I'm confused..is dental hygienists a good job or Not..is it worth it or not?

$1200 every 2 weex for a RN is REALLY LOW they are supposed to make $60k a yr i know they do in NY for the most part

izdisguy4real in Los Angeles, California said: hmmmm, slow day in the aerosppace world today, sicne it's President's Day...anyways, excuse my ignorance as I have no experience in the dental industry as I manage govt contracts but can you define fulltime? By my math: (38x40)x52 = $79K

Are you hiring

moneymoney in Bronx, New York said: everyone see it diffrenty,for me money is main concern.in ur sociaty.there is no room to do things u like but things that will make survive ,most hygienest are doing in for the money,because money what give u respect and like u said,secod plans are always good

You should be worried about your spelling first then get into a field where you can make "money". You can't even spell Hygienist correctly and you want to get into this field? Makes no Sense!

Meagan in Moody, Texas said: I live in Temple, Texas and i totally agree with you. Most of all the comments are so negative and rude. NO ONE ON HERE should be telling people that they should not be a Dental Hygienist. If that is what they would like to be then that is okay. How bout some people start posting helpful things instead of just being rude.

I totally agree with Meagan! I make great money and have 3 weeks vacation, 401k, and 75% of medical paid. If you are working somewhere you do not like find another job. Let's face it we have it really easy. 1 patient at a time! Try working in a hospital and having 10 patients at a time in your care, and they could actually die from what you are doing. Plus we make more than the average RN.....give me a break! We have a great job!

Thomas Hewitt in Brooklyn, New York said: a guy commented way earlier that he went to a 2yr community college in nyc and right after he graduated he was offered a job paying $32 or $38. he made no mention of doing any secondary schooling or anything like that. in fact you are the 1st person to mention dental hygiene requiring a 4yr degree. so it all just confuses me. so idk who knows the truth.

I live in Oregon and most of the schools here are all just 2 year degrees the only difference from an associates degree and a bachelors in dental hygiene that is in a bachelors you can teach, manage, promote, sell, etc. There is no difference in pay. At least that how it is here.

mary in Indio, California said: Move to California!
Everyone in cheap as$ eastern states need to get real.... the cost of living is so much cheaper there. move to LA.
i make 46.00 an hour.
im not complaining like everyone on here.
and meagan just thinks everyone is rude.....
little biatch!

Hey Mary, Did you start at $46/hr right out of school??

I am just now finish with all pre classes and applied for dental hyg school I am confused beacause in austin they are not many jobs I do not know what to do a RN i thought about that to travel all around south america since a speak spanish and be travling nurse I just do not know what demand for a dental hygenist jobs someone give some advice

Anne in Denver, Colorado said: ***************************

Dental Hygenist - 4 year degree
Dental Assisting -- 2 year degree

You said that way just because you know nothing about RDH. It's true you need 2 years deploma or 3-4 years degree to be a RDH deponds on different area.

I am trying to become a DH. One of I am going to a information seminar on it Monday. It takes 70 weeks with 550 clinical hrs. You do the math. You get an A.A.S degree. I live in Memphis, TN and I was told by friends they make about $37/hr. Since the UT Medical center is close one girl had a great chance. She applied for a job in a small town about 40-50 miles outside of the metro area and she is making $150/hr. A large commute everyday but at that pay.. who cares! That's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Plus they only have one dentist office there.

I have been a hygienist for three years. I really like doing dental hygiene, I tell you what, some dentist can make your life miserable...always keep your eyes open for the good ones. I have worked for both good and bad.

There also seems to be some confusion here over a Dental Assistant (AA) and a Dental Hygenist (4 years). A dental hygenist is highly skilled and can command more money per hour. It's like comparing an LPN and an R.N. My uncle is a dentist in the east. He hires hygenists and pays them in the high 40's per hour. That doesn't mean an assistant can't earn perhaps more than usual, but the degree is not the same.

I work in the Chicagoland suburbs. I am changing careers from dental hygiene to nursing. I am tired of the unstable pay check and lack of health benefits. After 5 years all I have is regret that I didn't do nursing first. If I only knew then what I know now!

Tina in Chicago, Illinois said: I work in the Chicagoland suburbs. I am changing careers from dental hygiene to nursing. I am tired of the unstable pay check and lack of health benefits. After 5 years all I have is regret that I didn't do nursing first. If I only knew then what I know now!

