To be the best...

What are the top 3 traits or skills every dental hygienist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your dental hygienist expertise?

persistence in trying to find a FT J O B ! ! !

You have to have a lot of patience because every patient is different and has different needs. Some are sensitive, some are scared, some are rude, etc. You also have to have good stamina because the hours can be long (even part time). But it's a very rewarding career if you put your whole self into it!!!! Best of Luck to you!

Patience, great manual dexterity, and the drive to go "above and beyond" to "help" a patient better their oral health.

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every dental hygienist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your dental hygienist expertise?

I've been a dental hygienist now for 2 years and the 3 traits you MUST have are: patience, energy and drive. To be honest, i find i have started to have bad back and shoulder problems. I also find that i have lost strength in my scaling hand, which i fear is the start of carpel tunnel syndrome! i was one of the most enthusiastic students in my class, but i have found the job repetitve, boring and my back problems make me wonder if i chose the correct career path. Sorry if i've put anyone off guys, but i'm just being honest.

Lynsey in West Linton, United Kingdom said: I've been a dental hygienist now for 2 years and the 3 traits you MUST have are: patience, energy and drive. To be honest, i find i have started to have bad back and shoulder problems. I also find that i have lost strength in my scaling hand, which i fear is the start of carpel tunnel syndrome! i was one of the most enthusiastic students in my class, but i have found the job repetitve, boring and my back problems make me wonder if i chose the correct career path. Sorry if i've put anyone off guys, but i'm just being honest.

Thanks for this because I've been accepted into Dental hygiene and nursing and trying to decide between the 2. U definately make me lean towards nursing.

I completely agree with Lynsey. My back hurts all the time. St Germain is also correct. It seems you need to buy loups, get 1-2 full body messages a month, and work less than 32 hours per week. And then, waste another 4 years going to dental school LOL;)>

The 3 best traits to have are integrity, honesty, and fun (smiling) personality.
the 3 worst traits to have would be selfishness, lazyness (not team player), and a lack of common sense.

Debbie in Brick, New Jersey said: You have to have a lot of patience because every patient is different and has different needs. Some are sensitive, some are scared, some are rude, etc. You also have to have good stamina because the hours can be long (even part time). But it's a very rewarding career if you put your whole self into it!!!! Best of Luck to you!

Hello.. My Name is Krystal. I just graduated high school and am very confused with what i want to do with my life. I Was thinking to go to school for a dental hygientist but im not so sure. Can u give me some informtion about it. Also tell me how hard to schooling is. Im very willing to study even though i have a harder time in school im willing to try. Thank you so much.

I have been a hygienist for over 20 years and love it.
The best idea is to shadow another Hygienist in any office.
Ask until you get a yes. then after all day of observation, you can decide if that is the type of job you want.
After all, we all have our likes and dislikes.

YOur main job,
be nice to many dental phobes to relax their fears, scale teeth, educate about indivualized Dental Hygiene needs, X-rays, Sealants, Continuing Education And be able to work with a variety of personality types and roll with the punches.

Three traits you need as a dental hygienist are: manual dexterity/clinical skills
people skills (both with patients/staff)
ability to educate and motivate

I have been doing it for almost ten years and I have neck and shoulder problems right now. It's a tough job to do full time as it it can be physically demanding. 3-4 days a week with exercise and massage should help you feel okay.
One key thing is to be aware of your posture and positioning when you work. My school was big on ergonomically correct positions and I believe if I was unaware of these I would be in more pain!

The flexibility of the profession is great as dental hygienists can often work part time or two part time jobs etc.

I don't recommend dental hygiene as a profession. There is no professional growth! As you become older, it is hard to find a job, since dentist prefer to hire new graduates whom they can pay less. As a hygienist, you get little benefits (usually no health insurance, no sick days, and if you work part time in two offices, not even paid holidays or vacations}. And the most important, too many hygienists, and not enough jobs.

