WESTERN CAREER COLLEGE DH PROGRAM

Jamie in Sacramento, California said: 30 year old "miserable" vet....my point. Not everyone will be like you...I have a good feeling I will get 1-2 at first, which is expected. Gain my experience for a few years and than bump it up to 3-4. maybe even 5. I'm hoping to work in 2 different officed for 2 days each which will give me a total of 4. Hey waterbug, I have a great Idea! how about you find a different career! lmao

Jamie,
I have no idea why you refer to me as miserable. I am not, nor have I ever been. I love dental hygiene, have a great job and am not mean or demeaning to anyone on this board. In fact, I was just encouraging people to not get so upset and attack each other. Anyways....i have not responded to you before, nor understand your post.
Regardless, good luck with your job.

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Jamie,
I have no idea why you refer to me as miserable. I am not, nor have I ever been. I love dental hygiene, have a great job and am not mean or demeaning to anyone on this board. In fact, I was just encouraging people to not get so upset and attack each other. Anyways....i have not responded to you before, nor understand your post.
Regardless, good luck with your job.

Hey guys.......we are all VERY passionate about this field obviously and I agree that we will have tough times ahead of us finding a great job that fits our needs. At the same time, just like Jaime and I said before, let's stay positive. I'm determined to leave my mark somewhere and if hygiene lets me down, atleast I know I tried ; ).

Waterbug.....I feel that you were coming from the right place but harshness doesn't sit too well with me. People tell me everyday that hygiene is oversaturated but I in return would NEVER tell someone to give up. I have been working in the dental field for 12 years and have done my research. It's frustrating though, I know. I wish you the best of luck ; )I guess I just feel that if you wake up thinking it's gonna be a bad day....it WILL be a bad day : )

30 year vet....thanks again for your encouraging words. To answer your question, my husband is the main bread winner so my goal was to only work part time until my little ones were in school full time. I'm thinking that in maybe 5- 10 years, I will be looking for more days per week. Hopefully I will find them then ; )

HBW in danville....wow, you live really close to me. I'm sorry that it took you so long to find work. Did you eventually find full time work? The office I work for is in Walnut Creek and they are waiting for me to graduate. One of the hygienists is going to retire. Hopefully it will all work out but I'm learning to keep my expectations low. good luck to you ; )

ldunne0623 in Vallejo, California said:
HBW in danville....wow, you live really close to me. I'm sorry that it took you so long to find work. Did you eventually find full time work? The office I work for is in Walnut Creek and they are waiting for me to graduate. One of the hygienists is going to retire. Hopefully it will all work out but I'm learning to keep my expectations low. good luck to you ; )

The fact that you are working in an office now and probably have an in when you graduate changes everything. You aren't in the same boat as most. Even if it didn't work out, you could maximize your local reference to find another office, or worse case scenario, fall back on your assisting. I do live really close to you, but I work even closer! I'm in Walnut Creek, too. I'm working three days currently and looking to pick up a fourth. Sounds like you'll be fine.

Jamie in Sacramento, California said: HAHAH. I look at you as a bitter old woman who has nothing more to do then talk negatively and try and put others down due to your lack of happiness. Let me tell you something lady, I'm 22 in the dental hygiene program, and VERY happy with my choice. Although the economy is struggling, I'm a very determined, motivated, hardworking person. I have no doubt in my mind that I will succeed in this field.

Jamie, with all due respect. Come back and discuss dental hygiene when you are seasoned. You haven't "been around the block"
and are still very green.

HBWrdh in Danville, California said: The fact that you are working in an office now and probably have an in when you graduate changes everything. You aren't in the same boat as most. Even if it didn't work out, you could maximize your local reference to find another office, or worse case scenario, fall back on your assisting. I do live really close to you, but I work even closer! I'm in Walnut Creek, too. I'm working three days currently and looking to pick up a fourth. Sounds like you'll be fine.

