who makes more money?

who makes more money...dental assistant or dental receptionist/ thnx

It normally would be a Certified Intra Oral Dental Assistant would make more money than a Dental Receptionist. But, in some cases, an excellent receptionist with experience who is doing some office management work as well is often paid quite well for her work. This situation can garner her/him a higher wage than a younger dental assistant.

30 yr vet is right. Actually, the average wage for the two would be similar, but the wages range of dental receptionist is huge. Some start at $12 with no experience, and some make over $30/hr or higher. We have one receptionist who makes more than just about any DA in town. But skill and experience are hugely important. One who knows almost as much about dentistry as the doc and can do full-on treatment plan consultations are invaluable to a practice - often found working in cosmetic dental practices for high wages. Assistants can aspire to higher wages also, but for the most part they start somewhere between 16-20/hr and later on can earn up to the mid 20s, around here.

Thank you both for your comments...now i have a better idea of what is going on out there in the work force.
I just got my RDH license, and i am very discouraged and quite depressed at the lack of jobs out there. So, i was just wondering what the others are doing...from what i can see receptionists and assistants are much in demand now... unnfortunately i picked the wrong field to study:(
If i saw a light at the end of the tunnel, i'd be happy, but i don't...not the way things are going... too many schools, too many hygienists etc.
Thanks again for your comments, much appreciated:)

This is so upsetting, you should be on top of the world just graduating. I would love to get a petition of some sort started online with hygiene signatures of all who have lost their job or those like yourself who are now into debt and no job to be found. It's unconscientable (sp) that schools are still making profit from unsuspecting people.
I know asst's who make $15/hr and receptionists who make $8 to 16/hour. But that's where I live and if you can find a job in anything paying $10 an hour people are happy. My opinion would be to go back to school while your credits are fresh and will transfer into another health field. Maybe with so many done it wouldn't take you too long to get into something marketable. Good luck.

Can someone explain to me what the difference between a office manager & receptionist is please? 20 some years ago when I worked as a dental assistant, I also worked reception in the same office. I also did month end, accounts payable/receivable, payroll.... ALL without a computer & I assisted the dentist & when needed the hygienist. There was the dentist with 2 chairs, the hygienist & myself. I went in & did my job dental assistant/receptionist. What I can see an office manager is someone with a fancy name who likes to delegate & complain that hygiene may have 5 minutes to breath. Do they do anything else that I didn't do (expect assist, most don't)?

smile in Calgary, Alberta said: Can someone explain to me what the difference between a office manager & receptionist is please? 20 some years ago when I worked as a dental assistant, I also worked reception in the same office. I also did month end, accounts payable/receivable, payroll.... ALL without a computer & I assisted the dentist & when needed the hygienist. There was the dentist with 2 chairs, the hygienist & myself. I went in & did my job dental assistant/receptionist. What I can see an office manager is someone with a fancy name who likes to delegate & complain that hygiene may have 5 minutes to breath. Do they do anything else that I didn't do (expect assist, most don't)?

Thats a great question Smile, i was wondering the same thing... i've heard of treatment planner too, maybe someone can let us know what this means as well..i know what it means, but how does a treatment planner work in an office?

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: This is so upsetting, you should be on top of the world just graduating. I would love to get a petition of some sort started online with hygiene signatures of all who have lost their job or those like yourself who are now into debt and no job to be found. It's unconscientable (sp) that schools are still making profit from unsuspecting people.
I know asst's who make $15/hr and receptionists who make $8 to 16/hour. But that's where I live and if you can find a job in anything paying $10 an hour people are happy. My opinion would be to go back to school while your credits are fresh and will transfer into another health field. Maybe with so many done it wouldn't take you too long to get into something marketable. Good luck.

thanks for your comment Suzanne..yeah this kind of sucks! some of my friends who graduated earlier than me, were a little more lucky...there was a few more jobs still available then, so they got in..other friends, they were doing dental assisting so they had their connections with offices..
as far as transferring my credits to something else, well that's not possible i dont think..first because i went to an unaccredited school...but even if they were, i wouldn't know what to get into now... i'm thinking about it though..

hello in York, Ontario said: thanks for your comment Suzanne..yeah this kind of sucks! some of my friends who graduated earlier than me, were a little more lucky...there was a few more jobs still available then, so they got in..other friends, they were doing dental assisting so they had their connections with offices..
as far as transferring my credits to something else, well that's not possible i dont think..first because i went to an unaccredited school...but even if they were, i wouldn't know what to get into now... i'm thinking about it though..

Hi, Sorry to hear of your situation.....look into D.A. through temp ag's or also ask your friends if they know of any Dr.'s looking to hire or train you.....some $ right now wouldn't hurt...GL If you schooling is recent (within the past 5 yrs...), you could possibly transfer some courses toward, ie-Nursing, Radiology, etc....worth looking into and not starting from scratch....

exp in Massachusetts said: Hi, Sorry to hear of your situation.....look into D.A. through temp ag's or also ask your friends if they know of any Dr.'s looking to hire or train you.....some $ right now wouldn't hurt...GL If you schooling is recent (within the past 5 yrs...), you could possibly transfer some courses toward, ie-Nursing, Radiology, etc....worth looking into and not starting from scratch....

well i dont have a dental assisting background so that's a dead end for me..i've asked temp. agencies and they told me their clients want experienced dental assistants...unless i go back to school for that...
my friends are all trying to get jobs or more hours so it highly unlikely that a friend will have something to offer...
i'm in my thirties so going back to school for 4 years or so for something like nursing is not a possibility..plus i'm not into nursing...

i would like check into other programs but really i need $ now! lol if i waasn't living with my mom, i'd be out on the street with my RDH license!!!