Ive done alot of research and have been told stories of people who find jobs with hygiene where ever they go. I have also shadowed a dental office with an amazing Dentist who told me he would help me find a job when I graduated school if that is what i plan to do.. There always is a job somewere, the world is a big place... and were there is a will there is a way. People mostly dont look hard enough if they cant find a job & i know they get payed good money and with the school i want to go to if there is anything new to learn at your job the college will give you free education once you have graduated.. i think thats a pritty good deal. Dont you think?? Even the Dentist said a hygenists can live confortable on there own not even get married and have plenty of money.

hello my name is bobby and i would like to become a dental hygienist!! :)

My name is Susie and my first year out of high school I decided I wanted to become a Dental Hygienist. I didn't take any of my sciences in high school so I took a 1 year Pre-Health Science Program to receive the pre-requisites that I needed to get into any Health Professor I wished to apply for. I received a C in Chem and a C in Bio then Chem II I received a B and I failed Bio II. I'm currently updating my Biology and if I get an A do you think I could be accepted into Dental Hygiene with a B in Chem and an A in Bio? Or what do you think? I have been accepted into Nursing but not sure which career is more rewarding? Any insight is greatly appreciated!! Thanks:)

Oh and if you could tell me all the marks you guys had when you got into Dental Hygiene! Thanks a lot!!
Most people say you have to have straight A's to be even considered so i dunno haha thanks!

Dear Hygienist,
Have you ever considered the repetive work that is done at most jobs? Being a Hygienist is an honour. What career can you choose that requires a associate's degree, even from a tech school and to enter the work force making $20-$30 or more. In school you're taught proper ergonomics. This was taught for a purpose . Please go over the correct patient and operator positioning. I have been a Hygienist for over 11 years and I do not have any back, neck, or hand problems.
Hygiene is a exciting and rewarding career.

Very interesting comments.
I just finished a program in medical assisting and am still looking for a job. If I can't find anything I'm seriously considering going back to school again (before I have to start paying back student loans.) I'm looking into the dental hygienist program at a two year college. (Actually it'll be more like three years)
I am 51 years old, still feel young though in some ways, and I can easily push myself to do things most people half my age won't- like work full time and attend school. I made the honor roll last time and graduated with a 98 percent attendance.
I made a big mistake by attending a technical school. It was very expensive and the quality of education was very poor.

if you ask 20 people you will get 20 different answers. I can agree with a little from all of the above comments, however, what do you think nurses would say. they are on their feet all day running aroung in charge of who knows how many people, they do shift work, pull doubles, and can get called on the weekends. If you ask them, they will all give you different answers also. It just depends on you and what you want. Know the facts and make an informed decision. I agree that all jobs are repetitive - there is no getting away from that. Jobs can be scare depending on where you live, but if you are willing to move then you won't have a problem. Not everyone is going to be happy about becoming an rdh, but others are. There's not a perfect job. They all have their problems. The nice thing is, you can work part-time if you start a family and still make decent money. Most are off on W or F (depending on what state you are in) and most don't do weekends. You have to follow your gut. Research all you can about job availability, because some states have a very poor job outlook.

I would just like to say to Susie in Welland, Ontario: I was accepted into Niagara College in Welland and Confederation College in Thunder Bay and decided to go to Confederation College. I am now in my 2nd year and it is pretty difficult. I also took prehealth to get into dental hygiene. I had 80% in English, 95% in Biology, and 97% in Chemistry out of prehealth. I also know that other students in my class did better in English and have never taken a science course before, so i'm really not sure what to tell you except that if you do get accepted it is an honour. I am very glad that I chose dental hygine as a career and I can not wait to start working.
While in school always remember these things:
Time management is Extremely Inportant
"You cannot control what happens around you, you can only control your own reactions" -that comes from a few of my instructors. It has really helped me!!! Good Luck!!

i'm about to graduated high school this year and i dont really know what i want to do when i get out ... i was thinking about going to school for a Dental Hygienist
but i dont dont know to much about it like how many years of schooling would i need to take?

