Hygiene Degree

shawna in Toronto, Ontario said: Hey all, can anyone tell me where I can get a bachelors degree in Ontario? Also, what
is the rate of pay for a hygienist if she has a bachelors degree?

Its the same rate across the board... once your a registered rdh dentists don't care how long or how much money you spent to get that title! find out what the competitive rate in your area is and don't accept less because your a new grad, or have a diploma. Your doing the same job as the rdh in the next room, exposed to the same risks, and malpractice suits. Get the same rate... everyone starts new!
Namaste!

Judging from what everyone is saying on this forum, there are no jobs for hygienists in Toronto. Is that true?

could someone tell me abit about medix ? are they accredited ?

On the adha.org website there are accredited certificate programs listed, unfortunately, there are no accredited certificate programs listed in my state. Since I work full time as an assistant I would prefer to earn a certificate, then maybe do a degree completion program online or by mail to qualify for the license exam. This may be longer and more expensive, but it may also be my only pathway to becoming a hygienist without taking too much time off of work. The hygienist certificate programs are supposed to be much shorter and more targeted to real world applications. Essentially, I could get my clinical education certified and then bone up on the books on my own time through distance learning before taking the licensing exam. Can anyone recommend anywhere I can find a non-accredited hygienist certificate program in New York? This could transform life for me and my little ones. Thank You.

White Lotus in San Francisco, California said: I think at this moment it's hard to find jobs in most industries because of the economic instability our country is in. However, Dental Hygiene seems to be quite competitive in many parts of the country. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area it's quite competitive and it's making me wish I could live in Washington.

Working conditions really depend on where you live however. This is just my opinion, but the southern and eastern portions of the U.S. are the worst for hygienists. If you look at license requirements, pay, and opinions from people actually working, the greatest dissatisfaction I've personally read and heard is from these parts. The best places for hygienists, seem to be on the west coast. WA has or used to have (they may have changed it) the stiffest requirements for hygiene of any state, requiring hygienists to be able to place amalgams or composites.

They are also very active politically on the west coast, with hygienists always fighting for greater power and independence for their profession which you don't see much of on the east coast. Many states on the east coast have only recently allowed their hygienists to do anesthesia which is something hygienists have been doing in CA and WA for decades.

I'm fron the Bay Area and I'm trying to decide whether or not to move back home. Do you think the market in the Bay Area is over saturated? Do you think it would be hard for me to get at least a 30-32 hour work week? I'm thinking of moving to DC, Washington state or back to the Bay.

Jill DH in Toronto, Ontario said: Judging from what everyone is saying on this forum, there are no jobs for hygienists in Toronto. Is that true?

I am a new grad with no dental experience. I can't even get hired at a temp agency as they require one year's experience. Has anyone else been lucky?

Hi Everyone
I'm registering for the dental hygiene program in Ontario...but i have problems finding a room mate or even looking for a place. I'm planning to go to school at the Canadian academy of dental hygiene in
Mississauga, Ontario. If everyone know how I could find people or anyone looking for a roomy or know any good sites to find a place please let me know!
Thank you!
Susan =)

Hey, I'm planning on going into a dental hygiene program but I have a couple of questions. I hope to obtain a diploma from a private school in Ontario. I was wondering what steps would need to be taken in order to become a dentist if I choose to later on in life? Would I need to obtain a degree in Dental Hygiene? and would I be able to apply straight to Dentistry?

To become a dentist, you need the specific prerequisite courses from undergrad, plus 95% of applicants also must have a bachelors degree of any kind, and you must take the DAT exam. After you have completed your DipDH to become an RDH, you can try to get into a Bachelors of Dental Hygiene program, which is one additional year after hygiene school. The bachelors of hygiene program admin may not like the private school education, because it is crap compared to accredited programs that require 1 years of university and specific prerequisites prior to entry - they may make you go back and take these courses or just reject you outright. Once you have a bachelors degree, you still must go back and take some of the dental school prerequisites you won't yet have. I doubt being a hygienist helps much with getting into dental school (might help with the interview, though), but it surely will help you IN dental school. Getting into dental school is highly competitive. Approx 10% of applicants get in, which is easier to gain entry than med school, vet school. Must have A- average and a decent DAT score. Most pre-professional students take easier undergrad courses to boost their GPA, but I found it much harder to maintain a high GPA in hygiene school than in an undergrad bachelors program (I did a psychology BA).

try sites like craigslist or Kijiji, search in the Hurontario/Dundas neighbourhood. I went to that school...good luck!

jas in Surrey, British Columbia said: thanks a lot for ur reply. what do u mean when u say tht demand is slowly changing? i am planning to do it from ontario, instead of vancouver. you don'd need any pre university credits there and it is direct admission, although it is bit expensive though.
thanks

Watch your spelling and sentence structure. The schoold look at it!!!!!