I was going to dental hygiene but I have heard alot of cons about it. I use to want to do nursing but that is really not in my heart. I was looking into some other allied health careers. I have a question about the unstable paychecks....do they pay you only when the patient comes to their appointment? Any advice you have would be great. Thank you.

in the profession. All be blesses and thank GOD for what we have. Thank you.

Sorry folks. I wrote about a page on here and the last line got cut in half. In a nutshell, every profession across the board is suffering due to escalating gas prices, natural disasters in every state, Red Cross and other faith based missions asking for blood and your hard earned dollar to help the victoms of natural disasters, businesses going belly up every day in the U.S. and mega malls and places like Disney World, Six Flags, etc., are suffering due to no customers due to no gas. I said all that to say we are blessed to have a job to meet financial commitments. In our profession, we see on a daily basis, patients who have lost insurance benefits altogether or have been down graded so they go to a different dental practice. I love my profession, but I see changes since 911 and the downward spiral in the global economy that is trickling down to our local communities. We can no longer remember what job "security" is or what "good" benefits are. If it is still out there, they are most likely, more the "exception" than the rule. Thank you, Friends.

not going to lie- i went to school to become a RDH purely for the money. The job is the same day in and day ouut. I love the patients but it's so redundant. I only temp and will not take a FT position at any one given office. I like the flexibility. I;m 23 years old- and while I usually do work 40 hours a week- it's nice to know that if I don;t want to work any given day- I don't have to. Plenty of offices I temp in have offered my a FT position- but the flexibilty of temping is just too good to give up! Temping allows me to go to different offices, learn different techniques, use different equiptment and meet all sorts fo patients! Don't think I can do DH for the next 10 or 20 years- but the paycheck sure is nice!

A in San Diego, California said: not going to lie- i went to school to become a RDH purely for the money. The job is the same day in and day ouut. I love the patients but it's so redundant. I only temp and will not take a FT position at any one given office. I like the flexibility. I;m 23 years old- and while I usually do work 40 hours a week- it's nice to know that if I don;t want to work any given day- I don't have to. Plenty of offices I temp in have offered my a FT position- but the flexibilty of temping is just too good to give up! Temping allows me to go to different offices, learn different techniques, use different equiptment and meet all sorts fo patients! Don't think I can do DH for the next 10 or 20 years- but the paycheck sure is nice!

Hi Am

Just curious...What is the average starting pay in San Diego? How hard is it to find a full time job out there? Has your pay increased significantly since you graduated?

the outcome of being a dental hygienists in Bronx, New York said: thank you very much but I have a question
how much was the salary for hygienist 22 yrs ago? did he raise you based on today salary? how does it work. and it is true.if the dentist is nice then you will be happy.it is like school when the teacher is mean that it makes the class long and boring..thanks for the head up,22 yes experience don't you think it is about time that Hygienists open their own practice

I'm a Hygienist on Long Island for going on 16 yrs....I have hated every second of it...Dentists are thieves....and Assitants are useless, usually drug addicts, (this way the DDs. doesn't have to pay her much. and the front desk are jealous of the hygienist because they make some money...but not enough...When I realized after 31/2 years at one guys office that i was bringing in way more than I was being paid...I left with one days notice...He was on his 4th vacation of the year and i couldn't afford one, because he didn't pay for the hygienist's time off, even if he was taking off, but he would pay for the front desk and assistants....i now do something different, that will pay off MUCH more handsomely and can not wait until my business gets off of the ground...I knew it was going to be a nothing job in the beginning, but I didn't know how much of a nothing job it is...but at least you bring home the most in the office, except the thief dds, (which hides all of his cash).

Susan Miller in Greenlawn, New York said: I'm a Hygienist on Long Island for going on 16 yrs....I have hated every second of it...Dentists are thieves....and Assitants are useless, usually drug addicts, (this way the DDs. doesn't have to pay her much. and the front desk are jealous of the hygienist because they make some money...but not enough...When I realized after 31/2 years at one guys office that i was bringing in way more than I was being paid...I left with one days notice...He was on his 4th vacation of the year and i couldn't afford one, because he didn't pay for the hygienist's time off, even if he was taking off, but he would pay for the front desk and assistants....i now do something different, that will pay off MUCH more handsomely and can not wait until my business gets off of the ground...I knew it was going to be a nothing job in the beginning, but I didn't know how much of a nothing job it is...but at least you bring home the most in the office, except the thief dds, (which hides all of his cash).