what classes do i need to take?

what do u do as a Hygienist?

is it hard?

iam soooo lost i just want some one to help me and give me as much info they can on it

Aereal in Thunder Bay, Ontario said: I would just like to say to Susie in Welland, Ontario: I was accepted into Niagara College in Welland and Confederation College in Thunder Bay and decided to go to Confederation College. I am now in my 2nd year and it is pretty difficult. I also took prehealth to get into dental hygiene. I had 80% in English, 95% in Biology, and 97% in Chemistry out of prehealth. I also know that other students in my class did better in English and have never taken a science course before, so i'm really not sure what to tell you except that if you do get accepted it is an honour. I am very glad that I chose dental hygine as a career and I can not wait to start working.
While in school always remember these things:
Time management is Extremely Inportant
"You cannot control what happens around you, you can only control your own reactions" -that comes from a few of my instructors. It has really helped me!!! Good Luck!!

Hi! MY name is terry and living in toronto,I am planning to get into hygiene but private college. Your information is really helpful, I shall remember. Do you have any more suggestion. Is it a really stressful program? How are your client session? Good luck.

when u were in high school did school come easy to u

Briana smith in Lake Placid, Florida said: i'm about to graduated high school this year and i dont really know what i want to do when i get out ... i was thinking about going to school for a Dental Hygienist
but i dont dont know to much about it like how many years of schooling would i need to take?

what classes do i need to take?

what do u do as a Hygienist?

is it hard?

iam soooo lost i just want some one to help me and give me as much info they can on it

I am taking a 2 year Dental Hygiene course in Canada at an accredited college,there are other ways of becoming a Dental Hygienist (eg. private non-accredited schools, 4 year university programs)
Depending on what school you attend, you take different classes at different times. Classes such as Anatomy, Orofacial Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Microbiology, Radiography, Communications, Oral Pathology, Peroidontology. Just to name a few.
As a dental hygienist, your job includes two main duties: one is hands on and the other is communication.
Hands on duties includes: scaling, root planing, debridement. (In other words cleaning client's teeth in order to promote a stable environment for tissue to heal)Also includes some dental assistanting duties.
Communication includes teaching client's to become responsible for their oral health. Includes communicating well with other health professionals(dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, physicians, etc.) The dental hygienist job is a lot more in depth than this but these aspects are very important to becoming a good dental hygienist.
If you are not a people-person you may not like this kind of job. It is also very hard on your hand, shoulders, back, and neck, but if you use the right instruments, in the right position, and keep good posture, and get regular massage therapy, it will be less stressful on your body.
The schooling is very stressful, but many people make it through!

Briana smith in Lake Placid, Florida said: when u were in high school did school come easy to u

When I was in high school, school did not come easy to me at all. I was actually kind of a slacker and I hated doing homework. My last year of high school I worked a little harder because i finally realized that i needed to get my act together and become something!I didn't wat to stay in that small town forever.

Tahk you for your comment that was really informative. I too plan to take a course in Hygiene but from a private accredited college.The fee is really high but do you think its worth the fee to go to a private or wait for september and try in public college.

To all of the hygienists' and hygienists' to be, please take a moment and visit the "Looking for a job" forum under dental hygienist. You will find out alot of information about what is going on in the dental hygiene community and things you need to be aware of . The most pressing at this time: Florida is being taken by the FDA soon to let dental assistants perform dental hygiene functions. What does this mean? It means that if this passes then they will legally be allowed to do portions of our job and we won't be needed. If it happens in Fl then it will have a domino effect. It will also drive our wages down! Please scroll through to one of the last pages and copy the letter to Fl and send it in! Even if you are not an rdh right now, you can still help.
Olivia, RDH

Here is the letter if you cant find it on the other forum.

Here's your chance Florida RDH's. Get together and help fight. Call all your former classmates, schools, dental offices, CE meetings, etc. If you don't get involved, it won't change.

