Please help! How do I pay my living expenses while in dental hygiene school?

I am 27 years old and I applied to a two-year full-time dental hygiene program. I live on my own and work as a bartender part-time and was planning on still working while in hygiene school. Unfortunately, a lot of people are saying it's impossible to work AT ALL while in hygiene school. I find it hard to believe that nobody works at all while in school but if it's true, how in the world do I go to dental hygiene school and support myself too. Are there any special loans I can take out? I really want to be a hygienist and I am getting too old not to have a stable, decent job. Please help!

Maria in Mantua, New Jersey said: I am 27 years old and I applied to a two-year full-time dental hygiene program. I live on my own and work as a bartender part-time and was planning on still working while in hygiene school. Unfortunately, a lot of people are saying it's impossible to work AT ALL while in hygiene school. I find it hard to believe that nobody works at all while in school but if it's true, how in the world do I go to dental hygiene school and support myself too. Are there any special loans I can take out? I really want to be a hygienist and I am getting too old not to have a stable, decent job. Please help!

Hello. Good for you for wanting to go back to school. I worked my entire way through Dental Hygiene school and on through my Bachelor's Degree in Health Education. You most certainly can work and juggle the studying. I was young and we also had our share of fun! I don't know about Bar tending...every semester we had 8:00 am classes. Some of the classes are intense and require that you put in a lot of time studying. I worked on TH/Fri/Sat/Sun. I had to. I paid my own way. There are loans that don't have to be paid until you graduate and there is Financial Aid from the college. The college can give you a ball park idea how much assistance you can get. Inquire with your local Dental Society to see if they have any scholarships. Also inquire with the Hygiene Program Dept. Chairperson. They may also have scholarships for incoming students or even for studenst in their second year. Often faculty or dentists leave a tidy sum to school programs for people just like you. So inquire.
I advise you this, it is pricey! There is a lot of extra expense above tuition and books. We had to purchase our own instruments, lab supplies, x-rays, uniforms, shoes, gloves, protective eye wear, handpieces, etc. This adds up in the thousands of dollars quickly. Then, wait to you see the fees for the exams.Please consider Speech Pathology instead.Much cleaner

You can work and go to DH school... you will have no time for anything else. Especially the first year. What i did is i took out a Sallie Mae Tuition Answer Loan. As long as you are full-time, you can get approved for up to 40,000 for one year. They mail the check right to your house not the school. So you get to keep the remaining balance after paying tuition. I did that all 3 years of schooling. Be careful.... because the loans rack up quickly!!!

Hi,
I was 36 when i entered Hygiene school, living on my own, working in restaurants as well. Wanted a more stable future too. Now, i've graduated and it's exciting.
You must set up a very strict schedule for yourself, and it will be based around your schedule of classes.
First= class schedule, Second= study schedule, Third= work schedule, Fourth= personal/fun schedule (do not leave this out, you'll get unhappy very quickly if you do, believe me).
Do not deviate from the schedule (unless of course it's an emergency). One missed study session and you'll feel (and be) lost. The program is intense but keep up with the reading and memorizing and you'll be fine.
Working weekend nights is a good idea, but don't think you're going to get home at 3AM and get up at 9AM to study all day. Your brain will not accept the material. DO NOT "party" or go out with work buddies after your bar shift ends- go home and go to bed. Fun time is not for 3AM, it's for Sunday afternoons!
Each semester, i took out the maximum amount of loans possible. I lived off of them and my work income.
Also, you're in Jersey? Are you by the shore? Next summer, get a great restaurant job and work 80 hours a week if they'll let you. I did, and saved all summer.
One more thing- next summer also, get yourself a dental assisting job. Even if it's just 1 or 2 short shifts a week. Or find an office you can "volunteer" in for 5-10 hours a week. I had no dental experience at all and it came as a big disadvantage when looking for a hygiene job.
How much is the tuition? Mine was roughly $2000 semester (state school). There are fees and equipment to purchase. Do not freak out about it. Just be ready for it. Remember, in 2 years it will all be over and you'll have a career to be proud of.
Best of luck!
-Tim E., RDH

Maria in Mantua, New Jersey said: I am 27 years old and I applied to a two-year full-time dental hygiene program. I live on my own and work as a bartender part-time and was planning on still working while in hygiene school. Unfortunately, a lot of people are saying it's impossible to work AT ALL while in hygiene school. I find it hard to believe that nobody works at all while in school but if it's true, how in the world do I go to dental hygiene school and support myself too. Are there any special loans I can take out? I really want to be a hygienist and I am getting too old not to have a stable, decent job. Please help!