I was thinking about doing dental hygiene but I am not too sure now. I am leaning towards clinical laboratory science or biotechnology. I am currently working on my Master degree in Management so I htin kthat will help me out for whatever I decide to do. Any more nsight into the career would be gretaly appreciative.

Brooke Holmes in Greenbrier, Tennessee said: Hi,

I am a hygienist in TN. I have a slightly different perspective on this job. I have been doing this for three years now and I love it. I get paid well here in middle TN, and I get off for all holidays, and get vacations. Hygiene is a job where you can pick how many days you work and negotiate your salary based on your experience. It is one of the top paid associate and bachelors health professions coming straight out of college. Just bc someone else had a bad experience does not mean every hygienist hates thier job. I think it mostly depends on who you work for. I work for a great dentist. He is honest and very generous when it comes to money and time. Hygienists make more than nurses straight out of school and in the long run have better schedules. Most offices do not offer health ins. but if your husband gets it through his job its not a big deal.

Yes maybe some Hygienists make more then nurses BUT nurses have more opportunity.

Working for a dentist IS working for a small business. Hopsitals offer much more.

So I won't be so quick to say hygiene is a BETTER choice it all dependents on what you want as a individual.

Brooke Holmes in Greenbrier, Tennessee said: Hi,

I am a hygienist in TN. I have a slightly different perspective on this job. I have been doing this for three years now and I love it. I get paid well here in middle TN, and I get off for all holidays, and get vacations. Hygiene is a job where you can pick how many days you work and negotiate your salary based on your experience. It is one of the top paid associate and bachelors health professions coming straight out of college. Just bc someone else had a bad experience does not mean every hygienist hates thier job. I think it mostly depends on who you work for. I work for a great dentist. He is honest and very generous when it comes to money and time. Hygienists make more than nurses straight out of school and in the long run have better schedules. Most offices do not offer health ins. but if your husband gets it through his job its not a big deal.

How do you like dental hygiene? I am still debating on this and need all the insight I can get... Thanks

Thomas Hewitt in Brooklyn, New York said: oh ok. now another thing, im a guy...i heard its a woman's field, other people say don't worry go for it, i mean its seems safe to say that there are more male hygienists than male nurses. what are the job prospects for a guy??? what's the truth???? because i really don't want to waste 2yrs of my time

go for it, i know i wouldn't mind a guy as my dh.

No, she wouldn't mind a male DH...but the Dentist does...he doesn't want a male to compete with other than another Dentist....Trust me, I've been a DH for 15 years....The school will take your money and tell you how, much opportunity there is for male DH...nothing but a lie...

this is to Susan from Greenlawn...do you find that being a DH in ny pays the bills? OR would it have been more financially rewarding had you become an RN in ny?

Sammy Joe are you male or female and are you a Dentist or DH?

Probably RN...there are alot of more opportunties as a RN...As a RDH, you work in a dental office, usually for a private practice, and you get what they offer...some benefits, some holidays, ok pay, or no holidays, no benefits, and no sick days...you take off, you don't get paid, if the dentist takes off, you don't get paid, if you don't like it you either have to put up with it or leave...I've chosen to leave on a full time basis... I don't want another dentist to make another undeserved dollar off of me....As a RN, even though I've heard the job succkks, at least if you work in a Hosp. you're in a union...and that's really what Dental Hygienists lack, a union...the Dentist's call all of the shots....NOT GOOD!

Delia Wilkins in Rome, Italy said: What I meant was, I'm one of those people who like to multitask and have other goals to do with my career. I love DH work but since I'm required to be very proficient at computer, administrative and leadership work I have the potential of doing this and practicing my DH on a part-time basis which I'm planning on doing! I'm lucky I have the opportunity to do that and I'm taking advantage of it...I can also mentor two more new hygienists that I will be supervising soon....Are you already accepted into DH school? that was a very stressful time in my life (booking patients) but highly rewarding towards the end! It's definitely worth it even if you do this career for a few years (do you know the majority of RDH burnout average is 5 years?)

Your going to "mentor" a Hygienist? I've never heard of this, a hygienist comes with a licence, I would think she doesn't need mentoring, or supervising...I've been a RDH for 15 years, and I've never seen this before...if I worked in your office, the last thing i would need is another hygienist telling me what and how to do something...Don't get so full of yourself, you will be hated in no time at all.

