Wages in Edmonton and Calgary

anyone know what current wages for a new grad dental hygienist is in Edmonton and Calgary?

Hi! I was applying for jobs in both of those areas as a new grad and I was getting offers between 50-55/hr

Kara said: anyone know what current wages for a new grad dental hygienist is in Edmonton and Calgary?

I have a temp position available.

would be rally interested in knowing the wage for new grads and as well how much it would changes with experience

Very few jobs available in edmonton or calgary....too many fast tracked school graduates coming to alberta from their provinces where they've FLOODED the market with their 'quick grads'....

does anyone know the starting wage in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie?

Circe in Ontario said: does anyone know the starting wage in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie?

Contact temp. agencies in those areas, then, subtract around $5-10
dollars.

Circe in Ontario said: does anyone know the starting wage in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie?

I work full time in fort mc murray and WAGES ARE GOING DOWN... as the MARKET IS FLOODED with new grads from ontario... and it is getting worse daily.... the rent is $2000.00 per month for a run down _ _ _ _ hole of an apartment. So don't bother coming there

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Very few jobs available in edmonton or calgary....too many fast tracked school graduates coming to alberta from their provinces where they've FLOODED the market with their 'quick grads'....

I could not agree with you more... it is kind of scary....

Fort Mc Murray Hygienist in Calgary, Alberta said: I could not agree with you more... it is kind of scary....

Hey guys.....it's very sad what has been happening within our job market in Alberta and across the country. It isn't rocket science...if there are only 15,000 DHs in the country, and one province (ON) is graduating 1100 PER YEAR for the last 4 years...we've got a FLOODING of grads into the whole system creating a gluttony of RDHs. Far too many 'fast track' schools graduating far too many "DHs" and this is what you get... The quality of dental hygienist will no doubt be compromised as one compares a 4 year BSc grad and an 18 month (no preprofessional year) graduate....come on guys---you've GOT to be kidding!! Pathetic...and who is smiling all the way to the bank....knowing the market's flooded and DHs are a dime a dozen and will almost work for ANY hourly wage JUST TO GET A JOB and start paying off that HUGE PRIVATE school tuition bill......

it's all just so sad.....

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Hey guys.....it's very sad what has been happening within our job market in Alberta and across the country. It isn't rocket science...if there are only 15,000 DHs in the country, and one province (ON) is graduating 1100 PER YEAR for the last 4 years...we've got a FLOODING of grads into the whole system creating a gluttony of RDHs. Far too many 'fast track' schools graduating far too many "DHs" and this is what you get... The quality of dental hygienist will no doubt be compromised as one compares a 4 year BSc grad and an 18 month (no preprofessional year) graduate....come on guys---you've GOT to be kidding!! Pathetic...and who is smiling all the way to the bank....knowing the market's flooded and DHs are a dime a dozen and will almost work for ANY hourly wage JUST TO GET A JOB and start paying off that HUGE PRIVATE school tuition bill......

it's all just so sad.....

Hi 30yr VET, It's 23yr VET. Yes, it is sad, but two D.H.'s down here in the states say that TX and Spokane Washington have plenty of jobs (new D.H.'s who have employment)....so, send those who want a license in the states to work D.H. to those areas....we'll see how long those 2 have their jobs. They feel what we who are looking or competing with the many are in the wrong field, and are not passionate about what we do, or it's just us....so to all who want a job in D.H.....check out their threads. It's sad when those like these two D.H.'s say jobs (tangented to teacher, healthcare, etc...)can find employment, you just aren't "passionate" and really looking. Experience? Money saved by the Dr.? These, are not taken into account...maybe, someday they will understand what alot of others are saying...or they may just continue to have tunnel vision as to what's going on in D.H.

exp in Epping, New Hampshire said: Hi 30yr VET, It's 23yr VET. Yes, it is sad, but two D.H.'s down here in the states say that TX and Spokane Washington have plenty of jobs (new D.H.'s who have employment)....so, send those who want a license in the states to work D.H. to those areas....we'll see how long those 2 have their jobs. They feel what we who are looking or competing with the many are in the wrong field, and are not passionate about what we do, or it's just us....so to all who want a job in D.H.....check out their threads. It's sad when those like these two D.H.'s say jobs (tangented to teacher, healthcare, etc...)can find employment, you just aren't "passionate" and really looking. Experience? Money saved by the Dr.? These, are not taken into account...maybe, someday they will understand what alot of others are saying...or they may just continue to have tunnel vision as to what's going on in D.H.