I am definitely going to keep my options open. I am by no means banking onworking in my office. Who knows, maybe he will retire by then! lol I will consider myself lucky if I could stay where I am at. I'm happy that you could find 3 days a week of work. Good luck with finding another day!

This forum has some good pointers & for you to stoop so low & ridicule someone for informing others of an industry they have been in for decades is just unnecessary. Since you never looked for a job as a RDH, you have no idea what it like in some areas. Before this recession started, even early 2008 or before, me & other colleagues were having a really hard time getting enough days. Good luck when you graduated if you are staying in Sacramento.

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Jamie,
I have no idea why you refer to me as miserable. I am not, nor have I ever been. I love dental hygiene, have a great job and am not mean or demeaning to anyone on this board. In fact, I was just encouraging people to not get so upset and attack each other. Anyways....i have not responded to you before, nor understand your post.
Regardless, good luck with your job.

Hello 30 year Vet,

I have been away for a while. I just came back from India. Don't worry about anything that was said above, because you are one of the most positive people in this forum and you always say kind and constructive things to people. We appreciate you very much and ALL of your comments in this forum. I'll talk to you soon. Have a great day tomorrow.

Alana in Woodside, New York said: Hello 30 year Vet,

I have been away for a while. I just came back from India. Don't worry about anything that was said above, because you are one of the most positive people in this forum and you always say kind and constructive things to people. We appreciate you very much and ALL of your comments in this forum. I'll talk to you soon. Have a great day tomorrow.[/Q

Thanks Alana...not a worry....I really don't care what some comments are in this forum. There are people who honestly don't understand what's been happening and sadly, when they start trying to find work to pay off those crazy student loans, they'll see what is going on. Regardless, I don't pay much attention, although I do believe it is responsible to respond to such a errant comment.
As far as posting on this forum, I actually feel very sad for the DHs on here and sad for those who've dreamed of being DH and are doing prereqs. The profession was not protected enough by the academia or the associations. We looked the other way when those who have significant conflict of interest went in and flooded the market with dozens of schools and thousands of grads. We became 'a dime a dozen'.....and sadly, some of those who put in the most effort (4 year degree programs) are getting screwed the most. In many of those cases, their GPAs could have gotten them into almost any program they wanted. The DH schools with minimal requirements, the "just bring the tuition and we'll get you in" program, and no real 'competitive entry' brought us all down.
Being a realist on this board is tough, but watching people graduate and have no work for months and some even longer is worse. Watching them grovel for 1 or 2 days work with 150 other potential DHs is disturbing too.

Hi Vet,

I totally agree with you with these new programs that are opening. Last month I found another new program opening in our area & it's the same type of schools you are referring to "... you are pretty much accepted if you can pay the cost." I feel this profession is being dummy down in the past 6 yrs. What's happening is the Dental Assocation(CDA for example) help finance new schools, so that's why the market is flooded. And the ones that are opening these types of schools.

keropi in San Francisco, California said: Hi Vet,

I totally agree with you with these new programs that are opening. Last month I found another new program opening in our area & it's the same type of schools you are referring to "... you are pretty much accepted if you can pay the cost." I feel this profession is being dummy down in the past 6 yrs. What's happening is the Dental Assocation(CDA for example) help finance new schools, so that's why the market is flooded. And the ones that are opening these types of schools.

Hi Keropi,
Yes....the dental associations have been wanting to be in control of setting up as many DH schools as possible to enable them to graduate and inordinate number of DHs. Flood the market with them all and drop wages. It's been pretty simple. The reality is that the DDS won't be passing on the money they are saving in decreasing wages of the DH, they will simply have a larger cut for themselves. It's not rocket science...it's about a small businessperson cutting wages to make more money. The sad thing is though, that it is a complete CONFLICT OF INTEREST in having 'the employer in charge of the education of its' employees---" The whole thing is appalling....you can bet the Dental Association has had a lot of pressure put on them by practice professionals. But in the end, we have a true dumbing down of the profession cause 'IF YOU'VE GOT THE MONEY FOR THE TUITION, YOU'RE IN!!!".....no competitive entry....no prerequisites....this is a pathetic situation....can you imagine if we told a physician that hey, you don't need 6 years for training...let's do it in a compressed way, get ya out in 2 years and on your way!! Honestly, this wouldn't be happening if it wasn't such a major conflict. Dentists help fund and set up these schools for the quick money of the $40000.00 in tuition and to flood the market with a ton of grads....it's all very sad.....

