Looking for a JOB

Karmella McCallum in Mamers, North Carolina said: I guess, that is what I was told. I am a member of ADHA and NCDHA and I called to ask advice on how to encourage more hygienist in NC to become members, and where exactly the money was going for being a member. I had also questioned why I was paying 230.00 in NC and only paid 180.00 in Arkansas. Basically I think the more members, possibly our cost could go down. The gentleman could not answer except to say he did not know how many members were in Arkansas, but this is the fee that aids NC in making a difference. This is why I came up with the above conclusion about fee discrepency?
I recently was elected president for the Fayetteville component of NCDHA and I am ready to learn more and am eager to make some changes.I read the back and forth between you, Donna and Mike. I have to say that I agree for our state, we need to make changes that help us provide better service, not only to our patients but also to better the practice in which we work. (Example: local anesthetic and nitrous oxide). I personally do not agree with hygienist opening their own practices. I DO believe that hygienist are capable and can accomplish this goal as well as in other states, placing fillings. I do feel however, there has to be a line drawn... a distinction, if one wants to open their own practice, or one wants to be able to place fillings, then perhaps one should be a dentist?!! What do you think? Karmella

Hi Karmella.

As far as the where the $ goes for ADHA, there is a really good post several pages back from a former NCDHA president who happened to be one of my former instructors. I went to Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC and luckily that school is extremely active in helping NC make changes.

In regards to rdhs opening their own practices, I have heard positive reports from another former instructor that used to live in CA - a state where rdhs can open their own businesses.

With that said, I am not sure of all the in's and out's of what services they can provide. It may only be standard dental hygiene services including local anesthesia. I would have to ask for more info.

I do think a push for expanded functions for dental hygienists would be a tremendous help. Something like the proposal for the ADHP. That would allow rdhs to work independantly while helping serve patients that have access to care issues. These things would be learned on a masters degree level - you wouldn't be able to do such things as filling, stainless steel crns, or simple extractions without further training. This would benefit the public not only by opening more clinics/practices to treat them, but it would also cost less to train qualified rdhs. For pts who would need more complicated tx, they would be referred to the dds. Similar to what a PA or NP would do when referring to a MD. There are so many people that aren't getting the care they need, and it wouldn't be taking any business away from the doctors. The med. profession is pushing for more PAs and NPs to help with serving the public, while the dental community is fighting against it.

Like I said, I don't know what rdhs in CA have to do, but I am sure there are stringent guidelines and the pts may have to be seen by a Dr. first and then have to have hygiene tx w/in a certain amt of time. I do know that those rdhs are required to take the same emergency courses as the dds's as well. Contacting the CA dental hygiene assoc. could give better insight.

I think I have posted this before, but here are some great articles on how medicine wants to work with PAs and NPs - what the dental communities also needs.

PA.AMA_Health_Professions_Sept.2007.pdf

NP_and_PA_Commentary.pdf

PA_Education.pdf

We don't have dental sweatshops in my part of SC. Everyone has their favorite DH and switches dentist if the DH moves,kinda like folks swap salons when their stylist moves.

I guess the demand for DH is different from nurses because there is less turnover. Most nurses have to work shifts and weekends.

Palmetto CDF in South Carolina said: We don't have dental sweatshops in my part of SC. Everyone has their favorite DH and switches dentist if the DH moves,kinda like folks swap salons when their stylist moves.

I guess the demand for DH is different from nurses because there is less turnover. Most nurses have to work shifts and weekends.

The demand for rdhs is high, but look how many nurses can work per dr. They are also allowed to work without the Dr. being physically with them. We aren't allowed that here in NC. So while the need for us is in demand, we can't meet those demands.

Thanks for the information. Ironically after writing the above entry, I read the article in my access magazine about Forsyth College. The research done in 70's, I was not aware of. Then when I got to the part about access to care, is when I saw a different picture. I consider myself overall to be a conservative hygienist, so as for now I do not agree with private practice for hygienist, but I do agree with volunteering to try and meet needs of these individuals who do not have access to care. With that said, in order to work in community dentistry does a NC hyg. need to have at least a B.S.degree? I could not remember. If so I feel that too is one of the many changes that should be made. I mean if there is such a need why, with our state having so many comm. colleges, couldn't a hygienist with an A.S. degree work in community dentistry? As stated previous, I've only been at hygiene for 3 years but am very passionate about this job... so I am still learning some of the in's and out's... thanks for all your information. Karmella

Hey, just noticed the notes about having only 2 hygienist per dentist. I wish that too could be changed to at least 3 especially for NCin the fact that this state is soo populated with hygienist!