BM in Fremont, New Hampshire said: Watch your spelling and sentence structure. The schoold look at it!!!!!

Sorry I hit a "d" instead of an "s" for schools, oops, but seriously, they do look at spelling, structure .

shinshilla in Scarborough, Ontario said: i was about to register at toronto college of dental hygiene around dufferin and finch area, but a friend told me about yorkville college, which turned out to be around 10,000 cheaper. total your lookin at 30,000 for 18 months. Started one month ago so far I like it.
now we are exploring/probing on typodonts (model of teeth).

word of advice: there are used books available for this program.

Hi Shinshilla,I'm going to apply for Yorkville college. may I have your email to ask some questions about the school.
Thanks

eli in Toronto, Ontario said: Hi Shinshilla,I'm going to apply for Yorkville college. may I have your email to ask some questions about the school.
Thanks

Hi Eli

its seraman@gmail.com

I don't know if this will reach you, but you mentioned you know a DH in south korea? Are you able to get me some information as to what school she went to for how many years and etc.. because completed 1st year of DH at GBC but family issues resulted in me having to take some time off. I am planning on going to Korea and was wondering if I would be able to finish it there. I've been trying to search online but I can't find anything about programs or schools.

Doug in Wellington, New Zealand said: Come to New Zealand, grads start on $35-45 an hour, plus free dental care. With experience pay goes up to $60 an hour. And there is a shortage. Two University programs that take a max of 20 people each. We have to bring in foreign health professions every year and we are still short.

So would it just be a matter of taking a test to be registered to work there? Or would there be courses involved for a RDH from another country?

The Dental Hygiene program at George Brown College is a two year course.
I have finished the first year and I have a couple credits complete for the 3rd semester, out of 4. I have completed about 70% of the course load. I am hoping that if I do take it at another institution, let alone a different country, my credits could still be valid. I really just want to get my license but I know I can't do it from where I am now.

Anybody knows any National Dental Hygiene Board Course Preparation in Greater Vancouver? I want to take the DHNB and need to brush up! Thanks.

Doug in Wellington, New Zealand said: Come to New Zealand, grads start on $35-45 an hour, plus free dental care. With experience pay goes up to $60 an hour. And there is a shortage. Two University programs that take a max of 20 people each. We have to bring in foreign health professions every year and we are still short.

Hi Doug

I just read your posting and would like to find out more from you out relocating to New Zealand... I am in Vancouver BC and would love to live in New Zealand. Is there some sort of department to contact other than a working Visa?... I am happy to do the homework but where do I start?... Any information woulf be great!

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 think if your going to do your degree you should probably do it in another area just because there are no benefits to having done it in hygiene

I agree.... I graduated from DH school about a year ago and only temp in offices. I have chosen to continue to go to school,but not in hygiene, I decided to do Health Services Admin and maybe when I'm done I just might to do nursing. I am not an over achiever what so ever but I'm young and I want stability in my profession that means insurance, full time ...etc things that hygiene does not currently offer.

Stephanie in Hialeah, Florida said: I agree.... I graduated from DH school about a year ago and only temp in offices. I have chosen to continue to go to school,but not in hygiene, I decided to do Health Services Admin and maybe when I'm done I just might to do nursing. I am not an over achiever what so ever but I'm young and I want stability in my profession that means insurance, full time ...etc things that hygiene does not currently offer.

Good for you. You may not be an over achiever, but you are a smart girl.

Hygienist in Calgary, Alberta said: I'm a hygienist who works in Alberta, and the job opportunities are endless. After graduating, I was offered 9 positions in 2 weeks. The pay ranges between $43-$50/hour to start as a new grad here in Calgary.

NOT ANY MORE !! There are very few jobs out there.....very few posted....and I would NOT encourage anyone now to go into hygiene with the way all these schools in ontario are pumping out the grads.....the 1132 ontario grads coming out have to 'go somewhere' and it seems there saturating province by province.....guys....our great profession is becoming diluted.....standards have dropped.....competitive entry has given way to excessive schools going after anyone with a 60% average and a pile of money to throw at the newest school addition in Ontario or British Columbia...... The jobs are disappearing guys.....wages are dropping as dentists have more and more resumes sitting in their top drawer......

It is too bad...... :(

jason in Burnaby, British Columbia said: so is it true that hygienists get paid 60 in alberta?

also, when u guys think it'll be when hygienists can do fillings(including burring the teeth)

cuz of the countries out there, netherlands is the only one...