Sonia in College Station, Texas said: Hi Meagan from Temple, Tx. Since you are already in the program, you might be able to help me. Also, all the recent DH students who graduated pls share ur opinions. I love dental Hygiene-mainly cuz it's less stressy & has flexible schedule compared to nursing. Smile is the most important for a person & i love when i help fix dat problem. Right now I am in the nursing school and thinking of switching to DH cuz I think nsg aint for me. But before I make this tough decision I would like to know lil more on DH. Is it really hard,do u study in depth level of cells, tissues?How is pathology class cuz dat sounds scary? For pharmacology for DH-do u study only the drugs related to oral; how is that pharm class different from other health professions? Each sem, which is the hardest class. Please tell me the good things n bad things u know when u r in the program so that I can have a clearer view. Thanks!!

Sorry to tell you this, but if you speak like this you won't last a day as a Hygienist, maybe a nurse, but not a DH...I promise you that.

P.Z in Toronto, Ontario said: You said that way just because you know nothing about RDH. It's true you need 2 years deploma or 3-4 years degree to be a RDH deponds on different area.

You need NO degree to be an assisant...you need at least a 2year degree to be a RDH...at least in NY.

Ashley in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I was going to dental hygiene but I have heard alot of cons about it. I use to want to do nursing but that is really not in my heart. I was looking into some other allied health careers. I have a question about the unstable paychecks....do they pay you only when the patient comes to their appointment? Any advice you have would be great. Thank you.

No, you get paid, even if the patient cancels or doesn't show up.

Ashley in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I was thinking about doing dental hygiene but I am not too sure now. I am leaning towards clinical laboratory science or biotechnology. I am currently working on my Master degree in Management so I htin kthat will help me out for whatever I decide to do. Any more nsight into the career would be gretaly appreciative.

Yes get your masters...anything than Dental Hygiene.

i have been a hygienist since 1995, my siter told me not to do this,she told me to be a nurse. My daugther wanted to be a hygienist too and she is now in NURSING school! i love the patients, teaching and motivating them but that's it. most offices will only hire you for one or two days and the instruments are horrible and employees are not that nice! you dont get holidays, sick days, vacation and to top that off when your dentist takes 5 vacations a year or has continuing education courses YOU DONT GET PAID. You also have to be very dedicated to putting money away for your old age because if not you'll be eating catfood (NO PENSION PLAN). I have been fired for being sick. In nyc you could get a job in a hospital or clinic where you will be over worked about 2-3 patients an hour and get paid less about 18.00 an hour,the going rate in private practice is 36.00-42.00 an hour! when i finised hygeine school i earned 25.00 and hour. Anyboby who asked me i would tell them RUN FAST AND FAR,DO NOT BECOME A HYGIENIST. Its funny in school all they ever tell you is how much money you will make and not even half of what this profession really entails.

What other profession besides hygiene is good and pays good? I am really re-thinking the entire dental hygiene profession. I am currently working on my Master in Management degree but also wanted to do something in healthcare. Was looking at clinical laboratory science or radiology.

I feel terrible for all the hygienist on here who are so unhappy with their profession, I am sure this leads to unhappiness in other aspects of life, it is so obvious to see how venomous you are. It is easy to tell that you are biter. I am sorry for your bad experiences. I am 10 years in, and I still love it; actually I enjoy it more each year. I work full time (in one office), full benefits, 4 weeks paid vacation and 401K. I also make substantially more than $42 dollars an hour. I work right in Manhattan, so the rate is better here than $42 if you find the right office. My advice is if you hate your current position as a RDH find a better office, they do exist, make yourself a very valuable hygienist and you will be treated as such. I wonder if these unhappy and underpaid hygienists are doing everything they can to stay active and aggressive in the profession. (licensed for local, etc?) You will get what you put into this profession, if you hate it, it will hate you back just like any other profession.