I am not sure what you are asking. Are you talking about a Public Hygienist? If so, then yes, I do believe that you have to have a bach. degree.

I certainly don't have all the answers to fix these problems, but I do know that the ADHA and NCDHA is in favor of rdhs having more autonomy. I can't tell you how they feel in general about being able to open their own practices, but being able to regulate ourselves and working without the direct supervision of the dentist is what NC is hoping for. We went earlier this yr for bill 1337 to give us general supervision but didn't get exactly what we had hoped for. For now, we are required to have so many thousands of hours in order to work in nursing homes and maybe school settings. I would have to reread the bill to be accurate. We are planning to go back and ask for more supervision and anesthesia. I don't know if that means asking for rdhs to open their own businesses, but it is asking for us to work more independantly. We are also hoping for one national board instead of all the different ones we are required to take now. That I believe is on the ADHA level. I only know the basics about what is going on, so to be accurate about all the specifics, you would need to speak with someone who is directly involved. My component is the Foothills component. I'm sure they wouldn't mind answering any questions you may have.

Hi Karmella!
I graduated from UNC in '96 and practiced in NC before moving to Cincinnati in '01. I've been working across the river in KY since then. I am licensed to administer local anesthesia (infiltration and block) and N2O. I love it!!! My doc loves it a lot too. Not only do I not have to interrupt him and wait for anesth, I can actually anesthetize his patients for him ahead of time if he is running behind. It's awesome. I hope that sometime in the near future the dentists in NC will realize what a help this is to the flow of the office and that it in no way is a danger to the patients or a threat to their practice!

Donna in Cincinnati, Ohio said: Hi Karmella!
I graduated from UNC in '96 and practiced in NC before moving to Cincinnati in '01. I've been working across the river in KY since then. I am licensed to administer local anesthesia (infiltration and block) and N2O. I love it!!! My doc loves it a lot too. Not only do I not have to interrupt him and wait for anesth, I can actually anesthetize his patients for him ahead of time if he is running behind. It's awesome. I hope that sometime in the near future the dentists in NC will realize what a help this is to the flow of the office and that it in no way is a danger to the patients or a threat to their practice!

Donna, Hey thanks for your words of encouragement. As you probably noticed, I had worked in Little Rock, AR where we were able to use Local anesthetic and N2O too. And you are certainly correct, it makes my job easier. I hope North Carolina can soon follow suit, and I hope I can help make that happen...I will try on my end. I just had a meeting tonight with the officers of the Fayetteville Component, and at our next CE I intend to re-approach the subject of joining the ADHA. It is a matter of numbers. Karmella

Karmella McCallum in Mamers, North Carolina said: Donna, Hey thanks for your words of encouragement. As you probably noticed, I had worked in Little Rock, AR where we were able to use Local anesthetic and N2O too. And you are certainly correct, it makes my job easier. I hope North Carolina can soon follow suit, and I hope I can help make that happen...I will try on my end. I just had a meeting tonight with the officers of the Fayetteville Component, and at our next CE I intend to re-approach the subject of joining the ADHA. It is a matter of numbers. Karmella

It's great to have someone fresh in the mix that is ready to help make changes. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Good Luck, Olivia

I am planning on starting the Dental Hygiene Program this fall. I have been a CDA for over five years and am very interested in furthering my career in Dental Hygiene. Please advise me on jobs availability in the Charlotte area for Hygienists and whether it is worth pursuing this field at all.

Julie,

Please read previous posts (pg.2-5). I will not sugar coat the truth, but it's tough landing a job, and you have to be able to hustle (break neck speed), and don't forget to keep a smile on your face at the same time. It's phyically demanding. Like I've said before, read previous post and go with your gut instinct. Much luck.

kARMELLA,

AMEN! TO THAT.

Julie in Charlotte, North Carolina said: I am planning on starting the Dental Hygiene Program this fall. I have been a CDA for over five years and am very interested in furthering my career in Dental Hygiene. Please advise me on jobs availability in the Charlotte area for Hygienists and whether it is worth pursuing this field at all.