Hygienists salaries are going DOWN, NOT UP......60 is very few and far between.....VERY FAR BETWEEN....the job market is saturated....and there are fewer and fewer jobs advertised....with tons of resumes being handed in.....

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Hygienists salaries are going DOWN, NOT UP......60 is very few and far between.....VERY FAR BETWEEN....the job market is saturated....and there are fewer and fewer jobs advertised....with tons of resumes being handed in.....

Yes, the situation is changing radically even over the past 6 months. Today I posted a job looking for a hygienist, I had 3 great resumes sent to me and interviews set up within 2 hours of posting it. 2 years ago, I knew dentists waiting half a year to get a single applicant. As far as wages go, They are stalled in the low 40s here, and doomed to fall back into the 30s per hour. That still is not too bad, considering nobody graduates with a 4 year bachelors degree making 80+K/yr from day one, but Hygienists still get paid that if they want to.

GOOD GIRL.
I HAVE TWO DEGREES AND CAN GO BACK AND FOURTH BETWEEN CAREERS.
JOBS OR CAREERS GO IN CYCLES. BE PREPARED!
CYND

Shirley Forever in Scarborough, Ontario said: I am planning to enroll in the Canadian Business College program for Community and Services Worker and was wondering if any one has taken the course, what is the program like, and if it is a good college to attend.

See above comment

I am planning to enroll in the Canadian Business College program for Community and Services Worker and was wondering if any one has taken the course, what is the program like, and if it is a good college to attend.

I am a new Grad and there are a flood of new hygienists and no jobs right now in the Bay area. I thought this would be a great career but am starting to worry... Hopefully things start to turn around

Jason in Vancouver, British Columbia said: after having read all that, i can't help but wonder why many of you didn't consider one very very important thing...

i'm starting dental hygiene at vcc this september and i'm excited, but i'm also worried...i think if you guys were in my situation, you would be happy like me, and you would have nothing to worry about...but no no no no....there's something looming across the sky, and it matters to all hygienists, especially prospective hygienists like me who'll grad in 2 years...

essentially, you guys forget to acknowledge the fact that there is a private school called vcdh in BC, while the job market is good right now, it's difficult to say in 2 years, or even 1 year....VCDH ACCEPTS 52 STUDENTS 3 TIMES A YEAR, GRADUATING ~150 A YEAR IN TOTAL, VCC PUMPS OUT 22 MAX

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE JOB MARKET WILL BE LIKE IN THE FUTURE(1-2 YEARS?)

I'D SAY MARKET SATURATION IS IN THE AIR MUCH LIKE ONTARIO

AND ONTARIO IS SATURATED SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE OF THESE PRIVATE SCHOOLS...

AND MANY OF YOU PROLLY DON'T KNOW THAT BCDH DOES NOT SET A CAP FOR THE NUMBER OF HYGIENISTS PUMPED OUT PER YEAR...

THAT'S MY 2 CENTS, GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT IF YA GOING IN...

I'D BE SMACKED IN THE FACE WITH JOY IF IT 'S STILL $40/HR 2 YEARS WHEN I'M DONE...

hi jason,

from my understanding. right now, the private school's reputation has gone so negative that this term, only 13 or 14 ppl are enrolled when they can accept over 50 like you said. students are even telling other students NOT to go to the school. plus, graduates from the private college CANNOT, and i repeat, CANNOT scale 6+mm pockets as they were never taught to do so. therefore, their level of treatment for patients with perio is very minimal. when you graduate from VCC, on your resume, you can definately include periodontal therapy on your resume.

according to a source, they said spraw something college may be buying this BCDH college out soon since the private college hasn't been doing very well. once it's sold to spraw, then it may convert to another CDA program? if they want to maintain it as a DH program, they MUST have dentists onboard in their team in order to do so. AND this time, the association will be a lot pickier and strict since the negative outcomes of the great BCDH.

rdhtobe in Vancouver, British Columbia said: I am about to graduate from VCC this month. UBC will allow direct transfer into their BDSc program (and waive the application fee for VCC students if you begin the following fall!). Based on my experience there, I would highly recommend VCC. The faculty and staff are fantastic. They're experienced practitioners that love the profession and are very supportive of the students. The program is two full years, but it's an intense program and the summer breaks are much needed. Good luck to you all...

I am CDA right now, doing my prereq. to get into VCC for the DH program for dental assistants. Can you tell more about VCC...is it really worth doing all the pre req to get into VCC?

CDA in New Westminster, British Columbia said: I am CDA right now, doing my prereq. to get into VCC for the DH program for dental assistants. Can you tell more about VCC...is it really worth doing all the pre req to get into VCC?

