WHY , WITH ALL THAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR FIELD: OVERCROWDING ...ARE MANY CHOOSING THIS FIELD? IT DOES'NT MAKE SENSE?

The field of Dental Hygiene, is not what it use to be....don't belive the online and school info./ administrative info. ....does not tell you what you are in for...lower wages, benefits...med/dent......
not really existing in "2009" , the hourly wage is not what they tell you and the job/emplployment situation is not THERE! I am speaking from experience, as a 23 yr. VET. Investing in 30-40,000+ a yr. for a "Questionable career" is not for many! It is a shot in the dark...."there are many with YOUR qualifications, license(s), cert.'s, etc.....I just responded to a jon offer in Southern NH and they were offering ONLY: $ 28.00 an hour.....that's $8.oo+ per hour LOWER!!!
Rethink .....an think forward...30+ yrs....Benefits...retirement...do you want these ....then ... choose a field ...a career that will provide these...BEING REAL, and I don't like to see those, young or retrains....thinking "Lucrative"....NOT the DENTAL HYGIENE FIELD....NOW.....

exp in Massachusetts said: The field of Dental Hygiene, is not what it use to be....don't belive the online and school info./ administrative info. ....does not tell you what you are in for...lower wages, benefits...med/dent......
not really existing in "2009" , the hourly wage is not what they tell you and the job/emplployment situation is not THERE! I am speaking from experience, as a 23 yr. VET. Investing in 30-40,000+ a yr. for a "Questionable career" is not for many! It is a shot in the dark...."there are many with YOUR qualifications, license(s), cert.'s, etc.....I just responded to a jon offer in Southern NH and they were offering ONLY: $ 28.00 an hour.....that's $8.oo+ per hour LOWER!!!
Rethink .....an think forward...30+ yrs....Benefits...retirement...do you want these ....then ... choose a field ...a career that will provide these...BEING REAL, and I don't like to see those, young or retrains....thinking "Lucrative"....NOT the DENTAL HYGIENE FIELD....NOW.....

I agree. I discourage people for going into this field. Maybe when the economy changes then it will be worth it. My main beef is that this field has an early retirement age (50-55)and to receive your full social security (if there is any) you have to work till you 70. Can you imagine doing hyg till then. Nobody will let you work till then.

So true... And not only that. DH is a tough job.... Recently I took a job as a dental/surgical assistant in Oral/Implant Surgery. Well, we have one DH.... I rarely see her - she is always in her room, hour after hour, patient after patient, doing the same thing all over and all over again. While we (surg. assistants) and front desk girls have time to chat/laugh/have coffee between surgeries- she is like a prisoner in her room. I feel sorry for her. DH is not for everyone.

u guys need to move on to big cities where salary is 45 and up...move out

hyg sucks in Richmond, Virginia said: I agree. I discourage people for going into this field. Maybe when the economy changes then it will be worth it. My main beef is that this field has an early retirement age (50-55)and to receive your full social security (if there is any) you have to work till you 70. Can you imagine doing hyg till then. Nobody will let you work till then.

You are soooo right. I had an interview today and the dr asked me how old I am... My answer? Old enough to know you are not supposed to ask me that! I smiled back and asked him how he'd feel if in 20 years he's still working and his job depends on his age? He was embarrassed, turned red as a beet. Hygienists who say there is no discrimination are still young enough they haven't faced it yet. It's alive and well, legal or not. Second time this year.

I hear you guys loud and clear. I graduated in 2008 and I cannot find a job to save my life. Now, temp jobs are slow. I thought when I came out of school it wouldn't be a problem at all, but little did I know I still don't have a job!!! Did I choose the wrong field or what? Every interview I go on they want more experience and they tell me they have a stack of resumes on their desk from hygienist which they never have had before! I don't know what else to do??

dentalgirl in Ottawa, Illinois said: I hear you guys loud and clear. I graduated in 2008 and I cannot find a job to save my life. Now, temp jobs are slow. I thought when I came out of school it wouldn't be a problem at all, but little did I know I still don't have a job!!! Did I choose the wrong field or what? Every interview I go on they want more experience and they tell me they have a stack of resumes on their desk from hygienist which they never have had before! I don't know what else to do??