I went to Dental Hygiene school full time in the evening and worked a 9 - 5day job as a dental assistant and 6 - 11pm school schedule. It was brutal but attainable, I studied mostly on Sundays.
It seems that your bartending position should afford you living expenses. It will be worth it in the end. Good luck!

Elle,

Can you please provide me with information on the school you attend I would like to attend a evening class.

Thanks,

I attended school in Long Island, New York. The State University At Farmingdale in Farmingdale, New York. AKA > SUNY Farmingdale

I hope this helps,
Elle

Thank you everyone for answering my question. I've decided that if I get accepted I will quit my job and take out loans. I'm not afraid to do that since the pay for hygienists is so good. Only thing is, if I don't get accepted (my grades are good but I still need to complete five more pre-req classes) I will probably stick to my original plan of just going straight to dental school. That's what I really want to do anyway. Going to hygiene school was just a way for me to quit waitressing until I finished my Bachelor's Degree.

I wanted to attend Dental School or Medical school but my husband said we could not afford it. I should have just taken out loans, looked for financial aide and grants. Dental Hygiene has been a decent profession however a medical degree is what I wanted. I wish you all the best, follow your dreams.

DOn't bother with the hygiene school if Dental School is what you are after. Go for the prize. Best wishes. From a Dental Hygienist with a Bachelor's degree.

Hi everyone Im 22, currently attending a junior college to get all my pre-requirements to apply to a detnal hygiene program. I am highly motivated about becoming a hygienist so I can give my son a better future. I was in the military for 3 1/2 yrs and Im currently using my MGBill to pay my classes. Im curious though to know how hard it really is to get accepted. I feel that time is ticking and i wanna hurry so i can start my career. Any information from someone who graduated would be more than enough. thank you

Elle, what school did you go to in NJ that offered dental hygiene part time?

hi! im a foreign trained dentist and a hygienist in florida,im planning to move to north carolina can anybody tell me the going rate for a hygienist there and am i eligible to practice even if i took part 1 and 2 of the national dental board plus the clinical part for the hygiene exam instead of the national dental hygiene board?thanks

My first thought was ...WHY would Dental Hygiene be interesting to you? There is nothing glamorous about it. It is a very 'unhygienic' field. As one colleague described it...it is oral proctology. It is repetitive, stressful and often unappreciated service by many patients. I would say that if you are an actor or used to catering to people, then that skill comes in handy. As a hygienist YOU have to change and accomodate your approach and tactics with every single patient. You are providing them a service and you will be treated like a servant. Some patients are wonderful but if you have one of them a day...you're doing good! ALso, do you like being on a strict schedule...because you will always be playing beat the clock ...no patient wants to wait ... and falling behind schedule is stressful..if there is a Dental Hygienist you know who is peaking your interest in the field...shadow them for a few 1/2 days ... and then imagine doing it for 40 hours a week...Good Luck to you!

I agree with Joni from East Syracuse New York, Ive been practicing for 16 years and Just quit my Job as of the new Year. I am now bartending until something better comes along, and couldnt be happier with my freedom, DH provides decent hourly wage but it is very stressful dealing with the people and their oral and mental issues regarding dentistry. You don't stop all day, never enough time the dentist will cram in more patients than is humanly possible ... it is a dirty job, I have chronic back and neck problems and hearing loss. If you have a passion to continue your quest, Columbia has a program. Good Luck

Hi Elle,
I was so glad to have someone else write in with truthfulness about what a grueling profession Dental Hygiene really is. I remember one time a patient said to me, "I'd love to be a hygienist." "Really, do you think you would like to clean teeth?" "No, the white uniforms would look great with my tan." And a few times I had patients ask, "Do you have to go to school to do this?" "No, actually, I was out in the hall emptying trash cans and they invited me in to clean teeth." There is a HUGE misconception about Dental Hygiene in the World... Hey you get to sit down most of the day, don't you? And very often, the lack of respect from the Dentist and other staff is enough to make you want to cry. There seems to be a lot of "mental dysfunction" that takes place behind the scenes in a Dental office....starting with the huge ego of most Dentists...Anyone out there want to be bold enough to agree with me??? Whenever people ask me, "What field would you go into now?" My best answer is Speech Pathology. There is a great need, flexible and a variety of work environments, and much "cleaner" than Dental Hygiene. Ya know, come to think of it .... It would make a great TV show...like Desperate Housewives ....I'm going to call it Desperate Dentists. Dental Hygiene School is VERY hard work, competitive, and costly. Put all that energy and expense into something else! After a few years in private practice, you'll be wondering what your next career is going to be.