I live about an hour from Charlotte and temp there occasionally. Usually jobs aren't too terribly hard to find there. You can contact Sheri with Dental Staffing of the Carolina's for more info. She also helps place rdhs in fulltime positions.

I read through this thread with interest and sympathy for those who are struggling to find quality work for a good salary.

Many years ago, I considered pursing dental hygiene, however, life steered me in a different direction.

I ended up in the world of business and am thankful that I did.

For those of you are are struggling and frustrated, I want you to know that searching for a job isn't the ONLY answer.

You have talent and skill outside of the dental training you've received, that you can also use to your advantage.

Sometimes life brings you to a place where you have to look and think outside of the box.

I have helped hundreds of employees explore and enter the world of entrepreneurship and am willing to help you look at this option if you're open to it.

You don't have to let someone else dictate your future or your income. You can create success in other ways.

You are welcome to contact me through my web site at www.thehbbsource.com

I'm happy to help.

LHayes
www.thehbbsource.com
www.hbbsourcecards.com

Be careful of temp agencies. They charge the dentist to hire you full time because they will lose you to send on other jobs.

The money you get from the dentist will not be the amount they spent on you. They spent thousands to the temp agency. Remember that when you ask for a raise or benefits. You will not know how expensive it was for the dentist to buy you from the temp service.

Indentured servant without knowing it.

Introduce yourself to every dentist in the driving area and then you cannot be bought and sold by temp services.

Temp services will hire private investigators to find out if you are working behind their backs with dentists they introduced you to.

Don't take a job with a dentist you have not met before. Read your contract and have a lawyer look it over before you sign.

Hello All--
I just wanted to address a comment to Mike in Michigan. Not all temp agencies are bad. Infact not all temp agencies go the "private investigator" route either. In this day an age, if people cannot take people for their word, than would type of world do we live in? I myself own a temp agency and would absolutely never hire a private investigator to "catch a lie." I realize that some temp agencies ruin the reps, of honest and respectable business owners. I can honestly say that I do not have any temp sign a contract stating "they can only work for me, etc..." I do not believe in it. Which is unusual now-adays. But I am "old school" and take people for their word. If they are dis-honest, its their cross to bear, not mine. This is one reason why my company is so extremely successful in its infancy stages. I cannot speak for all temp agencies, however my company contracts with the dentist. If s/he knowingly uses a referral, than s/he pays ...Not the referral. I do not think that is fair for other temp agencies to penalize anyone who NEEDS to work. If my agency cannot supply someone with enough work, and they have kids to feed and a mortgage to pay, how could that be right?... Again, not all temp agencies are bad.

Danielle,

You are a small minority of agencies.

God bless you for your ethics.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Mike,

I heard the same from a couple of friends. They told me to be very careful because the dentist has to pay $1000 to buy you out. AND yes, the agencies over here do investigate on things like that. That's why alot of times dentist don't hire temp. as perm. employee. They pay $1000 dollars and one or two months later , the hygienist leave for whatever reason it may be (don't get along, diff.work ethic,moved,etc.)

Hi. I used to be an elementary school teacher, then I went back to school at UNC for dental hygiene and graduated in 1996. At that time in the Raleigh and Charlotte areas were plentiful. Everyone in my DH class got a job lined up before we even graduated! DH has, up to this point, been very good to me. I was able to completely support myself after a divorce for two years, and I was glad to know I could do that if need be. I've been in Cincinnati for seven years and "out of the loop", it seems. I'm moving back to NC to the Asheville area and am finding a challenge I'm not used to having in finding employment. I know I'll find something, it's just a matter of time. I still think DH is a good idea if you're headstrong and motivated and if you love the dental field. I was looking in the Charlotte area for temp possibilities, and it looks like you may be o.k. there. Bigger cities usually have more demand and larger salaries. When you're in school, join SADHA and attend local component meetings to stay up on what's going on. I was the SADHA president when I was in school. It helped me get ready to enter the profession and I also got extra credit!!!! Good luck and show 'em what you're made of!!!

Mike in Clinton Township, Michigan said: Danielle,

You are a small minority of agencies.