HELLO I heard a lot of good things about Western Career College. In fact, I am seeking a tutor for the Laws and Ethics (by Beemsterboer) case studies. Anyone who has taken that class before, please let me know. I need a tutor by Monday or Tuesday to finish the assignment. Please email me at smurf6irl@hotmail.com if you are interested.

Does anybody know abut the law and ethic exam after NB? Is it hard, what should student study for that?

ali in Sacramento, California said: Excuse me.....are you an RDH who wrote the above b....t??????????? PAY IS NOT GOING DOWN......hear me .....NOT GOING DOWN....there are jobs out there with retirement benefits. Hygienists are making enough money to buy their own medical ins....and dental work (if there are any....hygienists take good care of their teeth....so rarely need dental work) is provided by the DDS they work for...for very little or at no cost at all! I am a licensed RDH...and every time when I read this forum it drives me insane. Most of you here are NOT RDHs....STOP spreading this negative, false info about Dental Hygiene career! STOP discouraging others NOW....I REALLY MEAN IT!

Well ! This person probably is a recruiter from private schools ! Guys ! Please think carefully and thoroughly ! Even new grads from nursing and respiratory therapy also have hard time finding their jobs due to over-saturation ! and job market for DH would not be better, maybe worse ! Again, think more than twice before you decide !

After years of wanting to be a dentist I finally chose to study hygiene. Being a single parent with two kids I want the flexibility to be in a field I enjoy and still be there for my kids. I have myBachelor's and and taking prerequisits to get into any hygiene program that will take me. These posts are insightful. I want to know is anyone here a ADHP, and is UCLA the only place that offers the training for it. Also Will they take my college classes I already taken for my degree. Also I've been and assistant for 6 years. Thanks.

im am a senior in high school and i dont really know what school to go to but my first choice is Yuba College. Do You guys know any colleges after going to 2 years in Yuba College i should transfer to? Or any Ideas?

When is a good time to turn in applications for the DH program at WCC.

Oh my gosh this sounds very hard now that I am reading all about the DH program. I'm 23 and haven't been back to school since high school. I took a great work opportunity instead but now I am getting tired of doing it and want to look into the DH program. Do people ever have jobs while they do it? Seems like the schedule is too insane to work. Also if school has always been a challenge for me it worries me to take this course that sounds really tough. Are there certain things I need to do before i can attend wcc? The comments on here are so confusing. Is it easy to get jobs when your done? Is it worth doing?-mandie

How fo people pay for school at wcc?

Hello everyone! I am currently an RDA of 16 years and a little hesitant on what my next step will be for my second career path:
1) Do I pick an all around different field?
OR
2) Do I pick my dental career up a step, and go to WCC.
All of your commentary has been MOST helpful.
I am leaning towards staying in the dental field.
ESPECIALLY the way the economy is.

Any thoughts?

Donna

If you truly like this field, then go to a DH program. Keep in mind the Bay Area is over saturated with hygienists since the opening of WCC and another soon to graduate for-profit college. I know of & hear of colleagues & graduates that have a hard time finding jobs not necessarily due to the economy since it was a few years before. If you plan on moving to another less hygienists and dentists -who- do hygiene location, than that may be better.
Keep in mind about for-profit colleges since there was a recent government study about how expensive they are & when you graduate, you may not be hire due to the education from those schools. Of course that depends on the employers knowledge of the education you get, the reputation of the school, and the field you finish from. That's why they have easier acceptance so they can take your money, when some students may not be as qualify. Suggest your try community colleges in your area or the universities.