I am applying for the Dental Hygiene program in January, and I think I have a good chance of getting in. I have worked for seven years as a dental assistant. I haven't heard anything good about going to hygiene school. I have three kids and a husband, I need to know what I am really getting myself into. What is so stressful about the program. Is it the instructors, the material or the studying? Is there any mothers out there that has went to hygiene school? If so how did you balance it all? I hope someone can help me and inspire me!

I am glad to hear that you have seven years of experience as a Dental Assistant. You are surely familiar with the inner workings of an office...

Why is the Hygiene program so stressful? There is a massive amount of studying. Constant exams, quizzes, and performance evaluations. Then, outside of the regular Dental Hygiene classes there are additional courses to be taken. English, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, the dreaded Mircobiology, and so on. Then, imagine trying to manage a family, a job, travel (some students drive an hour or better one way to school) and you have a BOAT LOAD of Stress. 18 or 19 credit hours a semester is intense when you have exams at least two times a week. It invloves many long andThere are man Every school has a minimum GPA that must be achieved each semester to stay in the Dental Hygiene Program. Some people don't cut it and end up doing the program in 3 years vs. two. This can be disappointing and discouraging.

My best advice to you is this, spend a year getting as many classes outside of the curriculum completed. The less tests you are studying for during the actual Dental Hygiene program, the better. DO you need Chemisty? What about taking English, Biology, and Psychology or Sociology to get you started. There also may be a Physical Education requirement. You can easily take 12 credits (considered full time to receive financial aid)
and make a major dent in your other requirements prior to entering the program. Do this for two semesters, and you will enjoy your Hygiene education far greater and with less stress.

Be sure to speak to the program Director about any Scholarships or endowments the program may have for students with your type of background. You would be surprised how many dentists bequeath funds for students.

I was a Dental Hygiene Instuctor for 16 years. This is good, solid advice! Ask anyone who teaches

Joni,

What happened to the college in Syracuse that offered Dental Hygiene is it still around?

I have just about everything completed except my biology's. I am starting Chemistry this summer and plan on doing the biology in the fall. This way when I apply in January, I will not start the program till the fall, and all of my pre-req classes should be out the way. I am real nervous. My husband and I are going to sell our house and move in with my parents so we can go to school full time. I have a home daycare in my home, so I could stay home with my kids. I'm just hoping I am not giving all this up and then fail the program due to stress or not being able to manage. I can tell you I am a very strong person, and have dealt with some stress in my life. My biggest concern is my children. I love to spend a lot of time with them and I worried if me going to hygiene school will effect this much. I do think I have a good chance at getting in. With me doing dental assistant for seven years, do you think this will help me academically in the hygiene program?

We had many Students from Canada at Onondaga Community College at one time. They were some of the best and brightest students the College ever graduated from the program. Mainly because they came into the program with a background in the Dental Field and some course work (english and other areas outside of the Hygiene curriculum) completed before entering the program. But there were also many, many fine American students that went through the program and are now practicing Dental Hygiene.

Why did the program close? Hmmm....honestly, this is the Internet and I would be foolish to post such information. Many astute Dental Professionals in this local community are aware that the "press releases" by the college were lacking all the facts. Sorry, free speech REALLY isn't FREE with the cost of legal expenses!

You are smart to get as much accomplished prior to starting the program. The grades you receive in your Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses are an excellent predictor as to your success in the program courses as well as your success on your licensing exams.
I see you wrote you have a home day care.I'm trying to ascertain just how current your Dental Assisting experience is and how much you have. Working as an Ass't for a few years, not too long ago should prove helpful with #1) knowing the dentition
#2) taking radiographs #3)knowledge of Dental Materials #4) Dexterity #5)Not afraid of the oral cavity #6) skills to help you with your patients and having conversation with them #7) OSHA guidelines in the office.

This is not to say that these courses will be a breeze for you, but hey, knowing where tooth #19 is gives you an advantage. There is still a lot of "technical" information to obtain that will level the field when it comes to taking exams. And make sure you have good test taking skills.