Our office has over 100 resumes in the drawer....never, EVER, have we had this many RDHs to choose from...and we aren't even LOOKING for a dental hygienist. The DHs in our office have all worked here for over 10 years....no one is leaving, yet all these DHs just keep dropping off resumes......

That's a scary thing to know that hygienists are literally walking door to door and hoping for anything. This is the dds dream, we have no bargaining power now.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: You are soooo right. I had an interview today and the dr asked me how old I am... My answer? Old enough to know you are not supposed to ask me that! I smiled back and asked him how he'd feel if in 20 years he's still working and his job depends on his age? He was embarrassed, turned red as a beet. Hygienists who say there is no discrimination are still young enough they haven't faced it yet. It's alive and well, legal or not. Second time this year.

Hi Suzanne, That interview sounds weird...unfortunately, Dr.'s seem to ask this question or check you out.....I guess he looking for a Dolly Parton type (not agewise...but). I hope he apologized, and if he offers you work? For the time being, it's a paycheck, but I wouldn't stay there beyond that......

exp in Massachusetts said: The field of Dental Hygiene, is not what it use to be....don't belive the online and school info./ administrative info. ....does not tell you what you are in for...lower wages, benefits...med/dent......
not really existing in "2009" , the hourly wage is not what they tell you and the job/emplployment situation is not THERE! I am speaking from experience, as a 23 yr. VET. Investing in 30-40,000+ a yr. for a "Questionable career" is not for many! It is a shot in the dark...."there are many with YOUR qualifications, license(s), cert.'s, etc.....I just responded to a jon offer in Southern NH and they were offering ONLY: $ 28.00 an hour.....that's $8.oo+ per hour LOWER!!!
Rethink .....an think forward...30+ yrs....Benefits...retirement...do you want these ....then ... choose a field ...a career that will provide these...BEING REAL, and I don't like to see those, young or retrains....thinking "Lucrative"....NOT the DENTAL HYGIENE FIELD....NOW.....

Hi exp:
It is because they dont do enough due dilligence. They should start by calling local dental temp agencies.

nojobs in Toronto, Ontario said: Hi exp:
It is because they dont do enough due dilligence. They should start by calling local dental temp agencies.

Hi No jobs, I think that those choosing this in 2009 as a career path are not....thinking....well, maybe about the money they thought they were going to receive...NOT...with many fields out there with benefits, retirement, etc.....I guess those who choose this will be using their telemarketing skills, unfortunately, the competition, and a lot of backstabbing, yes, I do mean this choice of word, will be something they will need to be aware of. I am not a bitter, older R.D.H., but know enough about the offices out there, that will make you wish you would have trained in another field that offers a :retirement, 401K, dent/med....yes, I know there are a "very few" that offer them....but they are in the minority. GL to all

Why dosent this field give retirement plan:-( most fields are hit by the ression now and there are 10o people tryna to get a job in the same field as u in any field u get into don't lie u know I'm right!!!!I'm goin for it at least when i finally land a job I'll be getting paid better then most with only an associate degree!!!!I'm so right

exp in Massachusetts said: Hi Suzanne, That interview sounds weird...unfortunately, Dr.'s seem to ask this question or check you out.....I guess he looking for a Dolly Parton type (not agewise...but). I hope he apologized, and if he offers you work? For the time being, it's a paycheck, but I wouldn't stay there beyond that......

Hey exp and 30 year vet,
I got a job! Interviewed today and when I got home my daughter was outside waiving her arms like a maniac, the om had called and wants me to start Dec 1. The 18th would have been 1 year laid-off. It's about 2 hours from home but you can believe I'm going. I'll figure it out. I can't believe it.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Hey exp and 30 year vet,
I got a job! Interviewed today and when I got home my daughter was outside waiving her arms like a maniac, the om had called and wants me to start Dec 1. The 18th would have been 1 year laid-off. It's about 2 hours from home but you can believe I'm going. I'll figure it out. I can't believe it.

Are you working full time or part time? 2 hour drive is a lot but congrats.....

you posted you are going to go back to school right? Are you still going now?

One year without a job is a lot too......congratulations again...

LQQKING in Fort Worth, Texas said: Are you working full time or part time? 2 hour drive is a lot but congrats.....

you posted you are going to go back to school right? Are you still going now?