Voice of Reason in New York, New York said: I feel terrible for all the hygienist on here who are so unhappy with their profession, I am sure this leads to unhappiness in other aspects of life, it is so obvious to see how venomous you are. It is easy to tell that you are biter. I am sorry for your bad experiences. I am 10 years in, and I still love it; actually I enjoy it more each year. I work full time (in one office), full benefits, 4 weeks paid vacation and 401K. I also make substantially more than $42 dollars an hour. I work right in Manhattan, so the rate is better here than $42 if you find the right office. My advice is if you hate your current position as a RDH find a better office, they do exist, make yourself a very valuable hygienist and you will be treated as such. I wonder if these unhappy and underpaid hygienists are doing everything they can to stay active and aggressive in the profession. (licensed for local, etc?) You will get what you put into this profession, if you hate it, it will hate you back just like any other profession.

I disagree with you. You talk that way because you were blessed to be where you are and it has nothing to do with you. You happened to be in the right place at the right time. All offices are not "your" utopic office. No-one here needs you to feel sorry for themselves. I kind of feel for you because it sounds like you may not be able to work anywhere else because you are under the impression that all of these professionals are lacking something you have got. That isn't the case. There are hygienists out there that are running circles around you with a far less utopic career and their bosses may be mean spirited and money hungry. Some offices if you even suggest a 401K you'd be laughed out of the office. But still thes professionals keep doing what they have to do for their families and their financial commitments to be met. They are the ones who could work in your office no problem. Can you work in theirs?

Susan Miller in Greenlawn, New York said: No, you get paid, even if the patient cancels or doesn't show up.

Actually, Susan, no you don't. My DDS clocks us out when there's a cancellation and says the office manager will call you on your cell when your next shows up. Sorry about that. Just stating pure "fact".

I totally agree with JC IN COLUMBUS,OH

Everyone has the right to their own opinion, I honestly respect that. I would however bet my license that you do know have local, just curious, do you? I hope everyone finds professional happiness in whatever profession they choose, it makes a huge difference when you like your job. I just want to show the brighter side of hygiene, every story has two, and I want to share the other side.

Voice of Reason in New York, New York said: Everyone has the right to their own opinion, I honestly respect that. I would however bet my license that you do know have local, just curious, do you? I hope everyone finds professional happiness in whatever profession they choose, it makes a huge difference when you like your job. I just want to show the brighter side of hygiene, every story has two, and I want to share the other side.

What is the starting pay for a DH right out of school in NY,NY? And do you know how different the California boards are from the NY boards?

Remember one thing when negotiating for any salary, whether in NY or Cal. ...It' not what you deserve, it's what you negotiate. starting salary in Manhattan, can be at least $40.00, on Long Island, can be $35...it all depends on you, the dentist, the time of day, whether it's raining or not, and whether, he cares or not...but it's not only the salary that effects the salary negotiating, it's also the health benefits, sick days, snow days, 401k plan, compenstation for selling....it's very involved, and if you are not prepared, and he smells a weakling, or a desperate person, "who really LOVES the job and will do anything to kiss his butt, be prepared to "leave money on the table"...And, don't get fooled by his smile and nice demeanor, remember, if you don't ask for it now and don't get it now...5 years will pass, and you will look around, with not much more to show for it, from the day you started. TRUST ME...these dentists are sharks and looking for fresh meat. You are a number..."Hygiene Production", don't get fooled by any sweet talking.

Well said, I agree entirely. NY is under the jurisdiction of the NERB and CA is under the jurisdiction of the WREB (CA used to be a state exam and just recently became a WREB state). WREB states accept the NERB exam results, but NERB states do not accept WREB exam result until you have a certain amount of clinical hours (license by reciprocity). However, it is required by CA that you take their specific Local Anesthesia, Nitrous, and Gingival Curettage courses, even if you are licensed in another WREB state with these adjuncts, you will still need to take these courses specific for CA. The written portion of the exam is national, meaning all states use the same exam. If you want to have your options open for either state, take NERB (accepted in over 40 states) and be prepared to take those three courses in order to license in CA.

I've been a Hygienist for almost 16 years, and no I don't have the local ane. cert....I could get it, and the dds would pay for it...but why would I? To take on more responsibility without more money? you would have to be a MORON to take this class...of course i would assume new graduates have already....This cert. only impresses the new graduate... the Dentist is not impressed he is only going to exploit this...more reponsibility, not more pay....TRUST ME!!!! Don't worry about my professional happiness...I do hygiene part time now and something else much more fun and professional and ALOT more lucrative the dental hygiene...Dental Hygiene is just a part time job for me to just keep my feet in the door....I can see if you are a new dh, you would find this job exciting and are very proud of yourself...after about a year of it, you'll feel different....Unless of course you are the family's "success story" and dh is considered a REALLY good job in your particualar family, in my family of all dr.s, dds. attorney's, business owners, Dental Hygiene is an embarrasment...it's all relative.

