Where are all the dental hygiene jobs?

I was let go from my job after seven years...The way in which they did it was just cruel!!!They hired younger and cheaper...Ive been out of work 6 mos...no work in Vermont. Dental hygienists need to be able to run their own practices.Dentists do not deserve us...ultimately they chew you up and spit you out when theyre done!!I love my profession but wish I could do it without a dentist...What is it going to take to get out from under there thumbs?

Jacob in Toronto, Ontario said: I'm thinking of moving to Calgary, Ab. Where are all the DH jobs in Calgary??? I did a thorough search and there's NOTHING... how are DH finding jobs in Alberta? I can't find anything online... depressing.

There are absolutely no jobs left in Calgary!! Everyone's moving here. That's why there isn't a need to advertise for office seeking DHs!

Hi Christine,
I'm so sorry you were treated disrespectfully, it hurts for a long time. I think there's going to be quite a bit more hygienists in the same boat we are. Not as worried about the younger ones as I am the cheaper ones. I've been faced with age discrimination which I am 53 and it shows, we cannot tolerate such blatant disregard for the federal laws we have in this country to protect us. We need to band together as a group and have some studies or something done on how many of us this has happened to. If we get the issue before the media and the patients we might get somewhere. The decrease in wages has been coming for awhile in my opinion. That's why there were so many programs approved for accreditation and private ones that have dds as investors. I believe it was their goal, more rdh's = less demand = less pay. Plus with so many in need of funds to pay off student loan debt and car payments and just shelter and food, $20 an hour is better than no dollars an hour. Why would dds's keep paying $30 plus when countless numbers of hygienists are desperate for work? We want to yell experience but the truth of the matter is if you stop and think back it didn't take us that long to do 8 patients a day then 10 or 12. Dentists know how to push and we want to please. Our skill and knowledge, we are professionals, and we know our worth. But these new grads are skilled too and once they become licensed dds's are willing to take 3 months with a little less production to save $10-15/hour salary while they get quicker as they know how much money they are going to recoup once he/she gets just as fast and they don't have the pay going out. People will holler that fast doesn't count but I don't know one dds that doesn't expect those numbers to be there at the end of the day. He may care about quality, but he expects us to make it happen and still make the money. Keep yourself out there if you want to stay in the field. God Bless.

Thanks for your response....Not the profession it use to be!! I still want to open my own practice as they do in texas, colo. and cali...I just dont know where in the bureatic(sp?) ..do I start?Any sugggestions are welcomed!!

christine in Northfield, Vermont said: Thanks for your response....Not the profession it use to be!! I still want to open my own practice as they do in texas, colo. and cali...I just dont know where in the bureatic(sp?) ..do I start?Any sugggestions are welcomed!!

You can open your own practice in texas?

Thought so....maybe Im wrong!!!! Sorry!!!

I am so disheartend. My father was a DDS for many years and I was his hygienist. When I graduated in 2002 there were so many jobs available. My father retired and the new owner brought his own hygienist, his wife and daughter and I was out of there. I didn't think I would have any problem finding a job.....4 months later I'm still searching and in tears. I'm seriously about to lose my house and everything else. If anyone knows of any jobs in GA let me know...I WILL relocate if necessary.

russrdh in Salt Lake City, Utah said: It's time the ADHD advocate for independent practice in all states. Colorado and Maine are ahead in this respect and California isn't too far off. I would expect it there w/in a year or so now that self-regulation is on the books and set to begin by mid 2009. If DH had better representation we would go farther and have better job security. I used to work for UPS and the union looked after me in health, job security, safety, education and so much more. I'd unionized in a heartbeat if I could. I do hear that there is a union in Wisconsin. I wonder how it is working for them?

AMEN. A! MEN! WREB is soon going to be accepted in California, that's going to make wages go down, and the market will be flooded. NO! I paid for WREB and California Boards, I am willing to work for other states, but if I want to do that then I am willing to do the testing.

port1947 in Beaverton, Oregon said: There are currently no dental hygienist jobs in portland. This is so upsetting because I went to a 4 year university to do this and have student loan debt that needs to be paid off. I have sent out over 100 resumes and applied for every job that comes and have had no luck. I have experience too. So just warning people, don't expect to find a hygiene job in portland or any of the surrounding areas for that matter.

The situation is the same in the greater Sacramento California area. There is nothing at all, it really sucks that all the schools keep turning out people and keep telling them that there are great paying jobs out there. And it is especially hard when you have gone and gotten a four year degree. Also, try to check and see if you can defer your student loan repayment because of unemployment, my daughter did and it can be defered up to three years depending on what type of student loan you have. Good luck!

burlybird in Roseville, California said: The situation is the same in the greater Sacramento California area. There is nothing at all, it really sucks that all the schools keep turning out people and keep telling them that there are great paying jobs out there. And it is especially hard when you have gone and gotten a four year degree. Also, try to check and see if you can defer your student loan repayment because of unemployment, my daughter did and it can be defered up to three years depending on what type of student loan you have. Good luck!