I have a great job...and will continue working there for quite some time....it is the new grads i'm worried about...and the fact that my daughter is finishing her first year of sciences and has applied to dental hygiene.....i'm worried for her.....sad for her.....DEGREE FOR ENTRY should be required across Canada within the next five years I hope.....but meantime....we have 18 month grads grabbing jobs wherever they can....quality IS BEING compromised....I've seen it first hand.....

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: I have a great job...and will continue working there for quite some time....it is the new grads i'm worried about...and the fact that my daughter is finishing her first year of sciences and has applied to dental hygiene.....i'm worried for her.....sad for her.....DEGREE FOR ENTRY should be required across Canada within the next five years I hope.....but meantime....we have 18 month grads grabbing jobs wherever they can....quality IS BEING compromised....I've seen it first hand.....

I agree the province is getting flooded with 18 month grads but when you graduated 30 years ago I am assuming like most dental hygiene programs it was 2 yrs or (16 month programs). The one thing about going to University is you have to take two years of general courses before you get into your specified field. Some of these courses I know first hand can be nothing or very little to do with your specified field, there just credits you need to graduate. It's too bad for anyone who wants to get a degree has to take some of these classes which just cost more and take more time to graduate. I do however know the “quick grads” have to write the same exams as anyone who takes the 4yr program to be a RDH.

30 years ago, I did four years at the U of A. Sciences first and then dental hygiene.

Lloydminster in Edmonton, Alberta said: I agree the province is getting flooded with 18 month grads but when you graduated 30 years ago I am assuming like most dental hygiene programs it was 2 yrs or (16 month programs). The one thing about going to University is you have to take two years of general courses before you get into your specified field. Some of these courses I know first hand can be nothing or very little to do with your specified field, there just credits you need to graduate. It's too bad for anyone who wants to get a degree has to take some of these classes which just cost more and take more time to graduate. I do however know the “quick grads” have to write the same exams as anyone who takes the 4yr program to be a RDH.

I do know for a fact many of the hygienists in the "quick" programs are people that have undergrad degrees. Some of these people have much more education than some of the people complaining about the quick grads. If this is true & they are educated, the rdh field should not be so compromised. I went to a "quick" school with someone with 7 years university. At 1 point degrees for hygiene really had nothing to do with hygiene. Now the schools are offering relevant classes in the degree programs. How many masters programs have anything to do with hygiene? I'm sure there are a couple but not many. I also think that being a DA should be a requirement to entry to hygiene. Many very experienced RDHs couldn't explain procedures to patients if their live depended on it. Then again, they don't understand them either.

I disagree about hygienists being DAs first. That would truly suck. I for one would never become a DA. DA school doesn't teach very much about the science of dentistry (even dental biology) at all, but hygiene school does. Of course our professional focus and scope is perio, and we are intensively trained on the science and treatment of perio issues, as it should be. Some hygienists work for specialists and have no need to know about restorations anyways, others are allowed to work with GPs focused only on perio also. Nothing wrong with that.

DAs learn most of what they know from the doc - as should hygienists when it comes to restorative procedures. I agree hygienists should be better trained on explaining restorative options, but I don't think DAing is the way to teach them. I am more well versed on restorative options than the DAs I work with - I learned much of it by working with 5 different dentists. I do respect the hard work DAs do, however. If you ask me to assist the dentist, forget it - I am useless at it, just as most DAs (in GP offices) are useless at understanding and treating perio.