Susan Miller in Greenlawn, New York said: I've been a Hygienist for almost 16 years, and no I don't have the local ane. cert....I could get it, and the dds would pay for it...but why would I? To take on more responsibility without more money? you would have to be a MORON to take this class...of course i would assume new graduates have already....This cert. only impresses the new graduate... the Dentist is not impressed he is only going to exploit this...more reponsibility, not more pay....TRUST ME!!!! Don't worry about my professional happiness...I do hygiene part time now and something else much more fun and professional and ALOT more lucrative the dental hygiene...Dental Hygiene is just a part time job for me to just keep my feet in the door....I can see if you are a new dh, you would find this job exciting and are very proud of yourself...after about a year of it, you'll feel different....Unless of course you are the family's "success story" and dh is considered a REALLY good job in your particualar family, in my family of all dr.s, dds. attorney's, business owners, Dental Hygiene is an embarrasment...it's all relative.

Hi

I would like to talk to you about your hygiene experience. My email is carolinadiva09@gmail.com

Thank You

Susan Miller in Greenlawn, New York said: Remember one thing when negotiating for any salary, whether in NY or Cal. ...It' not what you deserve, it's what you negotiate. starting salary in Manhattan, can be at least $40.00, on Long Island, can be $35...it all depends on you, the dentist, the time of day, whether it's raining or not, and whether, he cares or not...but it's not only the salary that effects the salary negotiating, it's also the health benefits, sick days, snow days, 401k plan, compenstation for selling....it's very involved, and if you are not prepared, and he smells a weakling, or a desperate person, "who really LOVES the job and will do anything to kiss his butt, be prepared to "leave money on the table"...And, don't get fooled by his smile and nice demeanor, remember, if you don't ask for it now and don't get it now...5 years will pass, and you will look around, with not much more to show for it, from the day you started. TRUST ME...these dentists are sharks and looking for fresh meat. You are a number..."Hygiene Production", don't get fooled by any sweet talking.

THANK YOU! Dito.

You sound like you may be an idealist. Again, until you take a walk in another hygienist's shoes and they in yours, you cannot possibly have 2 sides of a story. These professionals didn't go to college because they were sure they would hate hygiene. The opposite is true. If you weren't hired into your practice at the time that practice needed a hygienist, another hygienist would surely have been telling your story and you would be telling ours. It really isn't you and how special you are, unfortunately. It's the DDS and how professional, and fair minded they are that placed you there. I'm thrilled for you and your great job and benefits, but be broad minded enough to know that the number of disappopinted hygienists is substantial enough to be a roaring lion in the realm of social injustice and indifference. Their story is just as real as yours is.

Meagan in Moody, Texas said: I live in Temple, Texas and i totally agree with you. Most of all the comments are so negative and rude. NO ONE ON HERE should be telling people that they should not be a Dental Hygienist. If that is what they would like to be then that is okay. How bout some people start posting helpful things instead of just being rude.

I wish that someone had told me the truth about the profession I was getting into!

JC in Columbus, Ohio said: You sound like you may be an idealist. Again, until you take a walk in another hygienist's shoes and they in yours, you cannot possibly have 2 sides of a story. These professionals didn't go to college because they were sure they would hate hygiene. The opposite is true. If you weren't hired into your practice at the time that practice needed a hygienist, another hygienist would surely have been telling your story and you would be telling ours. It really isn't you and how special you are, unfortunately. It's the DDS and how professional, and fair minded they are that placed you there. I'm thrilled for you and your great job and benefits, but be broad minded enough to know that the number of disappopinted hygienists is substantial enough to be a roaring lion in the realm of social injustice and indifference. Their story is just as real as yours is.

almost every hygienist i know feels the same way that i do. I hate when that one person who has been sooooooooooooooooo lucky tries to dispell what a hugh majority is feeling. They try to blame us, and yes maybe a small few are in this for the money and reaaly dont really care about this profession. I cant speak for others only myself this profession is so unregulated from dentist office to dentist office and the sad reality is that most dentist do not care about any of there employees, only how much money they make. The turn over in most offices is HORRIBLE. You are not a humanbeing just a cash cow. You can and will be treated terrible and even fired at the drop of a hat. Most dds do not respect us at all we are just the cleaning people. Why dont we have a UNION? Why dont we have a set of standars for all dentist to follow, who want to hire us? why cant we ensure that every hygienist has everything they need to do thier job to the best of there abilities? why dont we have job security? Maybe when we can answer these questions we can all
be happy!