One year without a job is a lot too......congratulations again...

they better be paying you well to drive that far...gas isn't cheap these days

I'm not driving it everyday. Will find a place and come home on weekends. If it works out I'll move.
Yes, I'm still going to take my 2 pre-req classes in January. I need plan b. This unemployment has scared me. The college I'm going to has classes there as well so I'm taking 2 night classes. Hope I can do it, been a long time. Thanks for the congrats!!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: I'm not driving it everyday. Will find a place and come home on weekends. If it works out I'll move.
Yes, I'm still going to take my 2 pre-req classes in January. I need plan b. This unemployment has scared me. The college I'm going to has classes there as well so I'm taking 2 night classes. Hope I can do it, been a long time. Thanks for the congrats!!

Congratulations Suzanne! I guess this Dr. realized that we older R.D.H.'s have the skills and the experience to be the asset they are looking for ! I hope that all goes well with this office, and you are getting a decent wage and possibly ben's....good to have the "plan B".....*

Thanks exp! The dr told me he wanted someone with experience and a "mature" approach to hygiene, whatever that means I'll take it. It's 35-40 hours a week and I do have some benefits...insurance after 90 days, 5 paid holidays and 401k after 1 year. So that's more than I've ever had before. Now we'll see where I'm at in 30 days, let alone 1 year. Ha-ha. I'm happy though. He's a young guy, only been practicing 6 years. Time will tell. Thanks for your support!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Thanks exp! The dr told me he wanted someone with experience and a "mature" approach to hygiene, whatever that means I'll take it. It's 35-40 hours a week and I do have some benefits...insurance after 90 days, 5 paid holidays and 401k after 1 year. So that's more than I've ever had before. Now we'll see where I'm at in 30 days, let alone 1 year. Ha-ha. I'm happy though. He's a young guy, only been practicing 6 years. Time will tell. Thanks for your support!

Good for you! Hope all goes well with the first 30days....and beyond! Can you still take the classes you wanted in Jan. 2010 for plan B? It might be a good idea...Smilingly, EXP

Congratz Suzanne, sounds great. Knew you would be snapped up by a good doc.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: That's a scary thing to know that hygienists are literally walking door to door and hoping for anything. This is the dds dream, we have no bargaining power now.

Yeah, it is sad. Ive been doing the door-to-door resume dropping off to no avail...

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Thanks exp! The dr told me he wanted someone with experience and a "mature" approach to hygiene, whatever that means I'll take it. It's 35-40 hours a week and I do have some benefits...insurance after 90 days, 5 paid holidays and 401k after 1 year. So that's more than I've ever had before. Now we'll see where I'm at in 30 days, let alone 1 year. Ha-ha. I'm happy though. He's a young guy, only been practicing 6 years. Time will tell. Thanks for your support!

Congrats Suzanne. Happy things have turned around for you.

Thank-you all so much for the support! I am really excited and looking forward to using my instruments again. I pray this practice takes off and will try my best to make it happen. I'm trying to be optimistic and that's not my nature!
I am still going to get started with my dreaded algebra class in Jan. Will go to night school 2 evenings a week and it should work out as I'll be staying through the week away from home so that will give me something to focus on. I've been down so long, I'm afraid to think it will all work out. I didn't start my cna class yesterday as I won't be here to finish it. But I guess I can do that later if I need to.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Thank-you all so much for the support! I am really excited and looking forward to using my instruments again. I pray this practice takes off and will try my best to make it happen. I'm trying to be optimistic and that's not my nature!
I am still going to get started with my dreaded algebra class in Jan. Will go to night school 2 evenings a week and it should work out as I'll be staying through the week away from home so that will give me something to focus on. I've been down so long, I'm afraid to think it will all work out. I didn't start my cna class yesterday as I won't be here to finish it. But I guess I can do that later if I need to.

Good for you Susan. Keep pluggin away and never give up!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Thank-you all so much for the support! I am really excited and looking forward to using my instruments again. I pray this practice takes off and will try my best to make it happen. I'm trying to be optimistic and that's not my nature!
I am still going to get started with my dreaded algebra class in Jan. Will go to night school 2 evenings a week and it should work out as I'll be staying through the week away from home so that will give me something to focus on. I've been down so long, I'm afraid to think it will all work out. I didn't start my cna class yesterday as I won't be here to finish it. But I guess I can do that later if I need to.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!! Hope to be in your position soon.