I went into dental hygiene to do dental hygiene. I shouldn't have to do assisting first. It's like asking an engineer to start out as an accountant's assistant - a waste of time doing unrelated work.

skrrrrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: I disagree about hygienists being DAs first. That would truly suck. I for one would never become a DA. DA school doesn't teach very much about the science of dentistry (even dental biology) at all, but hygiene school does. Of course our professional focus and scope is perio, and we are intensively trained on the science and treatment of perio issues, as it should be. Some hygienists work for specialists and have no need to know about restorations anyways, others are allowed to work with GPs focused only on perio also. Nothing wrong with that.

DAs learn most of what they know from the doc - as should hygienists when it comes to restorative procedures. I agree hygienists should be better trained on explaining restorative options, but I don't think DAing is the way to teach them. I am more well versed on restorative options than the DAs I work with - I learned much of it by working with 5 different dentists. I do respect the hard work DAs do, however. If you ask me to assist the dentist, forget it - I am useless at it, just as most DAs (in GP offices) are useless at understanding and treating perio.

I went into dental hygiene to do dental hygiene. I shouldn't have to do assisting first. It's like asking an engineer to start out as an accountant's assistant - a waste of time doing unrelated work.

Agreed. There is nothing I feel I could have gained by doing DA first. We did restorative in school so even had that covered.

Wages in Calgary and Edmonton are dropping big time. But the biggest problem is that there are no jobs....none.....the flooded market of ontario has infected our province and unfortunately, the problem is not being addressed fast enough to turn this ship around. We're heading for the ICEBERG.

If you have the marks, go into medicine, pharmacy, physio, etc etc....research out many different jobs and their opportunities for work and stability and benefits and pensions.....

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Wages in Calgary and Edmonton are dropping big time. But the biggest problem is that there are no jobs....none.....the flooded market of ontario has infected our province and unfortunately, the problem is not being addressed fast enough to turn this ship around. We're heading for the ICEBERG.

If you have the marks, go into medicine, pharmacy, physio, etc etc....research out many different jobs and their opportunities for work and stability and benefits and pensions.....

Hi 30yr VET, Well said!!! I don't know why those thinking of a career continue to think D.H. is "the field of opportunity"....$$$ and employment. After spending the ridiculous amount of money it takes now, they hopefully will find employment...the thing is I think, many want to go into "practice" not Administrative, or sales, as those who say "there are many opportunities,...you should go with your heart...not "REALITY". We are offering I feel more of the downward turn D.H. has taken, to those few in good offices today with ben's....we are truthful, not "negative" as many say-but people will continue to hear and do what they want to, their choice....RESEARCH THE AREA YOU WANT TO WORK IN NOW...SEE HOW MANY R.D.H.'S HAVE REGULAR SET DAYS AND A PAYCHECK THEY CAN COUNT ON, BENEFITS (not now for most)...

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Hey guys.....it's very sad what has been happening within our job market in Alberta and across the country. It isn't rocket science...if there are only 15,000 DHs in the country, and one province (ON) is graduating 1100 PER YEAR for the last 4 years...we've got a FLOODING of grads into the whole system creating a gluttony of RDHs. Far too many 'fast track' schools graduating far too many "DHs" and this is what you get... The quality of dental hygienist will no doubt be compromised as one compares a 4 year BSc grad and an 18 month (no preprofessional year) graduate....come on guys---you've GOT to be kidding!! Pathetic...and who is smiling all the way to the bank....knowing the market's flooded and DHs are a dime a dozen and will almost work for ANY hourly wage JUST TO GET A JOB and start paying off that HUGE PRIVATE school tuition bill......

it's all just so sad.....

hmmmm even if they were all 4 year programs they would still have that many students coming out, someone is just mad that they took forever to figure out a job that only takes 18 months to figure out.

...oly...I'm assuming from your post that you are one of the fast track school 'hygienists', and just want to thank you for helping participate in taking our profession back to the 19th century as far as respect, education and quality of care.

You should feel proud about your personal contribution to the happiness and increase of $$ for the DDS and the continuing downward spiral of dental hygiene.

oly in Toronto, Ontario said: hmmmm even if they were all 4 year programs they would still have that many students coming out, someone is just mad that they took forever to figure out a job that only takes 18 months to figure out.