Hi, You know what, it seems like you are the only one in CA that says the jobs ARE NOT there either...I'm not being sarcastic, I DO believe you, but others continue to say "I have a wonderful job, and you just want to keep the employment for yourself....what employment...competition for ALL ages...I hope things look up for you...and your daughter's employment situation gets better. 23yr. VET....

I am a recent grad--2006. Nothing was said about the state of the market until the month before we graduated. When many of us became very concerned about the rumblings we were hearing; the faculty said, yes, there might be a job shortage, but that a good hygienist would be able to find work. I think it is time for a class action suit against some of the bigger hygiene schools. It would gain anyone any money, but it might stem the flow of unemployabe graduates.

I was meaning to say a suit would NOT gain anyone money.

Liz in Fort Wayne, Indiana said: I am taking Dental Hygiene at this moment. I have heard there were not very many jobs for DH at all and that there wasn't any in the Ft. Wayne area unless you "know" someone. I am considering transfering to RN myself.

I don't know what your curren situation is, but I would def switch to rn

Please...dont get sucked into being a hygienist. I love my work, my patients... but I have been unemployed for 8 mos....there are No Jobs !!!I wish I had become an RN. There are so many path options you can choose from and there are jobs.Go for the RN!!!

if i were to go into a the dental hygene field is there much work to be found in Ottawa can anyone tell me if possible?

QWERTY in Toronto, Ontario said: if i were to go into a the dental hygene field is there much work to be found in Ottawa can anyone tell me if possible?

Hi, I'd start with reading threads of any of the MANY R.D.H. in Canada...Jobs , good practices are hard to find and there is an oversaturation of our field in C. as well as the States...If you are interested in sciences...? Nursing, Radiology, ....a field with retirement pkg's, bens, etc....the field of D.H. unfortunately is not regulated and now we are subject to the numbers applying for the same positions....= non-negotiable pay, benefits (NOT...for most of us), and a regular set schedule, days/hours, pay....changes constantly....not a consistent field for most now. REALITY OF OUR FIELD,...NOT BEING....NEGATIVE! Being TRUTHFUL AND INFORMED FROM EXPERIENCE....

I'm on Vancouver Island and there are NO JOBS!! And the wages have come down 10.00/hr. I have been RDH since 96 and have NEVER seen this...I am so pissed. We have 7 schools churning out innocent new grads that have been told they deserve a lot of money for their services, when reality is..there are no jobs. I would not ever reccomend hygiene to anyone, do nursing, Xray tech, anything else. We don't have benefits, are at the mercy of the DDS and no pensions etc. Barbaric really. Plus, lots of DDS take off up to 8 weeks of holidays...who can do that financially?? Really, I agree with exp in Newmarket...no regulation, not a consistent field. The pay is whatever the market dictates for that specific time and location. I agree as well that this is the reality of our field...and should not be percieved as negative..it is the truth for now and who knows how long.

waterbug100 in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia said: I'm on Vancouver Island and there are NO JOBS!! And the wages have come down 10.00/hr. I have been RDH since 96 and have NEVER seen this...I am so pissed. We have 7 schools churning out innocent new grads that have been told they deserve a lot of money for their services, when reality is..there are no jobs. I would not ever reccomend hygiene to anyone, do nursing, Xray tech, anything else. We don't have benefits, are at the mercy of the DDS and no pensions etc. Barbaric really. Plus, lots of DDS take off up to 8 weeks of holidays...who can do that financially?? Really, I agree with exp in Newmarket...no regulation, not a consistent field. The pay is whatever the market dictates for that specific time and location. I agree as well that this is the reality of our field...and should not be percieved as negative..it is the truth for now and who knows how long.

Fee guide aside, are all areas of the island being serviced by hygienists? Have you heard how things are on the other islands? Would it be worthwhile to set up independent practices there? I know BC has a crappy fee guide, but you touched on some important points. Imagine being a DA in the same practices. At least hygienists have a better wage than DAs. I left a job I loved b/c the dentist took alot of time off & I as a single parent couldn't afford to work there anymore. At least working for yourself would rectify some of those issues. You may not necessarily make a ton of money but you are not at the mercy of someone else. This is why I don't understand why more RDHs aren't opening up shop.

Is private practice a reality in Canada overall or is it just by Province? I would love private independent practice to come to Utah. Maybe it will someday, but waiting is just intolerable.