Lacey

Well you may not read this but I wanted you to know Im thinking of you and hope you had a wonderful Christmas....John

Donna, keropi...contradicts her advice...so, IMHO, the way the economy is , I would not train as a DH UNLESS, you have a job waiting for you in writing...is the Dr. you work now willing to help pay or hire you as an RDH if you go that route. If you have a job that has ben's, set/reg pay...I wouldn't chance going for something else, unless maybe it's a specialty ie- Ortho DA...What these DH schools, online articles, govt...they DON"T CARE about you or what happens after you train...if you are interested in staying in the Dental field...skip DH and go for Dentist! As you said your concern for economy and finding work...even IF we were not in this recession, the DH field is oversaturated...people are not retiring because they need to rebuild their bank accounts...but the schools keep pumping out more and more blind and choose to be deaf students to the crisis of DH. The informed choice is to NOT choose DH, it's alot of $ for a questionable, be able to live on, save and have a life career. Unhealthy competition for jobs and low balling of even the hourly wage is another reason to by-pass DH. Even if you choose to move to another state...this does not gaurantee (sp) a JOB...enough days, hours, etc. to live on. 24yr VET

Anyone know the deadline to apply to WCC/Carrington for Fall 2011? Thanks!

Application deadline is in June for the September class. I just started there in January. Love it. Make sure you sign up for CPR certification soon. They fill up fast and it is required along with the application. Good luck!

Just to put it out there.....I am currently a dental hygiene student at Carrington College. I would say that 95% of our class (30 students) had a 3.5 GPA and above when applying for this program. Tuition is high but I disagree with the theory that if you can pay, you can get in. I don't feel that is true at all. There is a faculty of 10 instructors and they all have 20+ years of experience as DH's themselves with the exception of a new instructor that graduated from this program 4 years ago. We have a wonderful clinic and have state of the art instruments and supplies. I am very impressed with my experience thus far at this school. The faculty have spent and continue to spend many countless hours to making this program successful. I agree that there are less desirable schools out there that deserve their reputation but I am very happy to say that I am a student at Carrington.

ldunne0623@yahoo.com in Vallejo, California said: Just to put it out there.....I am currently a dental hygiene student at Carrington College. I would say that 95% of our class (30 students) had a 3.5 GPA and above when applying for this program. Tuition is high but I disagree with the theory that if you can pay, you can get in. I don't feel that is true at all. There is a faculty of 10 instructors and they all have 20+ years of experience as DH's themselves with the exception of a new instructor that graduated from this program 4 years ago. We have a wonderful clinic and have state of the art instruments and supplies. I am very impressed with my experience thus far at this school. The faculty have spent and continue to spend many countless hours to making this program successful. I agree that there are less desirable schools out there that deserve their reputation but I am very happy to say that I am a student at Carrington.

Hi Trish! I am a student @ Carrington College as well :) I'm have 1 science class left (micro) and I can apply to the Dental hygiene program! I super excited and I hope I get in. MY GPA right now is a 3.6 and will rise when I'm finished of course. I really hope I get in because I have worked so hard! I finish my last class in October, therefore I will miss the August Session so I have to apply for April 2012. :)

Is it as hard as everyone has mentioned? Also, I've been curious to know, do most of the students work? Other wise, how do they pay bills and provide for themselves?

ldunne0623@yahoo.com in Vallejo, California said: Just to put it out there.....I am currently a dental hygiene student at Carrington College. I would say that 95% of our class (30 students) had a 3.5 GPA and above when applying for this program. Tuition is high but I disagree with the theory that if you can pay, you can get in. I don't feel that is true at all. There is a faculty of 10 instructors and they all have 20+ years of experience as DH's themselves with the exception of a new instructor that graduated from this program 4 years ago. We have a wonderful clinic and have state of the art instruments and supplies. I am very impressed with my experience thus far at this school. The faculty have spent and continue to spend many countless hours to making this program successful. I agree that there are less desirable schools out there that deserve their reputation but I am very happy to say that I am a student at Carrington.