Have you not read the posts??? 18M is not "long enough" to "figure out" hygiene...that's why quickie grads from these private schools SUCK!!!! I am saying this from personal experience with MANY of them; they weren't qualified or capable of getting accepted into a university level or public course and as a result are technically and mentally immature.
Should also add not all of them but yes, the majority of them.

anony in Calgary, Alberta said: Have you not read the posts??? 18M is not "long enough" to "figure out" hygiene...that's why quickie grads from these private schools SUCK!!!! I am saying this from personal experience with MANY of them; they weren't qualified or capable of getting accepted into a university level or public course and as a result are technically and mentally immature.
Should also add not all of them but yes, the majority of them.

haha thats funny cuz i moved from alberta 4 years ago and went to an accreditted school and moved back and am now making 65 bucks an hour for the last year and a half and my dentist loves me! I do understand the credibility part as many schools dont require much to pass, my school required triple the amount of patients as most schools so my experience was plenty. everyone in the province is worried about thier jobs, i guarauntee that contractors, plumbers, electritians are all complaining about the same thing, the fact is, get some more education and something that will make your dentist want to pay you more or even keep you from what im hearing. its a dog eat dog world so suck it up.

Thanks oly..you just confirmed what I've already thought about the fast track schools. Sometimes you should keep quiet rather than speak and remove all doubt.

I'm thinking of applying to UBC's dental hygiene program, but after some research, I found that their entrance average last year was 91%!! I heard the job market in Alberta is really great and hygienists are making 70$ an hour. If I'm crunching my numbers right, working 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year, it comes to about 122K. That's almost what new dental graduates make! I don't really care about benefits since I figure 122k is plenty enough for one person, even after taxes. Should I apply to a private college instead? Which college would you recommend????

oly in Toronto, Ontario said: haha thats funny cuz i moved from alberta 4 years ago and went to an accreditted school and moved back and am now making 65 bucks an hour for the last year and a half and my dentist loves me! I do understand the credibility part as many schools dont require much to pass, my school required triple the amount of patients as most schools so my experience was plenty. everyone in the province is worried about thier jobs, i guarauntee that contractors, plumbers, electritians are all complaining about the same thing, the fact is, get some more education and something that will make your dentist want to pay you more or even keep you from what im hearing. its a dog eat dog world so suck it up.

Oly, why did you not try to get into the University of Alberta Dental Hygiene program....? just for interest sake....??

Tanya in Montreal, Quebec said: I'm thinking of applying to UBC's dental hygiene program, but after some research, I found that their entrance average last year was 91%!! I heard the job market in Alberta is really great and hygienists are making 70$ an hour. If I'm crunching my numbers right, working 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year, it comes to about 122K. That's almost what new dental graduates make! I don't really care about benefits since I figure 122k is plenty enough for one person, even after taxes. Should I apply to a private college instead? Which college would you recommend????

Tanya,
There are no jobs in Alberta---Edmonton and Calgary are both flooded with Ontario DH grads....since there are no jobs in Ontario left, with Ontario graduating 1100 DHs PER YEAR over the last 4 years.....they are flooding the rest of the country.....and it's very apparent the irresponsible graduation of FAR TOO MANY DHs from these schools has irreparably changed the DH job market.
If I were you, I'd look into other health fields....physio, nursing, occupational therapy, nutrition, radiography, ultrasound tech....etc..... check out all the other possibilities, job shadow other professions.....investigate the options. Dental Hygiene is not what it used to be....and will never be the same again....

30 year vet in Germany said: Oly, why did you not try to get into the University of Alberta Dental Hygiene program....? just for interest sake....??

The wait in the U of A was as long as the program in ontario so i decided to go there, not a fan of waiting a year and then spending 4 there, thats five years! thats 3 years of money making that i would have wasted.

oly in Toronto, Ontario said: The wait in the U of A was as long as the program in ontario so i decided to go there, not a fan of waiting a year and then spending 4 there, thats five years! thats 3 years of money making that i would have wasted.