Hi hyg sucks,
I wish you good luck as well. I know by reading your posts you are really going through many trials. Not just professionally but personally due to the petty behavior and discrimination that has been done to you. Keep on being yourself and someone will value you! I hope it's very soon...

nojobs in Toronto, Ontario said: Good for you Susan. Keep pluggin away and never give up!

Thank-you. I was just about to the end of trying. I had 3 weeks of unemployment left and had submitted over 200 resumes all over the state. I'll keep going and pray for success. I appreciate all the comments on the forum, good and bad. My family didn't understand what I am going through but I get on here and people I don't even know say just the right things. Many of us need encouragement!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Thank-you. I was just about to the end of trying. I had 3 weeks of unemployment left and had submitted over 200 resumes all over the state. I'll keep going and pray for success. I appreciate all the comments on the forum, good and bad. My family didn't understand what I am going through but I get on here and people I don't even know say just the right things. Many of us need encouragement!

Hi Suzanne, How's the new job going? Is the practice modern, digital, etc? What's your schedule like on a daily basis? Have a Great Thanksgiving (really great for you this year!!!)* Smilingly, EXP

exp in Epping, New Hampshire said: Hi Suzanne, How's the new job going? Is the practice modern, digital, etc? What's your schedule like on a daily basis? Have a Great Thanksgiving (really great for you this year!!!)* Smilingly, EXP

Hi exp!!
I got pushed back a week, supposed to be next week but they still don't know what day! I called yesterday & told the OM I had driven down (2 hours 1 way) to look at apts and needed to know for sure day, time and when they were closing for holidays and she said she'd call me right back and still nothing. I waited an hour with a leasing agent feeling foolish so I left and went to the office and they were closed at 2pm. Supposed to be open til 5. Came back home. I called today and got voicemail. The leasing agent told me they were the "welfare" office. Not good. I talked to the doc I know who quit and she said a corporation bought the practice from a retiring dds with intentions of flipping it, they double book, rec perio on anyone with 3 4mm pockets, are digital and paperless. She said they told her asst & hyg they had to clean the office unpaid each day and 4 hours on Fri. About 7 hours a week not paid. Also, bonuses are paid on collection, not production. She said they did $200K and got nothing for the month. One thing that's really bothering me is I was supposed to go for 2 weeks training on the software and now that's off. I'm supposed to go online and pay a fee and learn it myself before next week. What's your take on that one? Thats all I know so far. I got all new scrubs and shadowed in an office yesterday to refresh myself. Trying to stay optimistic. Happy Thanksgiving and I'll keep you posted!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Hi exp!!
I got pushed back a week, supposed to be next week but they still don't know what day! I called yesterday & told the OM I had driven down (2 hours 1 way) to look at apts and needed to know for sure day, time and when they were closing for holidays and she said she'd call me right back and still nothing. I waited an hour with a leasing agent feeling foolish so I left and went to the office and they were closed at 2pm. Supposed to be open til 5. Came back home. I called today and got voicemail. The leasing agent told me they were the "welfare" office. Not good. I talked to the doc I know who quit and she said a corporation bought the practice from a retiring dds with intentions of flipping it, they double book, rec perio on anyone with 3 4mm pockets, are digital and paperless. She said they told her asst & hyg they had to clean the office unpaid each day and 4 hours on Fri. About 7 hours a week not paid. Also, bonuses are paid on collection, not production. She said they did $200K and got nothing for the month. One thing that's really bothering me is I was supposed to go for 2 weeks training on the software and now that's off. I'm supposed to go online and pay a fee and learn it myself before next week. What's your take on that one? Thats all I know so far. I got all new scrubs and shadowed in an office yesterday to refresh myself. Trying to stay optimistic. Happy Thanksgiving and I'll keep you posted!

Hi Suzanne, Sorry to hear of your predicament. How does this apt. agent know SO much about this office....fishy....Did you ask her how many times she has shown appts. to D.A.'s or R.D.H.'s for this office? I don't know about you, BUT, I personally would not pay for the training online unless I knew exactly what is happening. I would get whatever this knew Dr. has promised you in WRITING and also have him pay me for the online training PRIOR to taking the course...fishy...

exp in Epping, New Hampshire said: Hi Suzanne, Sorry to hear of your predicament. How does this apt. agent know SO much about this office....fishy....Did you ask her how many times she has shown appts. to D.A.'s or R.D.H.'s for this office? I don't know about you, BUT, I personally would not pay for the training online unless I knew exactly what is happening. I would get whatever this knew Dr. has promised you in WRITING and also have him pay me for the online training PRIOR to taking the course...fishy...