God bless you for your ethics.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Mike,

is it okay if i get your email??

mine is oampongpaew123@yahoo.com

I read all your comments and find it to be very interesting and very raw and honest and to the point, it presents the real world about hygiene and not some pipe dream. i'm considering throwing in my towel pretty soon. thanks.

oam

We are considering asking our hygienist to sign a one year contract. Now don't blast me; I worked like a dog trying to get two hygienists here in our office. I got two just out of school girls and am paying each of them 30 dollars an hour. And gladly pay it. Both girls started out a little hesitantly, but they are really doing great and are coming along nicely. Hygienists are extremely hard to find around here and my last one gave me two weeks notice after knowing she was going to get this public health job.

Anyway, I have a question for all of you RDH's out there. These two girls came out of school knowing fine and gross scale. They were not taught the dental codes. They did not know when to do a debridment for example. They did not know anything about codes. One was a community college grad and one a Carolina grad. I did contact the schools and they said, (I am not making this up), "We don't teach insurance." So the schools don't know that everything that is done in the mouth has a code whether patient has insurance or not. I think that this a part of hygiene education that is lacking. They also do not know much about restorative, when to recommend certain types of procedures, etc.

Don't slam me for that please. Is it possible that the dentists and RDH's don't know about dental codes???

andreab in Hertford, North Carolina said: We are considering asking our hygienist to sign a one year contract. Now don't blast me; I worked like a dog trying to get two hygienists here in our office. I got two just out of school girls and am paying each of them 30 dollars an hour. And gladly pay it. Both girls started out a little hesitantly, but they are really doing great and are coming along nicely. Hygienists are extremely hard to find around here and my last one gave me two weeks notice after knowing she was going to get this public health job.

Anyway, I have a question for all of you RDH's out there. These two girls came out of school knowing fine and gross scale. They were not taught the dental codes. They did not know when to do a debridment for example. They did not know anything about codes. One was a community college grad and one a Carolina grad. I did contact the schools and they said, (I am not making this up), "We don't teach insurance." So the schools don't know that everything that is done in the mouth has a code whether patient has insurance or not. I think that this a part of hygiene education that is lacking. They also do not know much about restorative, when to recommend certain types of procedures, etc.

Don't slam me for that please. Is it possible that the dentists and RDH's don't know about dental codes???

Hi,
We were taught codes but they didn't go into details. Dental Hygiene Program do not teach about when to recommend certain types of procedures. I was a den.assistant before , so I know when implant would be best for the patient, when a crown is needed,or filling and etc.

You see , in school it's a whole diff.ball game. hygiene school concentrate on pat.education, sc/rp, irrigation,digital xray,oral cancer ed, proper instrument (cavitron and hand instruments)angulations ,everything that has to do with dental hygiene.

Dental Assistant were taught about what exactly do they need to set up for each procedure,

andreab in Hertford, North Carolina said: We are considering asking our hygienist to sign a one year contract. Now don't blast me; I worked like a dog trying to get two hygienists here in our office. I got two just out of school girls and am paying each of them 30 dollars an hour. And gladly pay it. Both girls started out a little hesitantly, but they are really doing great and are coming along nicely. Hygienists are extremely hard to find around here and my last one gave me two weeks notice after knowing she was going to get this public health job.

Anyway, I have a question for all of you RDH's out there. These two girls came out of school knowing fine and gross scale. They were not taught the dental codes. They did not know when to do a debridment for example. They did not know anything about codes. One was a community college grad and one a Carolina grad. I did contact the schools and they said, (I am not making this up), "We don't teach insurance." So the schools don't know that everything that is done in the mouth has a code whether patient has insurance or not. I think that this a part of hygiene education that is lacking. They also do not know much about restorative, when to recommend certain types of procedures, etc.

Don't slam me for that please. Is it possible that the dentists and RDH's don't know about dental codes???

Continue,

root canals,fillings,etc. to anticipate what the dentist will need next, they have to know each steps , they have to be one step ahead of the dentist. and i don't remember doing the insurance code . Office manager will most likely do that.

I hope I ans.your questions.

Andrea,

We are not allowed to diagnose by law.

Why would I recommend treatment when disease or restorative needs have not been diagnosed by the dentist yet?

If you want me to do the job of a dentist, recommend treatment, I will be breaking the law and risk losing my license and or lawsuit.

Don't give me the ,'this is an area of concern, ms. smith, you should consider a new crown, this one is 6 years old.'

I'm sure the state dental board would see that statement as diagnosis pure and simple.