Actually there is no 'waiting list' for the University of Alberta program. Either you get in or you don't....either you have the marks to be admitted or you don't. No one is 'carried over' to the next year..... That is one of the reasons why I see such a solid group of students from the U of A program---they're smart, articulate, and have the abilities to understand all the material they will learn and also apply this education into the profession. These are not students who just come along with the right amount of tuition money....they have to compete for a position within a QUOTA faculty/department. It's not simply, bring tuition money and we'll get you in. I find the idea that some Ontario grads only needed biology 20, and a passing average of 60% and no pre-professional year, and they GET IN TO DENTAL HYGIENE.
The fact that you suggest in your post "the wait in the U of A was as long as the program......" convinces me you don't get it....that you didn't even apply cause then you'd KNOW THERE WAS NO WAITING LIST.....you maybe just didn't have the marks required to GET IN to the U of A.....but quite possibly you had THE MONEY to get into an Ontario school.

30 year vet in United Kingdom said: Actually there is no 'waiting list' for the University of Alberta program. Either you get in or you don't....either you have the marks to be admitted or you don't. No one is 'carried over' to the next year..... That is one of the reasons why I see such a solid group of students from the U of A program---they're smart, articulate, and have the abilities to understand all the material they will learn and also apply this education into the profession. These are not students who just come along with the right amount of tuition money....they have to compete for a position within a QUOTA faculty/department. It's not simply, bring tuition money and we'll get you in. I find the idea that some Ontario grads only needed biology 20, and a passing average of 60% and no pre-professional year, and they GET IN TO DENTAL HYGIENE.
The fact that you suggest in your post "the wait in the U of A was as long as the program......" convinces me you don't get it....that you didn't even apply cause then you'd KNOW THERE WAS NO WAITING LIST.....you maybe just didn't have the marks required to GET IN to the U of A.....but quite possibly you had THE MONEY to get into an Ontario school.

When did they abolish the wait list at U of A? At 1 time it was at least 5 years. I do know this for a fact as there was 1 when I was going to apply to complete my degree. It was on the website. That was 3-4 years ago.

FYI - SIAST in Saskatchewan previously and probably still has ridiculously long waiting list to get into the Dental Hygiene program. You only need 70% in certain subjects to get in. Oh and it is a two year program, always has been and there is no stupidly high tuition fee that you see in Ontario since it's the same type of college as NAIT and SAIT.

P.S. people lets not get too harsh everyone writes the same National exam in the end right? I do agree though there's too many grads that are flooding the market. Wages are going to go lower and good luck finding a job in any major city. I heard there hiring in Nunavut! jj

30 year vet in United Kingdom said: Actually there is no 'waiting list' for the University of Alberta program. Either you get in or you don't....either you have the marks to be admitted or you don't. No one is 'carried over' to the next year..... That is one of the reasons why I see such a solid group of students from the U of A program---they're smart, articulate, and have the abilities to understand all the material they will learn and also apply this education into the profession. These are not students who just come along with the right amount of tuition money....they have to compete for a position within a QUOTA faculty/department. It's not simply, bring tuition money and we'll get you in. I find the idea that some Ontario grads only needed biology 20, and a passing average of 60% and no pre-professional year, and they GET IN TO DENTAL HYGIENE.
The fact that you suggest in your post "the wait in the U of A was as long as the program......" convinces me you don't get it....that you didn't even apply cause then you'd KNOW THERE WAS NO WAITING LIST.....you maybe just didn't have the marks required to GET IN to the U of A.....but quite possibly you had THE MONEY to get into an Ontario school.

Not too sure when you checked last but there is definatly a waiting list and no i did not have the money like most of the rich kids that were in my school, i took a student loan. The biggest miss conception is that you pay the money and you pass which is not true, i took ten classes per semester plus my client care, 14 out of the 52 did not graduate as well so its not a cake walk thats for sure. I do agree that it is flooded but we just gotta keep working and improving ourselves, but i guess a good ramble or two is a good stress release, but kinda pointless. good luck everyone

MacUser...did you go to the same school as oly? It certainly sounds like it.

I think Vet is justifiably objecting, IMO, to the frightening regression in the graduating requirements of the fast track schools. We have gone BACKWARDS. Is that not ridiculous..and does that not bother you?