Hi Suzanne cont....Look at the temp agencies and the IN papers,etc. for Hygiene work...and let this Dr. know all that happened when you went down there...Unless, he is giving you a commitment, in writing, I think I'd bow out of this practice...also, mention what you heard about "the R.D.H.'s cleaning the office and NO pay...is it true? Take the Nursing classes....fly by night prac? Shady? sounds like it....Let us know how things work out...IN writing...from him...GL exp

Hey exp, good advice!
I called the apt agent last night and she said she only knows they take welfare patients and that it is a new office by word of mouth. The person who told me the other is the asst who quit. The dr is new and works for the corp too so he wouldn't actually be my boss. He did say at the interview the entire staff was let go after only 6 weeks of work but didn't know the specifics. I was excited but with her telling me I have to pay for the training I'm put off. It's several hundred dollars! They went into great detail at the interview about 2 weeks of software training and learning the office policies and would it be a problem for me to go to another location 2 hours away for training? I left a message for the OM this morning and said I was confused about all that. She hasn't called. In fact, Monday she said I'll call you right back and still nothing. I had asked for everything in writing at the interview so she sent me an offer, a form letter, and everything was blank except the pay! Didn't even have my name on it! I haven't signed or returned it. She said I'd start on the 1st, put a post-it on my offer, "we may want you on the 30th",when I talked to her Monday she said she'd see me the 2nd!! I said wait a minute, you need to let me know, that's next week and I have to make arrangements and she still hasn't gotten back to me. So much for professional. I feel foolish buying scrubs, getting my hotel (I backed out of apt) & telling everybody. My family can't believe the run around. My brother told me to forget it that if it's this messed up & I haven't even started to gracefully get out now. Didnt mean to write a book :).Thanks for listening.

Hi Suzanne, Start the "graceful EXIT..", NOW. If you have a phone number, e-mail, etc, emergency number....think it out, write it down and get it to them , now, even if it's the day before Thanksgiving. I don't mind the length of the above, because, it is deceptive, and misleading on their part...esp. the form with the post-it! Leave messages on all sources today. It seems they are unaware and not forthcoming (if the receptionist person knows anything)about important information for you. You are not in the wrong either, if they say you have the position with the lack of professionalism they have expressed.....In spite of this....have a nice Thanksgiving....let the others cook or take you out (family). Talk to you soon, Exp

Wow, sorry you are going through this Suzanne. This is just proof of the sad state dental hygiene is in right now. I think exp gave you some good advice about backing out now. Dont sound like this office will be worth all the headache, and the unprofessional mannner in which they are treating you is only a warning of things to come.
Any training needed should be something they foot the bill for. That just sounds suspect that they will want you to pay for it. I wish you the best. I can just about imagine how you must be feeling.
Stay encouraged! Enjoy your holiday with your family. Something will happen for you. GL

Hi Suzanne, How are you doing this evening? (Wed 11/25)? Have you sent that Dr./practice any letter yet of NOT taking the position offered? Let them know exactly WHY...you are not in the wrong on this...it is on your hard drive as far as what you've written and sent (I'm fairly new to computers...but am learning fast...make a copy and e-mail yourself back so as to show you sent them notice....). Gooble.....Happy T.g.! Think forward to Nursing and or an office who will appreciate your professionalism and EXPERIENCE! Even though R.D.H. situation is bad everywhere, maybe, you should look in the Northeast....Indeed, Simplyhired, Hotjobs...to start....someday you'll either find the right practice or be the Charge Nurse....confidence....in YOU! Smiles, Exp

Thanks to both of you for the support. I never did hear from anyone before they left for the holiday so I'm going to go ahead and enjoy my family tomorrow and try not to think about it. I've been worried for 3 days and apparently they don't care.
It IS sad to wait for an offer for a year and this is what our profession is about. I have no intention of paying for the training. Funny how they just switched that up but I'm not going to be intimidated like that. Pretty nervy. Both of you have good a good and safe holiday!