Smile in Calgary...I really don't know that much about independant practice. I do know that when a hygienist started her own practice in Nanaimo, a letter was sent out by the local dentists stating they would not support her. I saw that letter. It's tough. I live mid island, so again, don't know all that much about the smaller islands..Upper Vancouver Island is pretty well covered. We are the California of Canada, so lots of DDS from Campbell River down to Victoria.

You are at the mercy of your clients tho. In reference to what you said about being independant and not being at the mercy of whomever you work for. The Island is very wealthy in pockets...Victoria, Parksville/Qualicum, but these people are mainly retirees. Transplants from the rest of Canada. The rest of us are struggling. Not much industry, the logging, fishing, mills are just about done, so very little available work that pays a decent wage. Mostly tourism. And dental plans are under the gun, some upping their rates by 30%, which in turn ups the overhead and lowers profits, so something has to give.We are really feeling the economic crunch, fixed income people having to work at Tim Hortons etc. In addition,...we have one of the highest costs of living in Canada. That includes all the small islands. I think Vancouver has the highest median priced houses in the world at this point. We also have a pretty high unemployment contingency...chronic. Good climate, so lots of street people, or people that have mental illnesses. I used to be on the crisis lines - I know that is real. So, very wealthy and very poor. NOt much of a middle class anymore. Anyway, here is (I think her name is Heather) a website www.harbourcitydental.com . She is an independant hygienist...again, I don't know that much about her situation, whether things are good for her. I believe she also has her licence to work in long term care facilities, which might be her saving grace. Hope that helps.

Well statistics say there are a lot more than just 'retirees' coming here. There are plenty of young transplant workers with skills, or businesses or professionals (like my wife and I) also. Victoria is very solidly a middle class town, but it costs a ridiculous amount for real estate. Rental units used to be hard to find, but that has changed a bit. Unemployment used to be 3%, now it is 7% or so, and slowly getting flooded with hygienists. RDHs still try to demand $40/hr, but the reality is they will take less or go hungry.

Don't donwplay the fee guide - it is a MAJOR impediment to indy hygiene clinics. It makes them truly non-profit: you invest your money and you make zero income on that investment other than a regular hygiene wage. You can make a market hygiene wage off of your own clinic, but that is not profit and thus a poor investment. There are 3 indy hygiene clinics in town, but 1 is part time 'don't quit you dayjob,' one is well under capacity after 10 years, and a third is a thriving but tiny business with fairly high overhead. Another couple hygienists work for themselves in long term care here, which pays as well as a regular hygienist makes and the investment cost is minimal ($20k or so).

A person would be wise to work for a DDS for a while and research the market and other indy clinicians before trying to go indy right now. Indy hygiene clinics clearly fair better in Ontario.

Waterbug100 & Skrrrrr: If the financial payoff is the same whether working as an independent or for a dentist, I see the major payoff would be having the satisfaction of working for yourself & not at the mercy of the dentist. You have full control of how you want to run your hygiene practice. The personal satisfaction would far outweigh the financial end. If the 2 ways of practicing are the same, why not be happy & enjoy going to work? You have nothing to lose. If you think about being at the mercy of the dentist, his/her health, retirement plan, etc where does it leave staff? If something happens, staff is s-o-l. If you have the ability to protect yourself & work on your own, why not do it?
The biggest obstacles I see are the uninformed public & support of the dentists. The professional associations both at the provincial & national levels need to promote the profession. I've seen commercials for chiropractors, nurses, even the MDA but I have never seen any hygiene promotion.
Hygiene services should be available to all long term care centres otherwise, what is the purpose of our work besides making dentists money? Who is going to look after our mouths when we are in ltc? (something to ponder)

There are at least 11 private clinics in the Calgary area alone. I don't know how successful they are but I've talked to 3 of them & they are doing quite well. Many of the practices are mobile. We are living in an aging population meaning a large amount of workers will be retiring (good for some RDHs) & will still require hygiene care. Independent practices tend to charge less & may even go to the patient which is a huge attraction for people with less mobility & wages. Healthcare especially for the aging population is still promoted as one of the best fields to go into.
I'm probably 1 of the older posters on this forum & am considering retirement within the next 10 years. I would love to see affordable hygiene services easily available when I need them. I'm sure I am not the only person that feels this way.

skrrrrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: Well statistics say there are a lot more than just 'retirees' coming here. There are plenty of young transplant workers with skills, or businesses or professionals (like my wife and I) also. Victoria is very solidly a middle class town, but it costs a ridiculous amount for real estate. Rental units used to be hard to find, but that has changed a bit. Unemployment used to be 3%, now it is 7% or so, and slowly getting flooded with hygienists. RDHs still try to demand $40/hr, but the reality is they will take less or go hungry.