Yes, you and oly and god knows how many 1000s of others are now 'hygienists', but at what price?

You have contributed to the watering down, flooding of the market, and disintegration of the respect and prestige of being an RDH. Whether intentionally or unintentionally.

And, I'd really love to have known your motivation.

From the outside..yes, we all do write the same board..but how many pass, and how much time in the fast track schools is focused on teaching 'to' the board? How much time is given to teaching quality of care and skills? There are ONLY 18 months in the entire program, from start to finish!
Give that a good long think.

waterbug100 in Nanaimo, British Columbia said: MacUser...did you go to the same school as oly? It certainly sounds like it.

I think Vet is justifiably objecting, IMO, to the frightening regression in the graduating requirements of the fast track schools. We have gone BACKWARDS. Is that not ridiculous..and does that not bother you?

Yes, you and oly and god knows how many 1000s of others are now 'hygienists', but at what price?

You have contributed to the watering down, flooding of the market, and disintegration of the respect and prestige of being an RDH. Whether intentionally or unintentionally.

And, I'd really love to have known your motivation.

From the outside..yes, we all do write the same board..but how many pass, and how much time in the fast track schools is focused on teaching 'to' the board? How much time is given to teaching quality of care and skills? There are ONLY 18 months in the entire program, from start to finish!
Give that a good long think.

I Actually did not go to a private school in Ontario. Of course it bothers me but I take it with a grain of salt (hence I was joking). Complaining on here does nothing. What everyone needs to do is starting writing to the CDHA with there complaints and maybe something might be done about the excess grads.

From the Outside looking in has a good point I didn't know that SIAST had a two year program. I wonder why they haven't added in the two years of science and make it a degree.

Mac User in Edmonton, Alberta said: Haven't you made enough money already? Why don't you retire so the rest of the grads from Ontario/Alberta could have a job! Oh and I'm just bugging you. I thought I better include that so you don't go on another rant.

Mac User, Are you new to DH? Recent grad? If you have a job that's great...but, don't start a "why don't you retire...". Offer helpful info. to others in any positive experiences YOU are having....the market is flooded, so if you are having a hard time finding work you can possibly tangent into a related medical field with recent courses...it's very tough out there for everybody. Vet is only giving what she sees and knows from being in the field for a longtime. Many older RDH's are also STAYING in practice because of loss of income from recession, still enjoy the field , have kids in college, paying mortgages....etc. The schools don't tell you the truth about the lack of job opp's in pp nowadays. The states are going through the same thing in many areas so I understand as a colleague with many yrs. too...What exp's can you offer recent grads and students about the present situation of many in the field and not enough work (unless you want to pursue outside PP...)? My opinion? I feel when students and recent grads have their licenses...they want to start in PP? What's your take?

exp in Exeter, New Hampshire said: Mac User, Are you new to DH? Recent grad? If you have a job that's great...but, don't start a "why don't you retire...". Offer helpful info. to others in any positive experiences YOU are having....the market is flooded, so if you are having a hard time finding work you can possibly tangent into a related medical field with recent courses...it's very tough out there for everybody. Vet is only giving what she sees and knows from being in the field for a longtime. Many older RDH's are also STAYING in practice because of loss of income from recession, still enjoy the field , have kids in college, paying mortgages....etc. The schools don't tell you the truth about the lack of job opp's in pp nowadays. The states are going through the same thing in many areas so I understand as a colleague with many yrs. too...What exp's can you offer recent grads and students about the present situation of many in the field and not enough work (unless you want to pursue outside PP...)? My opinion? I feel when students and recent grads have their licenses...they want to start in PP? What's your take?

No I'm not new, I'm not a recent grad and I do have a job. Again it was a joke because that person LIKES TO USE CAPITALS (and seemed a little harsh) and again I will say I have noticed how few jobs there are out there and the need for some measures to be taken. The bottom line is schools need to make money in order to stay in business. Therefore they will say dental hygienists is a good occupation and there's lots of jobs out there. It's the same idea with realtors in the housing market (it's always a good time to buy a house). I don't know about in the states but it seems there is a dentist office, hair salon, and liquor store on every corner here in Alberta. In order to start a PP a person would need the desire, money, clientele, and a dentist and to be successful. Oh and some experience couldn't hurt right?