Your second question was dental codes. You chose to use insurance codes for identification of procedures in your office. That was your decision. You could have called it an xyz procedure if it was a fee for service office.

If I'd learned insurance codes in school, I'd still have to learn your coding system. Do not expect schools to teach RDH's to be front desk staff.

You hired girls just out of school? How rude. You hired Dental Hygienists just out of school. I'd love to meet you in person and discuss the matter.

I'm the six foot three body builder that looks like Keanu Reeves. Come and find me at the next convention.

Making an RDH sign a contract is just an effort to make them your slave. Are you ethical at all?

If you have more questions Dr. Andrea, just call up the state board and ask them why schools are not teaching 'the girls' to recommend treatment to patients.

I'd call your lawyer before you do though, and make sure you keep them on retainer for your licensure suspension hearing.

Hi...I don't know about the community college hygienist, but I graduated from UNC and they taught us about the codes. I graduated in 1996. I know the AAP codes have changed, but they taught us to type patients by AAP code. They also had a computer system then in which we had to enter the insurance codes for each patient for services we did before sending them up to check out. I knew the difference between 1110 and 4910 for sure! We didn't do much debridement in school because the thought then was that gross debridement caused tissue to tighten and made it harder to get to deep deposits later. It was either a prophy or SRP. I don't know what they're teaching now, but when I got out of school I knew about codes. It may help to make out a "cheat sheet" for them with the procedures and their codes on it so they can learn as they go. Good luck.

Hi again Andrea,
Do other offices in your area use contracts? Just curious. I've never heard of anyone having to sign one, and I've been in the field for about twelve years. I'd say if it isn't the norm, don't do it. If you worked like a dog to get the hygienists into your office, you don't want to send them packing by presenting them with contracts. That just implies that they might end up wanting to leave. I'd say the best way to keep good hygienists is to treat them according to their worth. Support them in maintaining their professional standards according to the mission of your office and work together as a team. Make them feel as valuable as they are and you shouldn't have a problem. It is true that sometimes our lives and goals change, and everyone should be free to make their own choices. I'm sorry that you lost your hygienist on such short notice, but that comes with having people in your employ. Again, good luck. I wish hygienists were in as much demand in Asheville.

andreab in Hertford, North Carolina said: We are considering asking our hygienist to sign a one year contract. Now don't blast me; I worked like a dog trying to get two hygienists here in our office. I got two just out of school girls and am paying each of them 30 dollars an hour. And gladly pay it. Both girls started out a little hesitantly, but they are really doing great and are coming along nicely. Hygienists are extremely hard to find around here and my last one gave me two weeks notice after knowing she was going to get this public health job.

Anyway, I have a question for all of you RDH's out there. These two girls came out of school knowing fine and gross scale. They were not taught the dental codes. They did not know when to do a debridment for example. They did not know anything about codes. One was a community college grad and one a Carolina grad. I did contact the schools and they said, (I am not making this up), "We don't teach insurance." So the schools don't know that everything that is done in the mouth has a code whether patient has insurance or not. I think that this a part of hygiene education that is lacking. They also do not know much about restorative, when to recommend certain types of procedures, etc.

Don't slam me for that please. Is it possible that the dentists and RDH's don't know about dental codes???

We did not learn codes in school. Every office is different as well. Some hygienist's are expected to write down codes, while the om's take care of it in other offices. Hygiene is a different practice than dentistry. We are not looking to repair tooth structure. We are more of gum, bone, and health therapists. Anytime I ask an assistant how a new pt looks, they answer me in terms of tooth decay. Although we do educate pts on tooth decay prevention, we are not looking at tooth structure alone. We are trying to get pts to return to a healthier state, and are focused on removing soft and hard deposits and...

educating them on the disease process and how it affects not only their mouths, but their whole body. In my opinion, the dds should be the one to talk to them about dental treatment needs. Even if I were to recommend a crown, the dds may know of a better option. I am not the one trained in restorative dentistry.

Also, school is not able to teach us everything we need to know. It's like anything else you go to school for. You are taught the most important things, but basic things too. A lot of our experience comes with working on the job. Same for dds', accountants, engineers, etc. School is training that gets you ready to enter the work force, not a program to make you an expert. Anyone who knows all of the ins and outs knows it from experience.