Don't donwplay the fee guide - it is a MAJOR impediment to indy hygiene clinics. It makes them truly non-profit: you invest your money and you make zero income on that investment other than a regular hygiene wage. You can make a market hygiene wage off of your own clinic, but that is not profit and thus a poor investment. There are 3 indy hygiene clinics in town, but 1 is part time 'don't quit you dayjob,' one is well under capacity after 10 years, and a third is a thriving but tiny business with fairly high overhead. Another couple hygienists work for themselves in long term care here, which pays as well as a regular hygienist makes and the investment cost is minimal ($20k or so).

A person would be wise to work for a DDS for a while and research the market and other indy clinicians before trying to go indy right now. Indy hygiene clinics clearly fair better in Ontario.

Skrr..the statistics say that there will be a huge demand for dental hygiene. The ontario schools at present are affecting
employment across the country. This is not based solely on what the "retirees" say. There have been plenty of new grads or
recent grads who are stating the same thing as the retirees...no jobs.

smile in Calgary, Alberta said: There are at least 11 private clinics in the Calgary area alone. I don't know how successful they are but I've talked to 3 of them & they are doing quite well. Many of the practices are mobile. We are living in an aging population meaning a large amount of workers will be retiring (good for some RDHs) & will still require hygiene care. Independent practices tend to charge less & may even go to the patient which is a huge attraction for people with less mobility & wages. Healthcare especially for the aging population is still promoted as one of the best fields to go into.
I'm probably 1 of the older posters on this forum & am considering retirement within the next 10 years. I would love to see affordable hygiene services easily available when I need them. I'm sure I am not the only person that feels this way.

Independent practice will vary from province to province. IMO, Alberta would be the best province because of the higher or no fee guide. They can also bill for xrays and prescribe antibiotics as well as give local. Another good point about Alberta
is that there is only one university that has hygiene. Ontario is the next best option, with a decent hygiene fee guide.
However, there is no xrays, presribing or local allowed. Also with the many many private and public hygiene schools, the students are crying for patients and will often give them a free cleaning. So the low income has a great alternative.
In BC, I think it is a 365 day rule of seeing a dentist, and with the low fee guide that just puts up too many barriers
for the independent hygienist.

I am surprised to see so many independents in Ontario given the many schools and dentists in ontario. Everyone here seems
to be focused on goodwill of their practice. I think it is a big struggle for independents.

skrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: I think you folks have not LISTENED what the Dr in Sherwood Pk AB has said! He is having trouble with hygienist staffing: 1/ he is having difficulty finding a hygienist willing to move to his boondocks practice and 2/ finding that those who do make the move become sick of the rural life and leave to return to the city where jobs have been plentiful (in the past). He did NOT say he does not appreciate the work they do, nor does he not appreciate their contribution to the health of his patients! He is faced with having to settle for a CDA with scaling module simply to keep up with the perio needs of his patients (I believe CDAs with this module can go down to 4mm in AB now) - he does NOT SAY he WANTS to settle for this lesser alternative. He is offering sky high wages of $50 or so, and still can't keep a RDH in the chair, even though he can't cover his overhead in his hygiene dept. I think he deserves some sympathy, and I can understand his situation because so many docs were in this situation up until a year or so ago!

But I think the good Dr. can rest assured that he does not have to resort to hiring a CDA to do scaling, imho. The surplus in RDHs out there is trickling down to the rural areas VERY FAST. You simply need to list your job postings in the oversaturated cities and there are plenty of young RDHs willing to move to where a good, well paid job is waiting. I don't think you will even have to offer over $40/hr in coming years, though you will have to pay more than we do in the cities to keep a good RDH on staff.

I think that it is very nice of you to stick up for the DDS that is just outside of sherwood park but I do think you have lost your mind. Sherwood park is a beautiful well sized community and it is easy to commute from so keping a hygienist should not be a problem if you are a decent DDS. There is also no way that he is losing money from his hygiene. there is no fee guide in Alberta

rdh2007 in Calgary, Alberta said: I think that it is very nice of you to stick up for the DDS that is just outside of sherwood park but I do think you have lost your mind. Sherwood park is a beautiful well sized community and it is easy to commute from so keping a hygienist should not be a problem if you are a decent DDS. There is also no way that he is losing money from his hygiene. there is no fee guide in Alberta. Most offices here charge around 340$ for a recall exam, 2BW's, 2 units of scale, prophy and fluoride. so he is not losing money..And the market is flooded here, there are no jobs available, so finding a new DH should be easy.. and you should not be suggesting that dh's take less money so that the dentist can put more in his pockets. we don't have benefits or pension plans. So that little bit of extra money helps us to pay for those things. We work hard to become Dh's and we have a hard job and should be paid accordingly

Born and Raised in Calgary in Calgary, Alberta said: There are absolutely no jobs left in Calgary!! Everyone's moving here. That's why there isn't a need to advertise for office seeking DHs!