How do I support Florida hygienists?
To all Florida hygienists:
If you treasure your profession and do not want the general public to be compromised in any way, please print out the enclosed letter and send it to Mary Martin (address below). The FDA is proposing to the board of dentistry on Dec. 6 that a rule change go into effect allowing dental assistants to scale supragingivally and to probe.
Rumor has it that if it does not pass in December, the FDA will go to the legislature with this law change. If either of these things happen, the profession of dental hygiene as we know it in the state of Florida will change forever, and will not be what we have worked so hard to attain. Also, the protection of the general public will be at risk, and it is our duty to protect these patients.
So please print out and send the enclosed letter.
Thank you,
Jane Weiner, RDH
2003 Recipient of the Dr. Esther M. Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award
2005 Recipient of the Philips Oral Health Care/RDH Magazine Mentor of the Year Award 2006 Recipient of the Sunstar Butler Award of Distinction
Owner of Jane Weiner, RDH, Board Reviews, Inc. (janewrdh.com )

To Whom It May Concern:
The Florida Dental Hygiene Association opposes any regulatory or statutory changes allowing dental assistants to perform the following tasks:
(1) Use a periodontal probe for preliminary charting
(2) Remove calculus deposit, accretions and stains from exposed surfaces above the gingival margin (prophylaxis)
I support the Florida Dental Hygiene Association position on these issues.
Please sign your name and location.
Mail to: FDHA, c/o Mary Martin, 910 N. Ride, Tallahassee, FL 32303
or FAX to: (850) 385-3331

JK in Toronto, Ontario said: Three traits you need as a dental hygienist are: manual dexterity/clinical skills
people skills (both with patients/staff)
ability to educate and motivate

I have been doing it for almost ten years and I have neck and shoulder problems right now. It's a tough job to do full time as it it can be physically demanding. 3-4 days a week with exercise and massage should help you feel okay.
One key thing is to be aware of your posture and positioning when you work. My school was big on ergonomically correct positions and I believe if I was unaware of these I would be in more pain!

The flexibility of the profession is great as dental hygienists can often work part time or two part time jobs etc.

Does it matter how tall you are? I am 5ft tall and I'm hoping I won't have to bend that much.

Krystal in Durham, Connecticut said: Ive done alot of research and have been told stories of people who find jobs with hygiene where ever they go. I have also shadowed a dental office with an amazing Dentist who told me he would help me find a job when I graduated school if that is what i plan to do.. There always is a job somewere, the world is a big place... and were there is a will there is a way. People mostly dont look hard enough if they cant find a job & i know they get payed good money and with the school i want to go to if there is anything new to learn at your job the college will give you free education once you have graduated.. i think thats a pritty good deal. Dont you think?? Even the Dentist said a hygenists can live confortable on there own not even get married and have plenty of money.

I think it really does matter where you live. If there really are no jobs in the area that you are in, I would suggest moving to another state - take the leap! I know I have taken the leap 2 times and it has worked out better for me. Don't be so scared to move and be stuck in one state all your life. Take your education and move to a place where you can use it.

macon ga in Macon, Georgia said: Dear Hygienist,
Have you ever considered the repetive work that is done at most jobs? Being a Hygienist is an honour. What career can you choose that requires a associate's degree, even from a tech school and to enter the work force making $20-$30 or more. In school you're taught proper ergonomics. This was taught for a purpose . Please go over the correct patient and operator positioning. I have been a Hygienist for over 11 years and I do not have any back, neck, or hand problems.
Hygiene is a exciting and rewarding career.

You make a very good point about the rewards of this career only after getting an Associates degree.

My question: How many years does it take to become a Dental Hygenist? I've heard 2 years, on up to 6 years!
I've been looking online for schools and more info but hate giving them all of my info......thanks!

It takes 2 years to become a dental hygienist and you receive an associates degree. You are a clinical hygienist, so to speak. If you want to go further, you can go 2 more years to get a bachelors degree. With this degree you can teach, do research, work for dental companies and sell products to dental offices, etc. Good luck to you!