I also agree with Donna in regards to the contracts. I personally wouldn't sign one. That would make me think that something must have went wrong in the past. Not that it did, but that is what it would say to me. In all fairness, a 2 week notice is the norm. I wouldn't have told you sooner either. As an employee, we also have to protect ourselves. If we were to tell too soon, we may be canned before we could afford to be. I know it must be difficult to run a business, but that is just part of it. Good Luck with your new hygienists, and remember, they still have a lot to learn and will need the help from the office as a whole.

I brought this to the attention of the hygienist who had been there longer than me then she mentioned it to the dentists and then they spoke with the front office and that is when we came up with prophy 1 and prophy 2. This is when 2 quads are completely cleaned and polished and then the other 2. I am not sure of the codes but this is what we called it. No more gross debridement. This works out best due to the reasons Donna listed. With gross debridement it is harder to get back under healed tissue. Karmella

Sorry the first part of my notation did not make it, basically I had read in ACCESS magazine that the codes are not being used correctly and some of the hygiene codes are not being used at all. That is when I mentioned the above note. We were doing gross debridements, this was taught a no no in school because of tissue shrinkage making it difficult to access at a later appt. It is true every office is different, this is what this office did but now since I brought it to their attention they changed. This is better for the office but most importantly the patient. We did not learn codes in school either, but if I had to it would just take repetition. As far as telling patients what they need, Mike is correct this is diagnosing, WE CAN NOT DO THAT. We can tell what restorations are and the different options for filling space but can not tell them what they need.
Karmella

Is is the same thing when you go to the doctor. Do you want the nurse to tell you what you need to do to make you better, or do you want your doctor to? I rely on my doctor. Although his nurse is very sweet and very knowledgable, she does not have the proper training to diagnose me or recommend treatment. I'm sure there are common things that nurses see and know what is wrong and can tell us what we can do to get better, but that is not their job and legally cannot do so. We can't recommend treatment for something we aren't legally trained in. We do help out as far as the exams go. We are in the pts mouth much longer that the doc, and we are more likely to see "suspicious" areas. Legally, we can't tell them that they have a cavity even if their tooth is completely decayed down to the gum. We can make notes about those areas for the dds to check himself and then make the diagnosis and rec. treatment. What would happen if I were to make one recommendation, and the dds come in and make one completely different. I am most certain that he would not be happy about the one that I made.

Thank you Karmella.

We are not assistant dentists. Don't hint at us to treatment plan. We do not get paid enough to violate the law.

The 100,000 dollar a year RDHs, you know who you are, get paid fine money to sell dentistry with cleavage and smiles.

We are not 'girls' to be traded and duped into contracts.

Especially not me.

If I could upload a photo I would. So you all could recognize me at conventions. I get mistaken for a dentist all the time because of my gender, but I do not take it as an insult. LOL.

yes, it would be nice to be able to post pics on here.

I will look into starting a forum for rdh's and maybe we can get something going.

My lexus owners site I go to to get advice and keep myself from getting ripped off at the dealer is amazing.

I'll ask how much it costs to run and maybe we can accept ads and have a few moderators to keep the spammers out.

I think it would be a lot more effective than local ADHA meetings because of speed and national unity.

I'll keep you all posted.

yes, please keep us posted.

Olivia in Morganton, North Carolina said: Is is the same thing when you go to the doctor. Do you want the nurse to tell you what you need to do to make you better, or do you want your doctor to? I rely on my doctor. Although his nurse is very sweet and very knowledgable, she does not have the proper training to diagnose me or recommend treatment. I'm sure there are common things that nurses see and know what is wrong and can tell us what we can do to get better, but that is not their job and legally cannot do so. We can't recommend treatment for something we aren't legally trained in. We do help out as far as the exams go. We are in the pts mouth much longer that the doc, and we are more likely to see "suspicious" areas. Legally, we can't tell them that they have a cavity even if their tooth is completely decayed down to the gum. We can make notes about those areas for the dds to check himself and then make the diagnosis and rec. treatment. What would happen if I were to make one recommendation, and the dds come in and make one completely different. I am most certain that he would not be happy about the one that I made.

yes, dds wanted me to sell , sell, sell through treatment plans. if i make a suggestion for a filling and she comes in and said a crown then i'm sure i'll get the evil eye and a long lecture afterward. treatment planing is for the dds NOT for the dental assistant or dental hygienist. please don't ask your hygienists to do that. We can't call out(diagnose) anything , ONLY the dds.

