemployed due to the recession but they have not simply opened their own business. It is not as easy as you make it seem. If you do not have a realistic business plan and investment capital, then your business will fail.

Ashley in Flagstaff, Arizona said: @Jennifer in Norfolk, Virgina I agree!!!!! I hate seeing all this negativity about our profession. Every job has it's downfalls but, in any great profession you can deal with that. I think the amount of negativity some of these people have are the reasons they can't find a hygiene job. I am also unemployed but I'm not giving up. People keep saying become a RN and not an RDH. Well guess what those jobs are in a decline too. Talk to any RN that has been one for 25+ years and they will tell you about pain, lack of respect from doctors that most of these pre/modonna hygienist couldn't handle and on top of all that the disaster that is the healthcare system. Yes they have an easier time finding jobs but is it worth it? Hold out for a job and in the meantime pursue higher education to further your job opportunities as a hygienist!

That's "prima donna" not "pre/modonna". It is great you are staying positive despite being unemployed. I know a young RN who works in a prison and basically only administers first aid, so not all RN's are in hospitals dealing with disrespectful doctors and pain just as not all hygienists are prima donnas incapable of handling the challenges facing hospital RN's.

Well Never Never Give Up......... but it is a bit discouraging that after so much studying and working as a hygienist so many years You cant find a job in your profession regardless of what it is. I am still seeking a Hygiene Position after looking for over 10 years. And I hate to say this but now with the Technology era you submit a resume online and no one even have the courtesy to say "thank you, but the position has been filled" its ridiculous that is all going downhill.

kimzoe in Toronto, Ontario said: people how can you not find work as a hygienist, you have the option of becoming self employed so if you cant find work you are not working hard enough. just like dentist hygienist are business people, if you don't have the head for business go into nursing and work for someone for the rest of your life

Self Employed!!!!!!! Well not unless a Dentist hires you to begin with so even Self employed does not apply. Is not like you have your own practice and advertise for patients.

cavitron in miami, Florida said: I'M GOING TO TELL YOU STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH. DO NOT BECOME A DENTAL HYGIENIST. DO YOURSELF A BIG FAVOR. ALTHOUGH, I LIKE WHAT I DO, I CAN'T FIND A JOB. IT'S DEPRESSING BUT I'M TRYING TO KEEP MY CHIN UP. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO READ THIS FORUM CALLED "LOOKING FOR A JOB" TYPE IT IN THE SEARCH BOX AN READ THE BLOGS FROM PAGES 1-4 AND YOUR'LL SEE WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.

I fully understand you and agree, I dont know what I would have done if my family would have depended on my salary. There are no jobs, and one day a week is not enough either

Jen in Port Saint Lucie, Florida said: ****I just moved back to Florida 9 MONTHS AGO to work as a Dental hygienist.. I cannot find a job either! I have a family & need the a job to help out. I am so frustrated!! I cannot believe I moved back here for nothing!!! DO NOT BECOME A DENTAL HYGIENIST! The Board is also trying to change laws to allow dental assistants to do parts of our job. So why bother go to Dental Hygiene school just get an assisting degree, save your money & sanity & wait for the board to change things!! I can't believe this would be allowed to happen! I guess our degrees are not really respected by dentists in this crappy state! Sorry, I just worked so hard for this degree & now there are absolutely NO jobs to apply for!Go to nursing school instead! I guess I'll be moving again, away from my family & friends! So I can work and support my family in another state that has jobs in this field & doesn't change the laws. It would have been nice if educators in this state informed students of the difficulties in finding a job in this career & how hard it is to get a license in another state when you move away. Florida doesn't reciprocate with any other state so you have to re-do all your exams & it gets expensive.. Thanks alot FLORI-DUH!!! I am very frustrated about this entire situation..

I hear you! I agree, and good thing you are up in the northern part, in the southern part there are soooo many influx of dentist coming from south america that some dentist hire them for less money too so is even worse. The profession is not respected and its sad to know that after so much studying and going through the boards that people think that a hygiene job is simply a job done by anyone out of the street with no previous schooling, they have no idea the amount of school that entails.

Dental Hygienists in many Canadian provinces can open their own practice without a dentist. So, yes, you do actually have your own practice and advertise for patients. I don't think this is possible in the US yet.

Definitely NOT IN FLORI....DUH!!
Good For You!

Hi MK,
I wanted to give you a heads up to let you know that perhaps there was a typo in your message. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) does not oversee the process whereby schools are accredited. It is the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDAC)that oversees accreditation of educational institutions. I can see that it would be an easy mistake to mix us the acronyms, as CDAC and CDHA are very close in spelling, but they are very different organizations. CDHA is the professional association. The provincial regulatory authorities determine what additional information is required in order to obtain a license to practice. All provincies except for Quebec require that individuals write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board Exam.
Regards, Judy Lux, Manager Policy and Advocacy, CDHA

mk said: The Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene is accredited but accreditation does not qualify the students for entry to practice. There is a big, long process that occurs with the cdha in qualifying a school for entry to practice. Accreditation is just the first step. The students at VCDH were given the option to write a clinical exam after passing their board exam to bypass the wait. But many of them did not want to pay to write the clinical exam (I heard it's really expensive). So they are still waiting... You can read about it at www.cdhbc.com/ just click on the link entitled "open letter"

CDA to RDH? in Coquitlam, British Columbia said: Hi everyone: i have some questions regarding RDH program: i am really stuck between these two choices.