Another perspective....I am a dentist in NC and came across this forum while looking for a replacement for my current hygienist. She is paid $34/hr + paid vacation (2weeks) + CE + sick leave + we cover $100/month of her major medical. She feels it is not enough. We run an insurance dependent office (we are permitted to charge and receive only what the insurance company gives us). Any difference, is called a write-off. Translation - it is a loss. As we are a new office, with approximately $14,000 a month in loan payments, we must take any and all plans, including Aetna and Medicaid. Medicaid pays us less than $40 for an adult prophy while Aetna pays us less than $55. The DH wants 1 hour to see these patients. Meanwhile, her total benefits package approaches $42/hour. Meanwhile, I have to pay the rent, light bills, cleaning bills, equipment repair bill, supplies bills (yes gloves/prophy paste/and floss do cost money), payroll for the receptionist to keep the DH busy,etc. On top of it all, if the patient cancels guess who takes the hit - hint - it is the person whose name is on the front door. I pay a wage that is in line with other DDS's in the area - guess what it works that way in any profession. You can only make what the market allows for and no more. I am happy to answer/enlighten those of you who have questions, including DH's who have been out for awhile. Fire away!

Peter DDS in Charlotte, North Carolina said: Another perspective....I am a dentist in NC and came across this forum while looking for a replacement for my current hygienist. She is paid $34/hr + paid vacation (2weeks) + CE + sick leave + we cover $100/month of her major medical. She feels it is not enough. We run an insurance dependent office (we are permitted to charge and receive only what the insurance company gives us). Any difference, is called a write-off. Translation - it is a loss. As we are a new office, with approximately $14,000 a month in loan payments, we must take any and all plans, including Aetna and Medicaid. Medicaid pays us less than $40 for an adult prophy while Aetna pays us less than $55. The DH wants 1 hour to see these patients. Meanwhile, her total benefits package approaches $42/hour. Meanwhile, I have to pay the rent, light bills, cleaning bills, equipment repair bill, supplies bills (yes gloves/prophy paste/and floss do cost money), payroll for the receptionist to keep the DH busy,etc. On top of it all, if the patient cancels guess who takes the hit - hint - it is the person whose name is on the front door. I pay a wage that is in line with other DDS's in the area - guess what it works that way in any profession. You can only make what the market allows for and no more. I am happy to answer/enlighten those of you who have questions, including DH's who have been out for awhile. Fire away!

I have a few questions. My email is carolinadiva09@gmail.com
Thanks

ashley in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I have a few questions. My email is carolinadiva09@gmail.com
Thanks

ME FIRST, ME FIRST!!!!! Just so you know, doc, this discussion only allows for a certain amount of words, so when I have the time (at this time, I don't, I just sat down to do something else on the computer, but rest assured I will write to you, and I hope you don't take anything (or mostly anything, personally), but I have been at this for almost 16 years, and have 2 sisters that are hygienists, (one 20 yrs., the other 16yrs. as well) that if I told you the horror stories, you wouldn't believe it....even the good stories of the doctors that we actually liked, have horror stories attached....oh, BTW, the reason I got to my computer so late on a Sat. nite is because, although I was supposed to be done at 2 today, I got done close to 3, but will I add an extra hr. to my hours when the office manager puts in the payroll?NOOOOOO! Why, because I am not a you know what, that's why....I have worked all over New York, upstate, (filling in at a friends office, his hygienist was out on maternity leave), but mostly Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island....and of course, the hygienist realizes the exorbinate expenses the Dentist incures (and you, are new at it, which makes a world of difference), but when you see the life he/she leads, compared to the hygienist, I would say the hygienists' life is just one notch above the assistant's or the front desk....and about 10 notches below the Dentist's....And, it's NOT only about money, trust me....well, I have to go right now, and try to sell some houses, so I can make my mortage and hopefully fill up my oil tank, come the fall....I do wish you alot of luck in your new practice, and a word to the wise, treat ALL of your employees well, if they serve your office and practice well, they deserve it.