Not a VCC grad, but I assume you are asking if it is sensible to go the public school route over the private school route to a hyg diploma. I think most will agree that you get a deeper, tougher education in the public schools, but it does take longer AND it it harder to get in than private schools. The upside is that it is cheaper and no risk of the school going out of business or failing accreditation (rare, but it happens).

Don't put all your eggs in one basket - don't count on getting into VCC. It is hardest school to get into in Canada, perhaps anywhere! The entry grades are typically as high or higher than dental school. Then you have to pass through their other requirements like interview etc. OTOH, New Caledonia has a similar entry system, but lower average requirements. Still an equal education to VCC. Camosun has a waitlist to get in once you meet the cutoff marks for the prereqs, and again the education is as good as you can get (well, except for the mind games and politics!) - easiest to get in if you can wait a year or two. Not sure about Van Isle U, but I understand the program is based on Camosun's.

From a financial standpoint, dental hygiene still makes a lot more sense than assisting, because wages continue to be nearly double that of a CDA. If you want to make money working in dental and not do front desk, then hygiene (or becoming a dentist) is the only real choice. Jobs are becoming scarcer, though, but if you are willing to work outside of Vancouver, you can do very well. If I were to do it over again, I would seriously consider a private school over the public DH school I attended.

CDA in New Westminster, British Columbia said: I am CDA right now, doing my prereq. to get into VCC for the DH program for dental assistants. Can you tell more about VCC...is it really worth doing all the pre req to get into VCC?

Please re-think your choice of career. Read post by R.D.H.'s who are "in practice,...NOW"...not alot of work out there! R.D.H. degreee = cost is very high = many training and or in the field at present (and many older R.D.H.'s remaining in the field due to the economy and loss of IRA's,etc. = 1-2 positions ??? = 100 + resume's in Dr.'s drawer = next R.D.H. if you are not what he requires or wants for their practice = ? income for you. Can you transfer into another science related field with your background or courses you are taking now? Please keep this in the back of your mind....I hate to see anyone spend so much right now on a questionable employment situation when program is completed. 23yr VET GL!

I concur, nicely put. Newbies, read up and beware. this is true. I work for 2 different dds only 2x a week. the other 3 days are my days off unless I get a temp. alot of the new dds just eat you up. yep they are always looking for RDH because they have a high turnover rate. Not because they are in demand, but because they are after the revenue. that means more pressure on you to perform in less time, sell procedures and products, and wait wait and wait for the dds to do an exam for you as your schedule slips away and you are late for every patient. Mostly because you have 30 -40 mins to do a prophy and get the exam done. that is not quality, that is stress and poor service.
But not all DDS are like that. there are a few who are just wonderful, and they are held on to like gold by their current RDH.
I work for those 2 DDS's and am not letting go!!!!!

Skrrr which school did you go to? VCC has a DH program for CDA's which is shorter and easier to get in. VCC requires 3000 hours working as a CDA plus all the prereqs. with 2.0 "C grade 60%" and the first year is part time. It will cost about 17 grand total.
It's a much longer road...but I don't have a whole lot of options.
People have this perception that working as CDA is easier than hygiene...but really it's like being the dentist's maid all day long.The good thing is that there's a lot of variety. But it's also physically very demanding. There's a lot of running around and it's causing me to have a lot of pain in my feet hence the thought of going into hygiene. And you're right we don't make half as what DH make.
I think having CDA experience and going to public school will increase my chances of getting a job as a DH.

60% grades may be the minimum they require to apply, but such a low gpa (heck even in the 70s) will ensure that you are eliminated from the running. You will need minimum 80% gpa, bar none. Also, if you think CDAing causes some pain, keep in mind that dental hygiene has shown to be one of the worst professions for back and shoulder pain by WCB and health insurers. I went to Camosun, and I did not average 80% in the prereqs (but I did average over 80% in my bachelors prior to entering hygiene).

shinshilla in Scarborough, Ontario said: yorkville is not accredited yet, they say it is in the process...if they do get accredited this year, my class will not have to take the clinical exam..so my fingers are crossed so to speak.
most of my classmates found exploring a bit challenging, but yorkville has whats called remediation, and the instructors will give you some individual time during breaks/after school to get you up to speed if you need the extra help. Been here a little more than a month and find the instructors very outgoing and helpful.
At times they can be a bit disorganized.
theory courses are not hard, definitely much lighter than university level.
will keep all updated about the program.
ez.

Hi shinshilla,

If your school is already accredited this year just tell me so, coz I'm still looking forward to go to YORKVILLE soon.