Hi Suzanne! Good for you! Don't let them ruin your holiday! They are a shady practice and not forthcoming...letters to them online , etc. TONIGHT...best bet for you...and if they don't understand....then, again be graceful, and put it nicely (as you can considering the circ's). Don't let yourself be caught up in their ........(yes insert your own word, as applicable (sp). I feel you do NOT have a contract...as you did NOT sign anything...SO, you are not obligated...if they say otherwise, then, say you have been offered a position closer to home....ACT....they are deceptive and do NOT DESERVE AN R.D.H.... with your qualifications and professionalism....SMILES!!!!Exp

Good morning exp, Very good point.
Last night a friend of mine came by with a new accquaitance(sp) of hers and he's a lawyer. In talking I told a little about my situation and he asked if he could see my offer letter. He laughed and said NOT to sign it! He said I shouldn't even correspond with this OM. Either she's a complete slacker or deliberately trying to pull a fast one. He said to send the paperwork back registered mail to the corporate office with a simple note that a blank document is not considered legal (which they know but I want them to know I'm not an idiot) and if this is a preview of things to come, thanks but no thanks. He said no other verbage is necessary. So I just typed that and have it ready to go tomorrow!! He also mentioned something I want to pass along. He said anytime you do get your offer in writing to make sure it states both parties may terminate "at will" otherwise if something happens and you quit on the spot you can be held responsible for lost fees to the practice. Even if you give a 2 week notice (without that claus) you can be held liable until you are replaced. He said he just represented an assistant who walked out in the middle of the day because dr came back from lunch with alcohol on his breath. He sued her for thousands of dollars in lost production and tried to add on his advertising fee for a replacement! Outrageous. She did have to pay for 2 days of production but the judge said he could have gotten a temp and dismissed the rest. Can you believe it? But the point is if she had that in her contract the whole thing would not have happened. I think this is good to know.
Got my turkey on and my grandson's up so better get on with the good stuff!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Good morning exp, Very good point.
Last night a friend of mine came by with a new accquaitance(sp) of hers and he's a lawyer. In talking I told a little about my situation and he asked if he could see my offer letter. He laughed and said NOT to sign it! He said I shouldn't even correspond with this OM. Either she's a complete slacker or deliberately trying to pull a fast one. He said to send the paperwork back registered mail to the corporate office with a simple note that a blank document is not considered legal (which they know but I want them to know I'm not an idiot) and if this is a preview of things to come, thanks but no thanks. He said no other verbage is necessary. So I just typed that and have it ready to go tomorrow!! He also mentioned something I want to pass along. He said anytime you do get your offer in writing to make sure it states both parties may terminate "at will" otherwise if something happens and you quit on the spot you can be held responsible for lost fees to the practice. Even if you give a 2 week notice (without that claus) you can be held liable until you are replaced. He said he just represented an assistant who walked out in the middle of the day because dr came back from lunch with alcohol on his breath. He sued her for thousands of dollars in lost production and tried to add on his advertising fee for a replacement! Outrageous. She did have to pay for 2 days of production but the judge said he could have gotten a temp and dismissed the rest. Can you believe it? But the point is if she had that in her contract the whole thing would not have happened. I think this is good to know.
Got my turkey on and my grandson's up so better get on with the good stuff!

Happy Thanksgiving Suzanne! Hope your day is a good one! Nice free advice from the lawyer/friend....I think that judge handed a wrong decision down to the D.A.,the WHOLE thing should have been dismissed. Dr. in cahouts w/Dr.

cont....from above. Correction of last sentence: "Dr. in cahouts with the Judge? The lawyer for the girl should have spoken to the ?/KNOWN that the Dr. could have had a temp. come/ there are alot of "last minute D.A.'s waiting on calls for work...and/or he could have had the R.D.H. or O.M. or Front desk person help him....If I were her I would make an appeal and state the OBVIOUS in a well worded letter and note agencies and contacts (which the Dr. probably has...in his rolodex, for ie-D.A. out "sick". Appeal!

cont...above, can the Lawyer get witnesses: other office staff and or the patient in the chair to be subpoenaed (sp)...for written documentation of what they witnessed...the truth in front of a Judge again .....esp the patient that was in the chair....??? You, the D.A., need to also make sure you tell all to your lawyer, you could have mentioned to your lawyer agencies, scribbled him a note...to interject this pertinent info....Judge made a bad call, esp. when the Dr. makes $$$$$$ and the D.A. makes squat....trying to pay her monthly bills! Appeal!