There are no jobs left in this province and when you do see a job advertised the office gets over 100 resumes and most of them from ontario. my office had an ad in the paper for a p/t time position 1 day a week and only for 6 hrs that day.. We got over 200 resumes and only 2 of them from an U of A grad.. I work for a DDS that will not hire anyone from a private school so all but 2 resumes went in the garbage. It is very unfortunate that Ontario is flooding the market everywhere

QWERTY in Toronto, Ontario said: if i were to go into a the dental hygene field is there much work to be found in Ottawa can anyone tell me if possible?

There are no jobs left in hygiene.. Too many private schools pumping new grads out. when you do see a job posting there are like 100 other people fighting for the same job. I have a friend that graduated from Alonquin college in Ottawa last year and it is a non private school and she still as not found work.. The temp agency is not even busy... Take another program. There are no jobs for DH's

waterbug100 in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia said: I'm on Vancouver Island and there are NO JOBS!! And the wages have come down 10.00/hr. I have been RDH since 96 and have NEVER seen this...I am so pissed. We have 7 schools churning out innocent new grads that have been told they deserve a lot of money for their services, when reality is..there are no jobs. I would not ever reccomend hygiene to anyone, do nursing, Xray tech, anything else. We don't have benefits, are at the mercy of the DDS and no pensions etc. Barbaric really. Plus, lots of DDS take off up to 8 weeks of holidays...who can do that financially?? Really, I agree with exp in Newmarket...no regulation, not a consistent field. The pay is whatever the market dictates for that specific time and location. I agree as well that this is the reality of our field...and should not be percieved as negative..it is the truth for now and who knows how long.

Hi Waterbug, Thanks for the back-up on what I've continued to express...We are speaking from experience in the real world...those in school listen to the school, and the few fortunate to find positions (but who choose to think we are negative and not telling it like it is...BUT WE ARE!). I would think, hey, if I were reading what the majority are informing me of the situation of employment as R.D.H.'s....wouldn't you be thankful of this knowledge? and NOT in debt? and be in a career where you will have benefits? Realistic...YES. Associations IMHO, do not care about our predicament as long as they have their jobs, etc....if they did some legal work on our behalf, I think more of us would, also, join...but with little to no work for ALL in this oversaturated field...we need to think about paying monthly bills and food....

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: I wonder why dr nath has not responded to any of the replies on his offer? I have never made $45 an hour, not even on commission. Just like so many other things, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. How many hygienists were ready to pack the car?

It's true. many of my girlfriends moved from Toronto to Northern Canada and are making great money, def. $50/hour. But the cost of living is slighty higher

I graduated 2yrs ago and was very proud of my accomplishment of becoming a dental hygienist. Unfortunately for me, my family and my wallet...I did not know that after I graduated 2 YEARS AGO that I would be in a very competetive market!!!! I am sooooo frustrated and disapointed with my decision to become a dental hygienist. I have exhausted my entire area where I live for distributing resumes as well as other students that I have graduated with...But here is the disturbing part...The school that I graduated from is still pumping out hygiene students like no other...and sadly, promising them a Great future..little do they know that there are no jobs in dental hygiene!!!!! I am thinking about going back to assisting because there seems to be jobs available and here is the kicker... THEY PAY almost as much as hygiene in my area if you are experienced.......GO FIGURE!!!!!!! I should have just stayed an assitant an avoided all the debt and hardship that I put my family through!!! So the moral of this story is....Don't go to school to be a dental hygienist!!!!!!!!!

rdh2007 in Calgary, Alberta said: There are no jobs left in this province and when you do see a job advertised the office gets over 100 resumes and most of them from ontario. my office had an ad in the paper for a p/t time position 1 day a week and only for 6 hrs that day.. We got over 200 resumes and only 2 of them from an U of A grad.. I work for a DDS that will not hire anyone from a private school so all but 2 resumes went in the garbage. It is very unfortunate that Ontario is flooding the market everywhere

Sounds like you have a decent employer who values his/her hygiene dept. We too will not hire any private school grads...and continue to get resumes/calls everyday.