But, ...what are the availability of actual SET days and decent pay for RDH's in your area? I'd look into it now, even if you are in school. The Dr.'s don't look at your GPA when you are applying for a position, but they do look at: skills, DA skills too if you have background, N2O and LA administration. How fast and SELLING are also in the run for the coveted job. Good luck in school, but if you can be a gopher in an office now or between yrs. at school - summer, if your program doesn't run straight through...DO IT. What year and how long is the DH program you are presently in? If you do go to school- straight through, try to see if you can work at the school, around your class days at the Reception desk, this too can be something to put on the resume. Also, if you are in an area that allows you to obtain a license in other states...take those states tests (usu. you are required to work a day in those states to keep your license "active" in their states). The more cert's, and skills you put on the res. better for you.

congrats on being almost done with your pre-reqs. I also did my pre-reqs there as well. bummer that you have to wait until next year to start but it will be worth the wait. it IS a very hard program to get through. not only are you learning about the basics in clinic such as radiology and instrumentation, there is a huge course work load as well. sciences are far from over. head & neck anatomy is an important class because it integrates with the anesthesiology course. I would brush up on anatomy while you are waiting to start. There were a few girls that worked on the weekends but they have since quit their jobs. To do well, it is very hard to fit in anything else. I literally spend all of my free time studying as much as possible. it is very easy to get discouraged. i have 2 kiddos and a great husband for a support system so it makes life easier. Most of the students in my class have moved back home or are being supported by their significant others. tuition is high so it is really difficult to get financial aid to cover living expenses. Take this time to get you life in order because it is a huge commitment and a life changing experience. i love it and am so happy to be in school.

exp in Exeter, New Hampshire said: But, ...what are the availability of actual SET days and decent pay for RDH's in your area? I'd look into it now, even if you are in school. The Dr.'s don't look at your GPA when you are applying for a position, but they do look at: skills, DA skills too if you have background, N2O and LA administration. How fast and SELLING are also in the run for the coveted job. Good luck in school, but if you can be a gopher in an office now or between yrs. at school - summer, if your program doesn't run straight through...DO IT. What year and how long is the DH program you are presently in? If you do go to school- straight through, try to see if you can work at the school, around your class days at the Reception desk, this too can be something to put on the resume. Also, if you are in an area that allows you to obtain a license in other states...take those states tests (usu. you are required to work a day in those states to keep your license "active" in their states). The more cert's, and skills you put on the res. better for you.

My program is 1 1/2 year and I am a first year student.Wwe go straight through plus we have an additional 4-6 months to screen for board patients. I have been an RDA for 10 years now. In California, we can administer anesthesia. I plan on taking the REB exam which will allow me to practice hygiene in the region instead of just in California. Thank you for your ideas!

ldunne0623@yahoo.com in Vallejo, California said: My program is 1 1/2 year and I am a first year student.Wwe go straight through plus we have an additional 4-6 months to screen for board patients. I have been an RDA for 10 years now. In California, we can administer anesthesia. I plan on taking the REB exam which will allow me to practice hygiene in the region instead of just in California. Thank you for your ideas!

Hi, I live in the NEast. In regard to "practicing in the region", yes in your state, but each state will require certain tests and $$$ to you to practice in other states...so, if you are in So. or No. CA (don't know CA towns, areawise)and can take other states tests...do so while fresh in your mind. I have licenses in MA and NH, so that if work is slow where I live I can go over the border...does the office where you were a DA looking to possibly hire you when you are licensed? That would be great...I hear you on no free time for work or real fun...I remember 27 yrs. ago, basically just school...if you wanted to pass...grueling and intense. Although, there were a couple in my class that seemed to be able to work, pass in good graces all tests, etc....don't know how and a couple even finished patients...earlier than the deadline of the qouta ! 25yr. VET