Mac User in Edmonton, Alberta said: No I'm not new, I'm not a recent grad and I do have a job. Again it was a joke because that person LIKES TO USE CAPITALS (and seemed a little harsh) and again I will say I have noticed how few jobs there are out there and the need for some measures to be taken. The bottom line is schools need to make money in order to stay in business. Therefore they will say dental hygienists is a good occupation and there's lots of jobs out there. It's the same idea with realtors in the housing market (it's always a good time to buy a house). I don't know about in the states but it seems there is a dentist office, hair salon, and liquor store on every corner here in Alberta. In order to start a PP a person would need the desire, money, clientele, and a dentist and to be successful. Oh and some experience couldn't hurt right?

Ch out bright smiles dental hygiene website

Mac User in Edmonton, Alberta said: No I'm not new, I'm not a recent grad and I do have a job. Again it was a joke because that person LIKES TO USE CAPITALS (and seemed a little harsh) and again I will say I have noticed how few jobs there are out there and the need for some measures to be taken. The bottom line is schools need to make money in order to stay in business. Therefore they will say dental hygienists is a good occupation and there's lots of jobs out there. It's the same idea with realtors in the housing market (it's always a good time to buy a house). I don't know about in the states but it seems there is a dentist office, hair salon, and liquor store on every corner here in Alberta. In order to start a PP a person would need the desire, money, clientele, and a dentist and to be successful. Oh and some experience couldn't hurt right?

And Cusp Dental Hygiene
The Edge Dental Hygiene Centre
Dentique

According to the U of Alberta, the future couldn't be rosier for dental hygienists!

from the U of A website:
There are many reasons why you should consider a career in Dental Hygiene. As a career, it:
provides almost guaranteed employment;
offers flexible working schedules in pleasant and safe surroundings;
offers above-average remuneration in a respected health care profession;

www.dent.ualberta.ca/dentalhygiene.cfm

ALMOST GUARANTEED employment - well they wrote it so it must be true?

skrrrrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: According to the U of Alberta, the future couldn't be rosier for dental hygienists!

from the U of A website:
There are many reasons why you should consider a career in Dental Hygiene. As a career, it:
provides almost guaranteed employment;
offers flexible working schedules in pleasant and safe surroundings;
offers above-average remuneration in a respected health care profession;

www.dent.ualberta.ca/dentalhygiene.cfm

ALMOST GUARANTEED employment - well they wrote it so it must be true?

They have been notified MANY time about what is going on in the marketplace....been told to UPDATE their site.

exp in Epping, New Hampshire said: Hi 30yr VET, It's 23yr VET. Yes, it is sad, but two D.H.'s down here in the states say that TX and Spokane Washington have plenty of jobs (new D.H.'s who have employment)....so, send those who want a license in the states to work D.H. to those areas....we'll see how long those 2 have their jobs. They feel what we who are looking or competing with the many are in the wrong field, and are not passionate about what we do, or it's just us....so to all who want a job in D.H.....check out their threads. It's sad when those like these two D.H.'s say jobs (tangented to teacher, healthcare, etc...)can find employment, you just aren't "passionate" and really looking. Experience? Money saved by the Dr.? These, are not taken into account...maybe, someday they will understand what alot of others are saying...or they may just continue to have tunnel vision as to what's going on in D.H.

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I am a " new grad" from Ontario but I agree with you guys. I was a Dentist back home and I had to go through a long and difficult process in order to get into an acredited program (wich is not the same as those
private and expensive schools in Ontario that anybody with the money can get in). For me, that I have previuos background and experience working on the field, 18 month were more than enough. I just wonder how somebody with any experience can get good clinical skills in such a short time, and be as mature as it requires. But DDS don't think about it and those are the people that get the jobs.

Anyone knows what is the highest hourly paid for hygienist in Edmonton?