I am sad for all the hygienists that have either just gradded, or have been in the business for a long time...it's a horrible mess out there. It's disturbing to hear that "hygienists" are out in the workforce coming from non accredited schools...is this true in BC as well? Skrrr in Victoria...do you know if the privately owned school in Van. is accredited? If not, shame on the DDS that have any part in the organizing etc. I think these forums are critical..but how to get the word out to students or people even thinking about hygiene as a career that these forums exist. I am quite disturbed with our associations...if there are people working as hygienists that are not accredited, why are our associations allowing this? Do they have any say in anything?? What was the big deal with writing board exams etc. What the hell do we pay dues for anyway? I think hygiene as a career has not come very far...we have no strong force protecting our backs, again to restate..we are at the mercy of the market, DDS and location. I have worked at risk of losing my licence, with First Nations without a DDS anywhere near the premise, with full knowledge of my association, with no problems. It's still the wild west out there. So, DON'T BECOME A HYGIENIST! I am on my way out..going into another field in health, with well established organization, payscale, benefits etc. I have had enough. Good luck to you all, and spread the word....don't become a hygienist!!!
s

Again, the same comments over and over. So many Hygienists with the same concerns and no one taking action. If you want something to be done it will take better organization to lobby the State or Provincial Hygiene Boards to implement better professional protection for those (you and me) that are paying them to exist.

I am currently employed 4 days a week now, after an 8 month dry spell with only 1 1/2 days a week of hygiene work for the last 5 months. I am a new grad from one of those "new hygiene schools in BC", and now that I have my foot in the door I am in demand. Why, because I work hard, make the patients happy, get along well with the DDS and other staff, don't have "family" issues every other week and generally don't b-tch and complain. Believe me, there's alot of that around, and the DDS, who often signs their cheques, knows. Its no surprise that I have had repeated calls, direct from offices, to temp on my 5th day, as well as great recommendations and a few job offers. I have made a positive name for myself, and am making the "higher" older wage. I had to pay my dues, and prove my worth, but now, I am called more than more "experienced" hygienists because I am reliable and adaptable.

But make no mistake, I have paid my dues, fought alot over money with family, went into debt up to my eyes and nearly lost my house. If you aren't willing to do the same, consider another career, otherwise, you have been warned.

1RDH in Airdrie, Alberta said: Sounds like you have a decent employer who values his/her hygiene dept. We too will not hire any private school grads...and continue to get resumes/calls everyday.

I am a grad from private school and couldn't agree more in that the education provided by such institutions is below par. However, I had a DDS at a very established set of dental practices willing to do what it took to get me working for him should I have decided to move back to Calgary. Why, because I have over 5 years of DA experience, and I was damn good. I think DA experience should be a must for any one looking to go into hygiene. Most offices now are looking for it as hygienists are more often a better "fit".

As for Ontario grads...I don't know anyone West of Saskatchewan willing to hire them. Too much negative feedback, and an overall sense of them being under-qualified. Most offices, even the remote far North ones, just shred Ontario resumes.

I am in BC now, but am a Calgarian (and Airdrian lol) to the bone, and I know I can get a job in Alberta if I wanted to. It's not arrogance, but confidence in my ability to rise to the occasion and be uber-hygiene-tastic. And also knowing that it wouldn't happen overnight, but would take time and debt accumulation, before progress would happen.

all RDH's up and no place to go....I don't like what I think you are saying..and I apologize if I have misunderstood. Are you saying that more experienced hygienists have family issues every week, b*tch and complain, and don't do their best to make clients happy, don't do a good job or work well with co workers? Because that is what I am reading. Be careful, you're arrogance will 'uber hygiene you into becoming the person you are seemingly accusing other, more experienced hygienists of being. I think we are all here to find comraderie, and there is no need to cut down others in any way. Times are very, very difficult, with very little opportunity. I am glad you are one of the fortunate few that have found work, but please don't gloat. It makes us look bad.
Again, good luck to everyone that is looking for work and kudos to those who are perservering through this exceptionally difficult market. I also have to say to anyone thinking about coming into this field...don't. As has been said many times - it's costly, pay is coming down, the future doesn't look great, and we really have very little control over our own futures.

The profession of dental hygiene has become watered down, and on the way to being obsolete if we dont stand up and do something NOW!!

rdh2007 in Calgary, Alberta said: There are no jobs left in this province and when you do see a job advertised the office gets over 100 resumes and most of them from ontario. my office had an ad in the paper for a p/t time position 1 day a week and only for 6 hrs that day.. We got over 200 resumes and only 2 of them from an U of A grad.. I work for a DDS that will not hire anyone from a private school so all but 2 resumes went in the garbage. It is very unfortunate that Ontario is flooding the market everywhere

yes....very sad indeed....and it's affecting all of us.....and so many don't 'get it'.....

Dr Zoe Nath in Peace River, Alberta said: Please move your families to Alberta, Canada!!!
We offer our Hygienists the highest salaries in Canada
even new grads are pulling in $50-65/hour, it's crazy, but our dental fee guide supports this market for Hygiene.
Any man can get a job in Alberta right now with/without qualifications- we need anybody from labourers, oilfield related work/labour/heavy machinery operators etc etc the list is endless and the wages are excellent in that industry too!
Welcome to Alberta, Canada!
Dr Zoe Nath

Dr. Nath is this still true today. I am a hygienist and my husband has been laid fof for over a year.

audi in Horsham, Pennsylvania said: Dr. Nath is this still true today. I am a hygienist and my husband has been laid fof for over a year.