1. Toronto college of dental hygien and aux.
2. Canadian institute of detal hygien in hamilton

if any one of you know anyting about thse 2 colleges pllzz give me some info. much appreciated

I currently go to the Toronto College of Dental H.& Aux. and its the worst. The owners are so cheap they don't even provide the student with a fridge for there lunches. The bathrooms are always out of order and the radiograph practice facilities are terrible. You also have to find all your own clients for the clinic sessions, which can be very hard for someone whos coming to the school from out of town.If it wasn't for some of the wonderful teachers there I would have switched to a different school a long time ago.

PJ in Toronto, Ontario said: I currently go to the Toronto College of Dental H.& Aux. and its the worst. The owners are so cheap they don't even provide the student with a fridge for there lunches. The bathrooms are always out of order and the radiograph practice facilities are terrible. You also have to find all your own clients for the clinic sessions, which can be very hard for someone whos coming to the school from out of town.If it wasn't for some of the wonderful teachers there I would have switched to a different school a long time ago.

Have you read the numerous threads for Canada? If you have and are disregarding what they've told you about the schools and the market...which is not going to get better...you are making a very costly learning error. This school apparently is just in it to take your money, the instructors, may be nice...but it's a job for them...the RDH's in the field now are having a tough time finding employment...this is in CA and the states...please listen and if you have the opportunity to transfer into the medical field do so. RDH careers do not exist for the most part now, alot of back stabbing and low balling to obtain a position where they work you and make the work place that of a showroom = sales. No ben's or retirement for the majority. Please think about what I and many are telling you in regard to spending the money on a career that is only a PT to scarce job now. VET

CDA to RDH? in Coquitlam, British Columbia said: Hi everyone: i have some questions regarding RDH program: i am really stuck between these two choices.

1. Toronto college of dental hygien and aux.
2. Canadian institute of detal hygien in hamilton

if any one of you know anyting about thse 2 colleges pllzz give me some info. much appreciated

I attended CIDH in Hamilton. I would not recommend anyone attend a private school at this point in time. Jobs are hard to come by. If you are still determined to pursue dental hygiene, then by all mean attend a community college such as George Brown. At least then you will have a chance of getting a job. Private school applicants are passed over all the time for a community college applicant at my place of employment. In fact all of us working there (3 hygienists) have a university degree as well as a dental hygiene degree-so competition is stiff.

Hi everybody! Is anybody studing now in Vancouver college of Dental Hygienist? Or graduated already? Is it a good college? And is it easy to find a job? Thanks

I would NOT recommend the CADH in Mississauga.

I'm a student... here's what happened in class today. (named are not provided due to privacy)...

My Communication Techniques teacher, Ms. Peto, legit, no exaggeration, grabbed 3 student's binder and THREW IT on the ground. She did not professionally grab their belongings (3 binders, 2 textbooks), but just took them and threw them on the ground. Grabbing one of the textbooks, she hit one of the girl's corner lip.

They were paying attention to the group of students presenting in front of the class (we were given a useless assignment, that had nothing to do with dental hygiene fyi), and Ms. Peto's excuse was that it did not "appear" like they were paying attention. What poo. How unprofessional... to GRAB a student's belongings and throw them on the ground, creating a scene in front of the class.

PLEASE do not waste your money going to CADH.

This incident occurred Feb. 27/2012. Keep in mind, this was not Ms. Peto's first outburst.

I emailed the College of Dental Hygiene of ON to address this event... i hope they do something. Considering the Program Director took the side of the teacher...and blamed the student that they did not "appear" to be paying attention...even though no one was talking.

I would NOT recommend the CADH in Mississauga.

I'm a student... here's what happened in class today. (named are not provided due to privacy)...

My Communication Techniques teacher, Ms. Peto, legit, no exaggeration, grabbed 3 student's binder and THREW IT on the ground. She did not professionally grab their belongings (3 binders, 2 textbooks), but just took them and threw them on the ground. Grabbing one of the textbooks, she hit one of the girl's corner lip.

They were paying attention to the group of students presenting in front of the class (we were given a useless assignment, that had nothing to do with dental hygiene fyi), and Ms. Peto's excuse was that it did not "appear" like they were paying attention. How unprofessional... to GRAB a student's belongings and throw them on the ground, creating a scene in front of the class.

PLEASE do not waste your money going to CADH.

This incident occurred Feb. 27/2012. Keep in mind, this was not Ms. Peto's first outburst.

I emailed the College of Dental Hygiene of ON to address this event... i hope they do something. Considering the Program Director took the side of the teacher...and blamed the student that they did not "appear" to be paying attention...even though no one was talking.