Honestly, it concerns me that you & your husband are giving up so much of your personal independence all at one the same time. Living with parents is sure to be a stressor of it's own, combined with the fact that you BOTH are in school at the same time. Let's face it..if a man is not being the bread winner..his ego is very fragile. Can't you each do this one at a time? As far as time with your kids, the time you can give them will be greatly diminsihed while you are in Dental Hygiene School. You will have many late nights, early mornings and long days. Are they young and at a crucial age or are they older and a bit more independent? This part is a decision that only you and your husband can make after seeking out the wisdom of the Lord.
Good Luck to you and God Bless!

Joni,

I know some people who were in the program. Kind of wish I had gone that is why I was asking.

Joni,

Do you know Mrs. Dietrach (i think that is how it is spelled sorry if it is wrong she was the program director at Onondaga Community College.

Terry is in admissions not sure if she still is.

I am very aware of the college in Syracuse how unfortunate it closed down. Can I ask what is the closest school for hyiene in Syracuse? Any private schools?

Hi. I am sorry to inform you that Clarice Dietrich, R.D.H., passed a way a few years after she retired to Arizona. I don't know anyone specifically in the college admissions dept.
As far as Dental Hygiene programs close to Syracuse....
There is Broome Community College, in Binghamton, NY. About an hour south of Syracuse.
There is a new program, just a few years old, with a few of the faculty from O.C.C. This is located in Rome, NY, which is about 50 minutes east of Syracuse. The website for this school is www.mohawkvalleydentalhygiene.com
The school in Rome has only been in existence for a few years and I am was told that the campus is not as convenient as Broome. Meaning, students & Faculty have to get into their car and drive from one building to another because things on the campus are set up "less than ideal". This may have changed.

Of course, you would want to visit these schools in person. Broome has an excellent reputation and great success rate.
Mohawk Valley is still very new.

Good Luck in your search. I know when Canadians attended O.C.C.,since they were from outside of the county, (O.C.C. is a community college) tuition was TRIPLED. Please take note and be advised.

Hi,

Thanks for letting me know about Clarice she was a wonderful person from what I recall.

Here in Toronto we have approximately over 15 private schools offering D.H and I have the chance to complete it at OCC which for some reason I regret I did not take up that opportunity.

How is the market in Syracuse.

Thanks for all your information.

The market in Syracuse is excellent! It is not difficult to find a job in Dental Hygiene. Other sectors of employment are struggling, though.

Wow, it is so nice to see others in the same boat as I am. I am a 38 year old dental assistant, in the field for over 10 years. I have two children ages 15 and 10. I have just completed my pre-reqs. and have been accepted into the clinical portions of dental hygiene. I am extremely nervous on how I will be able to afford living expenses while driving 2hours each day total travel time to HACC. Especially with the cost of gas nowadays. I was also told that working while in clinicals is near impossible, how do people do it? I definately will look into the Fanny Mae Loans and I am going to apply for every possible scholarship available. Good luck to all those on this same journey and thanks to all who have paved the way before us.

I know what you mean Mandy, that's exactly what tuned me out of becoming a dental hygienist that and the fact that work is very scarce in some places

For those of you that have been through it, can you tell me what an estimated total tally for attending school? I have most of the pre-req's already, actually just need two more. After tuition, licenses, materials, supplies, living expenses etc, what was your damage? My school estimates $14k over three years on top of tuition. Thanks!!

In regards to the cost of Dental Hygiene School, it would be futile for me to even give an estimate. Every school may have different requirements what the students are responsible to purchase. Instruments (# of sets), cassettes for sterilization, handpieces, prophy angles, perhaps you may even be responsible for your own prophy paste! Gloves (and you'll use lots of them!!) Then there are kits for Dental Materials...mixing bowls, spatulas, alginate, trays, amalgam polishing kits, the list can be endless! Radiology supplies...x-ray film ..various boxes and sizes, Rinn Instruments, mounts. Some schools will supply you with patient bibs, head rest covers, barrier protection, etc. Some schools may make you pay for every single item you can imagine. To throw out a question to try to compare costs...it's just useless! Don't forget to try and buy used books when ever possible. Uniforms and shoes ..ask for gift certificates to a uniform shop from your family...unless the school requires you purchase from a specific vendor. Ask the school to give you a list of supplies that you will be required to purchase as a freshman. That year will be the one that you most likely put out the largest outlay of cash for supplies. You can then try and price things on line...but usually the college gets a decent "package" price because they are ordering a quantity from a vendor. Don't forget to inquire with your State/Region for the Licensing exams and fees. If you have to travel to take your exams, be prepared to pay for lodging & travel of yourself and your patient. There is a LOT to consider with costs. The school you plan on attending can give you the most accurate account. You may be able to find some "gently used" items from former students. Do not purchase ANY used equipment without first consulting the Program Director!!!

how about someone that is 37 and physcial therapy school?