Does anyone know the average hourly pay for a hygienist in Edmonton? I am moving at the end of summer and want to get an idea of what to ask for. I don't want to lower the wage and work for less.

oh, 30 year vet...you sound old and worried that your going to loose your job to a younger more up to date hygienist.

kaelco in Barrie, Ontario said: oh, 30 year vet...you sound old and worried that your going to loose your job to a younger more up to date hygienist.

Younger does not automatically equal more up to date-now more than ever, sadly. Be careful what you say, life has a sense of humour and what goes around tends to come around :) I'm assuming you're young which may not be true. 30 year vet may be scared-so what? She's human. She's seen some changes and doesn't like it. She speaks up. What do you have to say? Do you have an opinion or only cheap shots?

You are all scaring me i am about to start my pre professional year at mount royal , is it that bad here in alberta?

lizzle in Calgary, Alberta said: You are all scaring me i am about to start my pre professional year at mount royal , is it that bad here in alberta?

Its not good. Call the CRDHA or local temp agencies and they can tell you.
A pre professional year is never a bad thing; many courses can transfer to other health professions that may allow for a better job choice.

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Hey guys.....it's very sad what has been happening within our job market in Alberta and across the country. It isn't rocket science...if there are only 15,000 DHs in the country, and one province (ON) is graduating 1100 PER YEAR for the last 4 years...we've got a FLOODING of grads into the whole system creating a gluttony of RDHs. Far too many 'fast track' schools graduating far too many "DHs" and this is what you get... The quality of dental hygienist will no doubt be compromised as one compares a 4 year BSc grad and an 18 month (no preprofessional year) graduate....come on guys---you've GOT to be kidding!! Pathetic...and who is smiling all the way to the bank....knowing the market's flooded and DHs are a dime a dozen and will almost work for ANY hourly wage JUST TO GET A JOB and start paying off that HUGE PRIVATE school tuition bill......

it's all just so sad.....

I can assume you have your 4 year Bsc, unfortunately for you, all you've proved with this post is it doesn't take much real intelligence to earn a BSc either. It simply just takes longer. Personally, I'd take one of your generalized Ontario DH's, over one as ignorant as yourself any day. It is sad that the market is flooded, without a doubt. It's a shame that there are new grads who will offer themselves at such low wage, but there are experienced ones who do the same as well. You have chosen to stereotype a group of your own peers, like it or not. Ones who you know ZERO about. I am sure that all of those grads had the intent to flood the market when they made there career choice. And to generalize them by denoting their own specific skill set is whats really pathetic and narrow minded. They hall have the same reg paper as you do sweetheart, and that means their skill set is recognized as equal to likes of yours.

Anon in Langley, British Columbia said: I can assume you have your 4 year Bsc, unfortunately for you, all you've proved with this post is it doesn't take much real intelligence to earn a BSc either. It simply just takes longer. Personally, I'd take one of your generalized Ontario DH's, over one as ignorant as yourself any day. It is sad that the market is flooded, without a doubt. It's a shame that there are new grads who will offer themselves at such low wage, but there are experienced ones who do the same as well. You have chosen to stereotype a group of your own peers, like it or not. Ones who you know ZERO about. I am sure that all of those grads had the intent to flood the market when they made there career choice. And to generalize them by denoting their own specific skill set is whats really pathetic and narrow minded. They hall have the same reg paper as you do sweetheart, and that means their skill set is recognized as equal to likes of yours.

Are you a Dentist? BTW, 30yr VET is saying that she feels for these students and the bill of goods the schools, govt/bls, etc. online info articles...have sold them. So what's your background? How many yrs. have you been in the field? What is your working exp. good and bad? How about backing up YOUR diss on a colleague? You sound holier than though...read what you've just written. Offer some positive input if it is there. Tell us about your exp. as an RDH if you are...are you working for a school as a recruiter ANON? I wonder. Do you think it fair that all this info. that incoming students choose to believe from sources they BELIEVE to tell the truth? Other than what I see from the majority on this forum, experiencing the work situation now....I think this is a better source to find the truth in the reality of the DH field which has become a hard to find job...not career, a job after all the money , time and stress they have put into their educations....VET