He didn't offer much detail, I had just met him and was grateful for the advice he gave me. He didn't say but I had the feeling she isn't from my area so don't know if I will hear anything through the grapevine or not. He was just telling me how to protect myself from possible future problems when asking for an offer in writing. Thought others might benefit from the advice.
I'm sure that DA was and still is irate! Can you imagine? I thought I had heard just about everything but that was a new one on me. Heck, it's hard enough to get a dr to stand by his word let alone put it in writing. You'd never get a job if you said "I'll have to take this to my lawyer before I sign on the dotted line". HA! But according to him that's what a savvy person should do. He said it's no different than any other contract except that if you do get sued the dr has more funds to expend than you do so take precautions first. Makes sense but I never have.

I wish I had received this advice before I finished a DH program last year! I think the problem is both the schools/admission reps and the news media. They pimp healthcare jobs so much that it seems everyone jumped on the bandwagon. Even now, Yahoo and MSN publish stories a couple times per month listing the "hottest" and "best paying" jobs, etc. and Hygienist is invariably among the list.

I had considered a job in the healthcare field for many years but never had the time to go back to school full time. I lost my job and decided to give it a shot. I went to the school orientation (community college) and the rep said that most of the students from the previous class were practically hired right upon graduation, got great paying jobs, etc. So of course I enrolled. A few months in, I happened to meet a dentist at a party. Through conversation, he said that while he would never discourage anyone from continuing their education, me trying to become a DH might be a waste of time. He said only is the Hygeniest job market biased against men, but he had more resumes from both recent graduates and those with years of experience than he needed.

I thought well, something will work out for me. I graduated near top of my class about a year ago and have not had even so much as an interview. Now I am near $12,000 in student loan debt and nothing to show for it. I thought about going back for Medical Radiography but after speaking with a few RT's at a hospital, that job market isn't much better plus the starting pay is even less than Hygeniests (not that it matters when you can't get the job anyway). I am trying to get into an RN program right now, since I already met the pre-reqs. But because of everyone trying to get into healthcare there is a waiting list of up to 2 years at the community colleges here.

Nursing isn't much better. The reason there are so many nursing jobs is because of the time it takes to complete a nursing program and the prerequisites, many people give up before completing it. But you have to ask yourself, WHY are there still so many nursing jobs when all of the other health fields are overcrowded? It's because nursing is one of the hardest, least desirable positions. You have to deal not only with the patients, who are often abusive to the nurses because you're the front line person they deal with, and also with doctors who treat you like a second class citizen.

MarisaL in San Diego, California said: Nursing isn't much better. The reason there are so many nursing jobs is because of the time it takes to complete a nursing program and the prerequisites, many people give up before completing it. But you have to ask yourself, WHY are there still so many nursing jobs when all of the other health fields are overcrowded? It's because nursing is one of the hardest, least desirable positions. You have to deal not only with the patients, who are often abusive to the nurses because you're the front line person they deal with, and also with doctors who treat you like a second class citizen.

sounds similar to dental hygiene. Only hygienists have to be nice. I have met some pretty bold nurses in my lifetime.
They still have jobs. Dentists aren't much better than doctors.

I hope that anyone choosing to train in this field does their
RESEARCH.....
Know info, other than what the schools, articles and jobs online
say....it's rough out there for many GREAT R.D.H.'s....and even if
you know your worth and have all the tech and cont. ed and certificates beyond the training at schools....and whether you are
very good at what you do...to those who say I'm scared of new R.D.H.'s competing with me....my concern is the bill of goods being sold to you from those who are not in our situation....your Dr. can easily replace you....and may if needed with finances or your mannner....the employment market for us is very competitive now and the pay in many states has changed...think of your FUTURE, do you want money, and a comfortable old age...many of us , as far as retirement, if we don't have a husband's income, have to count on our own ability to save and invest...not much in the way of retirement,etc . for the R.D.H., and regular/set hours and days????Think forward and do your research....