I also agree with Joni regarding her thoughts on the inner workings of the dental office. Some offices will expect the RDH to fit the folling in an 45min to an hour appointment: Record med hx.'s and blood pressure, cleaning of tarter and heavy stain, 4 - 18 radiograph's, charting existing fillings, complete mouth perio probe, cavity detection, use of intra - oral cam, patient education and demo, polish, placement of antimicrobial agents with instructions, scheduling of next appt ( for restorative and future cleanings ), cleaning of room and recall cards. We are usually not given enough time for room turn over. You are rushing through every day all the time. The assistants do not understand the demands that are placed on hygienist and are usually tirants. I do get satisfaction from the contact that I have with some of my wonderful patients that often request me. My salary ranges from 300 - 400 per day. Having your anesthesia license will help your career. I also am rewarded with profit sharing tied into 401 K with vacation days. I do not get sick pay or holidays. I also worked in EU as a hygienist. I worked in CH and in France. The assistant would clean my room between patients. She would ask if I would like coffe around mid-morning. I was also given a Kia...not a Lexus but transportation non the less. Who needs a car in EU anyway WITH 5 - 6 weeks of vacation. EU had a different respect level for their hygienist. On the surface anyway. If you want to be a DH in the US, it will be very demanding and as Joni mentioned " dysfunctional ". I was recommended by my RDH NEVER to become a hygienist. She said that I would hate it! Sometimes I wish I had listened but then I would not have had the opportunity that I have had to live in EU. Well, it is your choice but if I had to do it all over again I would put my talents to other use.

Elle said: I went to Dental Hygiene school full time in the evening and worked a 9 - 5day job as a dental assistant and 6 - 11pm school schedule. It was brutal but attainable, I studied mostly on Sundays.
It seems that your bartending position should afford you living expenses. It will be worth it in the end. Good luck!

Where did you go to school? I never heard of any medical or dental school in the evening? Most class are offered during morning hours M-F. We are talking about Dental Hyg school not dental assistant school.

I am 24 years old and my dream is in the dental field but i ended up with family before i could get started. right now i only have a high diploma under my belt... do you think it is too late? i REALLY want to do this for a better future for us.

Im 36 years old, married, and have 3 children....No its not too late. I've just finished my first term of hygiene. Intense but very doable!!Go for it!

Laura in Oceanside, California said: Im 36 years old, married, and have 3 children....No its not too late. I've just finished my first term of hygiene. Intense but very doable!!Go for it!

I was 34 years old when I started dental hygiene school. I was a single mother of a 1 year old with a crazy x-husband who took off and never gave support. I moved into my parents house. They looked after my child while I was in school. I took out loans to pay for school and other expenses. I am still paying those back, 8 years later but that's because I am paying the minimum amount each month. I was lucky that the Quebec government pays for tuition for all community colleges provided you were born and live in Quebec. The government offers bursaries which are amounts of money that doesn't have to be paid back. YOU need to qualify. They are sort of like a scholarship. I also received scholarships from my hygiene school's financial aid department for being a single mother in need. So it is possible to juggle school and children especially if you have help: parents + financial help. It was not easy, given that all my studying was done after my daughter went to sleep, but I only had 1 child to take care of and she was too little to really understand what was going on. Also, I took ALL of my prerequisite courses, englishes, gym, etc.... BEFORE applying. Lightened my load once at dental hygiene school immensely and gave me a little more free time to spend with my daughter. Good luck

Do it, you will never regret it. I'm mid way through my first semester and I will be honest, it is the hardest thing I ever did. It is like boot camp!! I have two daughters ages 15 and 11 who are very active in sports so I am running around like crazy but it will all pay off so I say at your age you need to jump in there!! I am 39. Good Luck and go for it.

man...the honesty and comments from everyone to one another are sooo helpful cause now i know what i would be going through... thats very helpful for me... thanks

laura I'm moving down there. What school do u go 2 and do you like it?