NOT IN CALGARY!!!!

carol in Calgary, Alberta said: Those where the good old days when Alberta was looking for employees

Yes I agree w/ you Carol, not anymore

lkenze in Sanford, Maine said: I graduated 2yrs ago and was very proud of my accomplishment of becoming a dental hygienist. Unfortunately for me, my family and my wallet...I did not know that after I graduated 2 YEARS AGO that I would be in a very competetive market!!!! I am sooooo frustrated and disapointed with my decision to become a dental hygienist. I have exhausted my entire area where I live for distributing resumes as well as other students that I have graduated with...But here is the disturbing part...The school that I graduated from is still pumping out hygiene students like no other...and sadly, promising them a Great future..little do they know that there are no jobs in dental hygiene!!!!! I am thinking about going back to assisting because there seems to be jobs available and here is the kicker... THEY PAY almost as much as hygiene in my area if you are experienced.......GO FIGURE!!!!!!! I should have just stayed an assitant an avoided all the debt and hardship that I put my family through!!! So the moral of this story is....Don't go to school to be a dental hygienist!!!!!!!!!

Hi,
You say 'little did they know"....Actually, I think, sadly, they DID AND DO KNOW that there are NO JOBS......that is the very pathetic thing about these Private DH Schools....they DO KNOW the market is saturated....but they don't care---their goal is to get you registered in a DH program....get you tuition money, and set you out so they can sign up the next 'converts'.....
Honestly.....I would talk with a lawyer about suing the school.....

Ontario hygienists were very welcomed in my neck of the woods. The Albertans were wanting insane hourly wages ($60-$75). I took one from a private school in Ontario and couldn't be happier. Now that the market is flooded with hygienists, I have much greater hope for the future. There was a time there where I almost considered no hygienist at all. It wasn't financially feasible to have one.

I can continue practicing without gouging the patients with higher scaling fees.

As for all the private school bashing... this isn't rocket science. It is scaling, root planing and polishing teeth. Sure you need to know a little medical history and some red flags but I'm sure you don't need to go to University of Alberta to learn those. My hygienist seems to know more than any previous ones I've had from university. Maybe it is her desire to learn and be pro-active.

audi in Horsham, Pennsylvania said: Dr. Nath is this still true today. I am a hygienist and my husband has been laid fof for over a year.

No.....Dr Nath's post of a job is probably two years old now.....there are no jobs in Alberta. NONE.

[QUOTE Ontario hygienists were very welcomed in my neck of the woods. The Albertans were wanting insane hourly wages ($60-$75). I took one from a private school in Ontario and couldn't be happier. Now that the market is flooded with hygienists, I have much greater hope for the future. There was a time there where I almost considered no hygienist at all. It wasn't financially feasible to have one.

I can continue practicing without gouging the patients with higher scaling fees.

As for all the private school bashing... this isn't rocket science. It is scaling, root planing and polishing teeth. Sure you need to know a little medical history and some red flags but I'm sure you don't need to go to University of Alberta to learn those. My hygienist seems to know more than any previous ones I've had from university. Maybe it is her desire to learn and be pro-active.

Contrary to you 'anony DDS' , Ontario 'fast track DH school grads' are NOT WELCOME in 'our part of the woods'. Dentists are in a CONFLICT OF INTEREST with regards to these private schools in Ontario as they take the "$42,000.00 tuition for the 18 month program, flood the market with DHs, and then are able to lower the salaries due to the law of supply and demand".
Lastly, to suggest that you "will continue to practice without gouging the patients with higher scaling fees" s u g g e s t s you will be 'charging less' when you have a 'quick grad Ontario DH grad' do the work.....UNLIKELY....you will probably charge the exact same amount for 3 or 4 units of scaling no matter who does it. So please, DON'T SUGGEST you will 'charge less'....you'll charge the same but just pay out a lesser wage for the staff performing the treatment. THAT IS WHAT is going on.....in fact, even dental assistants have told me that some DDSs are hiring 'fast track dental assistants' and allowing them to do duties to create revenue and are paying THAT D A half of Nait's grads.

...lastly....this is all about the DDS's trying to find a way to cut salaries.....both to DH and to DA.....fast tracking is going on in Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting.
It is very INAPPROPRIATE for an "EMPLOYER TO BE IN CHARGE OF THE EDUCATION OF ANOTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL THAT THEY EMPLOY".....standards of education diminish, quality of educators diminish...heck....we even see graduates from these schools having to write and rewrite Board Exams 4 times before they pass. It's time the PUBLIC are educated as to what some dentist have constructed. I say some dentists, because I know many who have NOT DONE this 'crap' and who appreciate our professionalism, our work, our effort in helping our patients in continued oral health. I have worked for some great guys....with integrity and with appreciation of the job I've done.