In my case (and I think in many) it took three years to get my associate in DH. The hygiene part if very difficult so most programs want the candidate to have all the pre-requisites out of the way. That is about one year of school. I think it would be very difficult to keep up with the hygiene curriculum and the clinical part while taking such things as Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Sociology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Phyc., Speech, a Humamities elec., and more. My school required all of these be takes prior to entering the program. That was three years for me. Hope that helps, Mary.

SV in Saint Louis, Missouri said: I don't recommend dental hygiene as a profession. There is no professional growth! As you become older, it is hard to find a job, since dentist prefer to hire new graduates whom they can pay less. As a hygienist, you get little benefits (usually no health insurance, no sick days, and if you work part time in two offices, not even paid holidays or vacations}. And the most important, too many hygienists, and not enough jobs.

exectly correct!

I actually have found this to be the opposite for me. I took some time off to raise a family and then went back into the profession when I was over 45. I found jobs right away. I also was worried about being the oldest hygienist in the world. I wasn't. I found that there were more hygienists my age and older than younger. PLus, dentists do want to hire more experienced hygienists. I only work part-time and I don't get benefits but I get paid for holidays that I would have worked. I get Christmas bonuses and a good hourly pay. There are pluses and minuses in every career.

I have been a dental hygienist for 14 years and I love it. Looking into patients mouths is hard on your neck and back but loupes do help (and good positioning).
Dental Hygiene is all about relationships. If you like to help people and are a good listener and like to work with your hands, I highly reccomend this career. The pay is great too-$400. per day in the Washington D.C. area.

I dropped out of school, and i was wondering will that affect me? Also how many years does it take? Thanks.

What classes should I take in High School to improve my chances of being a Dental Hygienist.

Host said: What are the top 3 traits or skills every dental hygienist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your dental hygienist expertise?

Can u help me too Because i would like to know what u knowpls and thanks

Don't go into Dental Hygiene. I have been one for 27 years. It is the biggest mistake of my life. Listen to this: no pension, no benefits, no job security, you are pressured unbelievably to sell expensive crowns, implants to patients, Dentists are VERY difficult to work for, most are money driven only, the current resentment from Dentists towards Dental Hygienists is escalating due to us being able to self-initiate- set up our own offices, you would starve if you tried to set up your own office, recently all the Hygienists I work with in the same office were told, "we were a dime a dozen", they want us to leave so they can hire younger Hygienists out of school for low wages, and remember we ALL GET OLD, the training is extremely hard, long, costly. You get blood all over you, saliva, I WOULD NEVER DO IT AGAIN. However, I am kind, caring and work as hard as I can to treat every patient with expert, gentle care. THINK TWICE

PLEASE THINK TWICE about dental hygiene as a career move in Ontario, Canada. Our profession is SATURATED! There are only 10 dental schools in Canada and 2 are located in Ontario. There are 54 dental hygiene programs in Canada and 33 are offered in Ontario. Many of these programs are graduating at 6 month intervals. You do the math! THERE ARE NO JOBS!
I am not degrading my dental hygiene profession in any way. On the contrary, we provide an essential preventative health service to the public and I love caring for patients. But please BE REALISTIC.
Since my graduation in 2006 I have busted my behind to try and piece together a work week. FYI- 32 hours a week is generally considered full-time. It's next to impossible to find a 36-40 hour work week. After I filled in for a colleague's year maternity leave my hours have been reduced to two days a week. I now cannot find regular work to make up the difference.
One of my part-time employers let me and another RDH go with not even a day's notice at the end of our shift after 5 months. He praised our excellent clinical and time-management skills but he hired another "girl" who could work more hours than us. Neither of us were offered more hours. Translation- new grad for less money.
With a new dental hygiene school opening every few months the salary for an RDH is plummeting at lightening speed and the respect us as employees and for what we do is plummeting along side our pay scale.We are treated like fodder. Economics is the new mandate for preventative care in a dental office setting. Who cares how much experience you have; how cheap will you work.
At my last job interview I was asked only 2 questions and neither pertained to my skills: How much money do I want? and do I have young children? I was waiting for him to ask me about my religion and sexual preference next.
There is no job security in this profession; the longer you work,the more you become a financial liability. If you can FIND work, that is