Jen in Toronto, Ontario said: Hi shinshilla,

If your school is already accredited this year just tell me so, coz I'm still looking forward to go to YORKVILLE soon.

Do N O T go to Yorkville.

Very good point about the back and shoulder issues. It is much harder on RDHs because there is little variety so you end up straining the same areas all day long. But I know for a fact the the CDA access program at VCC does not have the crazy high averages that the regular program has. The average person accepted was in the 70s for the access program. Averages aren't as high because the CDA requirements and extra year online filters out some potential applicants.

y not?
is there something wrong there?

how about in durham college in oshawa? what u guys can say about? coz i'm lookin for a private school that is cheaper though

mk in Vancouver, British Columbia said: Very good point about the back and shoulder issues. It is much harder on RDHs because there is little variety so you end up straining the same areas all day long. But I know for a fact the the CDA access program at VCC does not have the crazy high averages that the regular program has. The average person accepted was in the 70s for the access program. Averages aren't as high because the CDA requirements and extra year online filters out some potential applicants.

Yes, that is good to point out. There are other routes of entry to the public DH programs in BC, and no doubt the entrance averages are lower than the conventional route of entry. Of course I agree it is silly to need over 80% to enter DH school, and it was only VCC where such high grades became the cutoff. It has been years since I've looked into it - I am registered 2 years, and things sure have changed in that short time!

cavitron in miami, Florida said: JAS,

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.

Hi Jas this is Faith in Glendale, AZ. Jas I feel your pain. Have you ever considered going back to school. Jas I graduate HYG in 2005. worked for 3 yrs at the same company, got laid off in 2008. Yes i was devestated, but life goes on. Im currently working HYG part-time by choice. Jas i am also a certified nursing assistant since1992- yes i do know the pay is not great but it help pay the bills. So i decided through prayer to go back to school for my RN. FYI RN's get paid as much as Hygienist.(do the research) There is always a high demand for RN's. In the health care field there is great benefits-unlike hyg if you want med benefits it is very expensive every pay ck. So consider going back to school if you can. You always have to have a back up plan. Good Luck To All. Faith

Hello. Does anyone know anything about working overseas? I've benn a hygienist for 6 yrs in Wi. I may be moving to Korea and I need help and answers please.

Hey Cavitron!
you are so right about having a dual degree. RDH work is not easy to find. I work 2 jobs but only 2 days a week, diff. DDS.
I don't have an entire day at one of the offices as it depends upon the schedule; which ofcourse effects my pay. and temping is maybe once a month if that!!!

Also, if you are not on time you get blamed, even if it is the DDS fault or the assistants fault for not giving the message to the DDS. OR IF THE patient is particulairly chatty; how about that parent who has to have a CD put in for the kid before you begin to clean their teeth; what about doing appointments at your computer and the patient just cant make up their mind. Actually I dislike making appts and doing charting and notes on the computer. It does take longer, however I love computer stuff and All the technology is great, but can slow you down. espically when there is a power out, computer down, mouse problems, connection problems etc.....Once bugs worked out it is fun. anyway DH is a good part time job, kinda like substitute teaching. Accept work when you want to, but you can't work when you want, cause the work is just not there. for anyone wanting to make a living from this, I just have to say, good luck cause you will need it. I even have my licenst to do anesthesia, and that is just not a perk for DDS cause they don't want to pay. Now there is a company who bring in RDH from other states and take your jobs for less pay!!!
DH is fun, but not with out problems, and definately a tough career choice. my advice, stay away unless you like it as a hobby.
cynd

Faith in Glendale, Arizona said: Hi Jas this is Faith in Glendale, AZ. Jas I feel your pain. Have you ever considered going back to school. Jas I graduate HYG in 2005. worked for 3 yrs at the same company, got laid off in 2008. Yes i was devestated, but life goes on. Im currently working HYG part-time by choice. Jas i am also a certified nursing assistant since1992- yes i do know the pay is not great but it help pay the bills. So i decided through prayer to go back to school for my RN. FYI RN's get paid as much as Hygienist.(do the research) There is always a high demand for RN's. In the health care field there is great benefits-unlike hyg if you want med benefits it is very expensive every pay ck. So consider going back to school if you can. You always have to have a back up plan. Good Luck To All. Faith

I agree and that's what I'm doing!

Jen in Toronto, Ontario said: Hi shinshilla,

If your school is already accredited this year just tell me so, coz I'm still looking forward to go to YORKVILLE soon.

DO NOT GO INTO YORKVILLE!

Please view this website. I'm going to eventually move to Europe, and this site helped me a lot . It's the International Federation of Dental Hygienists www.ifdh.org/workabroad/

Thank you sooo much!

Looks like I have to speak the language though :(