"Ontario hygienists were very welcomed in my neck of the woods. The Albertans were wanting insane hourly wages ($60-$75). I took one from a private school in Ontario and couldn't be happier. Now that the market is flooded with hygienists, I have much greater hope for the future. There was a time there where I almost considered no hygienist at all. It wasn't financially feasible to have one.

I can continue practicing without gouging the patients with higher scaling fees.

As for all the private school bashing... this isn't rocket science. It is scaling, root planing and polishing teeth. Sure you need to know a little medical history and some red flags but I'm sure you don't need to go to University of Alberta to learn those. My hygienist seems to know more than any previous ones I've had from university. Maybe it is her desire to learn and be pro-active."

If this is not a testament to what hygiene has deteriorated to...I don't know what is. It will end up a trade, with pay and respect to reflect that.

What 30 year vet is telling us...our bosses should not be in control of our education.

It's as simple as that. It is a major conflict of interest.

The DDS that are involved in these private schools, and there are some BC DDS directly involved, are very happy with the situation as it is today. They have complete control over you..your education, your working conditions, your pay, and don't care if you are not happy, because there are literally thousands of others JUST LIKE YOU!!

As the very ethical DDS from the quote above states.."it's not rocket science etc." I don't see dental work as rocket science either, but since they have a lot of education behind them, they automatically earn respect.

Education is the key. And if we are ever to become truly independant, with leaders that don't have their heads up their *sses, we need EDUCATION to be RESPECTED!!

waterbug100 in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia said: Smile in Calgary...I really don't know that much about independant practice. I do know that when a hygienist started her own practice in Nanaimo, a letter was sent out by the local dentists stating they would not support her. I saw that letter. It's tough. I live mid island, so again, don't know all that much about the smaller islands..Upper Vancouver Island is pretty well covered. We are the California of Canada, so lots of DDS from Campbell River down to Victoria.

You are at the mercy of your clients tho. In reference to what you said about being independant and not being at the mercy of whomever you work for. The Island is very wealthy in pockets...Victoria, Parksville/Qualicum, but these people are mainly retirees. Transplants from the rest of Canada. The rest of us are struggling. Not much industry, the logging, fishing, mills are just about done, so very little available work that pays a decent wage. Mostly tourism. And dental plans are under the gun, some upping their rates by 30%, which in turn ups the overhead and lowers profits, so something has to give.We are really feeling the economic crunch, fixed income people having to work at Tim Hortons etc. In addition,...we have one of the highest costs of living in Canada. That includes all the small

WaterBug, I don't understand where you're coming from sometimes. You are a very angry person. I wouldn't hire you. I wouldn't want such a negative, angry person working in our office. You don't like working for Dentists because you are at their "mercy" and you don't want to open up a practice of your own because you are at the "mercy" of your patients. What do you want? What do you expect? Your in control of what you achieve in life. You're the one that makes your life decisions. Maybe you should choose a different career if you feel the profession is so doomed.

Anon DDS in Cold Lake, Alberta said: I took one RDH from a private school in Ontario and couldn't be happier. Now that the market is flooded with hygienists, I have much greater hope for the future. There was a time there where I almost considered no hygienist at all. It wasn't financially feasible to have one.

As for all the private school bashing... this isn't rocket science. It is scaling, root planing and polishing teeth. Sure you need to know a little medical history and some red flags but I'm sure you don't need to go to University of Alberta to learn those. My hygienist seems to know more than any previous ones I've had from university. Maybe it is her desire to learn and be pro-active.

I hired an Ontario grad last year (Regency private school). I knew she was inexperienced and spent a small FORTUNE trying to train her to work at a level of all the myriad of BC-trained hygienists I have known. This person was a dud. SHe should never have been admitted to any RDH school. After 2 months of intensive training, and given 2 hours per patient, she still had cone cuts and missed apici on EVERY SINGLE PERIAPICAL. She couldn't take an IO photo to save her life. I only checked a couple patients after a month of work for missed deposit - after spending an hour and saying she was 'done' I looked and saw so much calculus you'd think the patient hadn't been to a hyg in years. And for those who think I am biased in favour of dentists - this RDH was the wife of a dentist and I fired her based on clinical incompetence (later hired an experienced lady from QC who is great).

I was burned and will never hire another Ontario private school grad. While as an employer I am glad the hyg shortage is over also, I continue to be highly suspicious of these private schools' clinical competency and I think the flood of RDHs is highly unfair.