SV in Saint Louis, Missouri said: I don't recommend dental hygiene as a profession. There is no professional growth! As you become older, it is hard to find a job, since dentist prefer to hire new graduates whom they can pay less. As a hygienist, you get little benefits (usually no health insurance, no sick days, and if you work part time in two offices, not even paid holidays or vacations}. And the most important, too many hygienists, and not enough jobs.

I couldn't agree more! I have been licensed for 12 years and have never gotten one day of paid vacation or sick day and I worked for 7 years for the same dentist. I have taken every job that has ever been offered even when I knew it would not be satisfactory just to be employeed 4 days a week. I have always given my very best to every pt. whether it is a 30 min.recall or 1 hr. DS/RP appt. but most dentists are about the $. I realize $ has to be made, but quality has to count too. My daughter is in school for assisting and I hope her career turns out better than mine.

Have you thought of relocating to the Washington D.C. area? There are plenty of jobs and most employers will give a hygienist 50 min to an hour per patient. They (most dentists here do care about quality)and are willing to pay well. Housing is very expensive but most offices pay 50-60 per hour. Some do pay for sick leave and vacation and best of all, the patients are very kind, fun people. I will admit however that the traffic does get bad here though.
Another thing about this area is that it their are a lot of research jobs and sales oppertunities for hygienists who have a B.S. degree. I have 4 more credits to complete my B.S. degree and feel that it's one of the best things that I've done for myself. Going back to school after 14 years was hard but so worth it. The B.S. degree opens so many new doors as a dental hygienist.
Liza

Hi I am a sophmore at Gretna High School and I'm really want to get into the dental profession. I'm just confused on what job does what. I would really like to know what high school courses to take b/c im about to take anatomy and then physics in 12th grade but i was wondering would pre-calclus and calculus help me n the hygenist field. And I also wanted to know what kind of school would i have to go to , what i would have to take in the school and for how long. Im not sure if when i gradutate high school i go 2 a regular college first for 2 or 4years then go 2a dental shcool for another 4years or do i go straight to a dental shcool for 4years when i get out of high school. And i was wondering could i work as a dental assistent while im in shcool and still be able to provide for myslef. Im just really confusedand hoping somone can help me i would really appreaciate it.

I am an intermediate highschool student considering Dental Hygiene. I am taking all of the cumpulsary courses in school now and plan to attend the Niagara College 2 yr program. I also work in tourism where people skills/communication play an important role.

It seems as if it would be a good job (wages, hours, and environment) for me and I have been treated by the same hygienist since I was young. It seems most of you, here, are torn. Some love it, some hate it. I really do not know what to think. Job security is something I would really like to strive for, which is something that may be missing from this profession; although the environment would be good for me. I do plan to raise children and having a secure job in which I can contribute integral.

I would like to know a little more about the Niagara College 2 yr program. Or if there is another job that is just as rewarding with a similar environment with the security, I would love to hear about it. Also, if I am living in a dream land, I'd love to hear that too! : )

Thanks!

go into nursing, you will have a union to protect your rights, and someday you may even get a pension!!!! 99% of Dental Hygienists do not get a pension from their employer.

Thanks for your reply! but i just dont think that the schedule of a nursing job would quite be for me..then again.. I havnt really looked too far into nursing.. but what are the chances of getting hired in a practice .. rather than an ER or something like that?

RB,

Never do something only for money.

Whatever you decide make sure it is what you want nursing is by far a much more opportunity career being a hgyienist is doing the same thing over.

Both are great careers however do it because you want.

I know here in Toronto the market is way oversaturated too many hgyienist all these private schools has created a problem maybe the Nigara region is different.

You make a great point! Thanks so much for all your help !!