vicky in Lake Worth, Florida said: Hi
I have been looking for a dental hygienist job for 3months now, and i got no response. i look thru the ads, yellow book ,online. even the one that i faxed tooseem to be of no use. Iam just frustrated you know; Iam a great hygienist with 5years experience. Iam friendly and approchable. I have been temping for a while, but now even that is dry. I have a family that depends on me you know.
I guess right now I have to do whatever i can to survive with my 2yr old kind.
it sad to say; I love this profession, but its not enough anymore to takecare of your family. I guess I have to go back to school again, and learn something else that would be of use for my future. I guess in this field if you dont know anyone, or isnt sleeping with someone, the good and honest hard working person will be pass on.
right now most offices are looking for cheap labor.they dont take in account that you are a person too. you have responsibilty. you have to pay your bills,and at the same time live alittle you know.
p.s if you are caucasion,spanish are finding hard out there for a hygienist position, just think how hard it is for an african american. We dont even get get thru the door. At least, you all have a better chance of getting a good paying jobs.

i'm going through the same thing and will definitely go back to school for something else. i like what i do, but i can't find one at all. it's very depressing and i'm sick of it. DENTISTS ARE PROBABLY READING THIS AND THINK, "OH GREAT, RDH ARE DESPERATE FOR JOBS, I'LL HIRE YOU FOR CHEAP AND RDH WILL TAKE IT AND IF THIS ONE DON'T THEY THERE ARE 100 OTHER RESUMES HE AND OFFICE MANAGER CAN GO THROUGH TO FIND THAT ONE THAT WILL TAKE THE CHEAP PAY" I JUST GRADUATED, IF I DIDN'T HAVE A HUGE STUDENT LOAN, I WOULD GO BACK TO SCHOOL N O W.

I hung out with one of my friend who is also a hygienist this past wednesday and one of her roommate is a student dentist. And all I'm going to say is yes, they(not all) do talk bad about dental hygienists. I saw and heard it myself. They do think they know everything and much more.

I work for a dentist that wants me to tell every patient that they need SRP's. She said that 80% of the public has periodontal
disease. When I asked her what happens when I don't find 4mm pockets, she said push a little harder and you will.

She also told the office manager that her daily goal is 5000 a day.

Give me the street you work on. I will get this information to your attorney general.

There are plenty of jobs in AZ. Get looking for one and get your dentist the help she needs. A loss of license to practice.

What she asked you to do was assault and battery. Do NOT push on that probe!

Find out where she went to school and alert the dean of the dental department what you are going through. Tell them you are ready to go to the newspapers.

Or do you just want some sympathy?

You will not get any from ethical RDHs.

No sympathy needed Mike, I'm going to report her!
I quit my job yesterday by the way.
There are a lot of jobs here in Arizona but try finding one when you don't yet have your anesthetic license. Okay, now I'll take little bit of sympathy.

I'd give you a hug Angela, but my GF would do terrible things to me in my sleep! The prettier the girl, the more jealous I think! Good luck with your job search and getting some payback.

Angela in Surprise, Arizona said: I work for a dentist that wants me to tell every patient that they need SRP's. She said that 80% of the public has periodontal
disease. When I asked her what happens when I don't find 4mm pockets, she said push a little harder and you will.

She also told the office manager that her daily goal is 5000 a day.

THat's what's it's all about SELL SELL SELL.

No jobs here. Thousands of unemployed hygienist working for $100 a week with 80 hours manditory. Stay in china or india, much better working conditions than usa. Do not come here, you will never get a job and will end up working in a field picking fruit.

Please fax your resume and if you have any friends looking for position to (734)522-7443 and send it to attn Lisa.

Seeking an experienced dental hygienist Garden city area. please fax resume to 734-522-7443. Attn Lisa

Colorado is SATURATED with Dental Hygienists. I have even contacted a temp agency but they are not taking hygienist because they don't have any work for them!! A Dentist told me that Dentists are receiving on avg. 60 hygiene resumes per job opening here! I know a hygienist here who settled for $24/ hour! And she basically stole the job of a more experienced, better paid hygienist. I seriously believe getting my dental hygiene license/degree was the BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. I would advise any one considering this profession to RUN, not walk, away from getting a dental hygiene degree.