I drive an hour and a half to Rancho Cucamonga, I go to a private college. Its SJVC, with a very good hygiene program. There is a 98% pass rate on state boards, no waiting list, and its an accelerated program(16mos). I highly recommend you to check it out. I'm very happy I'm there and the entire hygiene staff do all they can to help each person succeed, unlike other junior college programs.

It is never too late. Honey, 24 years old is YOUNG! As an instructor in the Dental Hygiene field for over almost 20 years, I have seen students begin the program in their 50's. The older you are, the more serious you will take your studies = a better chance of success at what ever you study. Before you enroll into the program, start going those distracting and time sucking classes out of the way. Get your Biology, Microbiology, English, etc out of the way. Give yourself two semesters to get as many courses outside of the Hygiene core as possible. Especially Microbiology, it will require a lot of your focus. Get your game plan in order for child care, check your college campus and see if they have a child care center. Have a back up plan for when your child gets sick. Give your self 3 years (1 year of classes before hygiene) and you will be successful in your studies and get much much more from the Core classes, thus making you a better hygienist to serve the community when you graduate. Best wishes to you!a

My 20 year old daughter has been attending a technical institute in Dallas, Texas pursuing a Dental Assisting Certificate. Is there any institutes in the Syracuse area that offer this type of certificate?

Yes, contact the local BOCES. They do have a program for Dental Ass't.

Maria in Mantua, New Jersey said: I am 27 years old and I applied to a two-year full-time dental hygiene program. I live on my own and work as a bartender part-time and was planning on still working while in hygiene school. Unfortunately, a lot of people are saying it's impossible to work AT ALL while in hygiene school. I find it hard to believe that nobody works at all while in school but if it's true, how in the world do I go to dental hygiene school and support myself too. Are there any special loans I can take out? I really want to be a hygienist and I am getting too old not to have a stable, decent job. Please help!

sweetheart don't give up. I'm 34, with 2 small children, full time dental hygiene student and whenever i have couple of hours I go and work as a personal assistant of the general manager in a dental office.(the salary is good, that's why I haven't quit even when my husband supports the house) and I still manage to have a good GPA. So, if I can do it anyone can.

You can work part time, some of the girls at my school do (and still get good marks). You just have to be dedicated and determined. You can't always go with what other people "say". Everyone is different and can do different things. Have some faith. On the other hand, just say you are in school and realize that work is just too much for you, well sure there are student loans that are available. Try first, because different terms allow for more personal times.

I worked part-time through Dental Hygiene. A few week nights but mostly a LOT on the weekend. I worked in the bakery & deli dept of a large grocery store. I could start early on the weekends (6 am) and would always be out by 9:00 pm which left time for studying. Sundays were time and a half and because I was a good employee, they always scheduled me for that day. It is hard hanging out with friends that have little responsibility other than school, but you will make friends with people who are in a similar situation and have the same values. So many people have done it...and you can, too, if you are focused, driven and determined. Remember...this too shall pass as my Grandmother always said. GO FOR IT. Never end up saying, "I wish I had done________." That is boring and pathetic!

The school I went to didn't allow you to work while being in the program. (LLU in Loma Linda CA). Like numerous people have said many programs, including mine, program was 5 days a week from 8 to 5 and sometimes even till 9-10pm when I had night clinic. I think the plan of taking on living expense loans is the best way to go. That's what I did. If I didn't have that time to study I would not have gotten through. That being said I'm not the sharpest guy scholastically. Many people are right in the fact that hygiene is pretty unforgiving. I have been asked many times "so are you just doing this job while you go to school?" Never ceases to amaze me. Hygiene has pretty good pay just about everywhere and it supports my family but would I do it over again if I could choose something different? Short answer is....no. There are lots of professions to go into out there that make good money. My suggestion is to look for a degree where you can eventually be your own boss Hygiene does not allow for that and in some cases neither does dentistry.

Which school can I go to for expanded function dental assistant or which dental assistant school can I attend solely online

Don, I can not imagine that there are any places you could do the entire curriculum on line. You wrote : Which school can I go to for expanded function dental assistant or which dental assistant school can I attend solely online. If you understand the nature and duties of a Dental Assistant, I don't think you'd seriously ask such a question. EVERYTHING is hands on ... in the office and in the classroom. Is there a Dental School where I could become a Dentist solely on-line? I think NOT! Hello...McFly!