I know times are tough right now....I am feeling the same as you, here in California- I just graduated in May and there are very few jobs. Its very depressing. Part of it is the economy, I think, and part of it is the saturation of hygienists everywhere. I have been told by other hygienists that subbing is the way to get your foot in the door- look into subbing agencies and ask the school you graduated with to help you with this also ( sometimes they have sub lists). If you get a subbing job, do your very best and impress the office, they may be able to pass your name on to another dentist who is hiring if they like you (or hire you themselves eventually). Anyway I hope this helps. There may be hope still, don't give up just yet. Things may never be easy but they might get better, and once you get some experience a lot more doors will open for you.

Stacy in Sacramento, California said: I know times are tough right now....I am feeling the same as you, here in California- I just graduated in May and there are very few jobs. Its very depressing. Part of it is the economy, I think, and part of it is the saturation of hygienists everywhere. I have been told by other hygienists that subbing is the way to get your foot in the door- look into subbing agencies and ask the school you graduated with to help you with this also ( sometimes they have sub lists). If you get a subbing job, do your very best and impress the office, they may be able to pass your name on to another dentist who is hiring if they like you (or hire you themselves eventually). Anyway I hope this helps. There may be hope still, don't give up just yet. Things may never be easy but they might get better, and once you get some experience a lot more doors will open for you.

Thanks for the advice Stacey...yeah your right...economy and way too many hygienists...
i know what you mean about temping..the problem here is that because there are sooo many hygienists and experienced too, and not enough hours,they are also temping, alot of them are going door-to-door with their resumes etc...so, a dentist who needs someone can now get away with hiring a more experienced hygienist like 2-3 years experience, and still pay her less $, because at this point, many experienced hygienists are willing to get paid less... so why would he hire a new grad like me with absolutely zero experience??? the dentists don't have to do that now...
i also spoke to a few temp agencies and they told me that alot of the dentists don't even have to go through their agencies anymore, they have stacks of resumes that have been dropped off at their office..so the temp agencies are getting less requests for dental hygienists and the few available vacancies they do get, well they are not enough for everybody..and i'm at the bottom of the list.

hello in York, Ontario said: Thanks for the advice Stacey...yeah your right...economy and way too many hygienists...
i know what you mean about temping..the problem here is that because there are sooo many hygienists and experienced too, and not enough hours,they are also temping, alot of them are going door-to-door with their resumes etc...so, a dentist who needs someone can now get away with hiring a more experienced hygienist like 2-3 years experience, and still pay her less $, because at this point, many experienced hygienists are willing to get paid less... so why would he hire a new grad like me with absolutely zero experience??? the dentists don't have to do that now...
i also spoke to a few temp agencies and they told me that alot of the dentists don't even have to go through their agencies anymore, they have stacks of resumes that have been dropped off at their office..so the temp agencies are getting less requests for dental hygienists and the few available vacancies they do get, well they are not enough for everybody..and i'm at the bottom of the list.

i know i may sound like a big complainer or some may say i'm pessimistic, but i'm just stating some facts here...this is what's happening to me... i'm not complaining, i'm just saying..and who knows, my comments may help other people see what may happen later on..after getting through school, the board exam, and in my case, the clinical.. that i had to do..twice!

smile in Calgary, Alberta said: Can someone explain to me what the difference between a office manager & receptionist is please? 20 some years ago when I worked as a dental assistant, I also worked reception in the same office. I also did month end, accounts payable/receivable, payroll.... ALL without a computer & I assisted the dentist & when needed the hygienist. There was the dentist with 2 chairs, the hygienist & myself. I went in & did my job dental assistant/receptionist. What I can see an office manager is someone with a fancy name who likes to delegate & complain that hygiene may have 5 minutes to breath. Do they do anything else that I didn't do (expect assist, most don't)?

You were doing some managing duties, for sure!

Office Manager - is a job that is made-up by the company your work for, and the duties can vary a lot. Typically, it is a position in a larger practice where the manager monitors the cash flow (AP/AR), scheduling the staff hours, pays bills, organizes meetings, sets goals and tries to improve efficiency. They may also do Front Desk tasks, treatment consulting, DA duties, RDH duties bookkeeping, etc. In smaller practices, the OM may be the only front desk person.

I was a sort-of OM for my wife when she bought her 1st practice. Since I did not have any clinical training or experience, I stayed away from that aspect, and left it all up to the doc, DA and RDH. We never set any performance goals or production minimums, and the practice ran 'on its own'. I only did things like bookkeeping, monitoring overall financials, negotiated the purchase, negotiated the lease, 'fixed problems,' and helped with hiring staff and bought the large equipment. Plenty of doctor's wives and husbands do this also - not always done very well! I think there could be some serious problems if an inexperienced doc's-spouse-manager comes in and started demanding changes to clinical policies and production minimums - as some on here can attest.

hello in York, Ontario said: Thank you both for your comments...now i have a better idea of what is going on out there in the work force.
I just got my RDH license, and i am very discouraged and quite depressed at the lack of jobs out there. So, i was just wondering what the others are doing...from what i can see receptionists and assistants are much in demand now... unnfortunately i picked the wrong field to study:(
If i saw a light at the end of the tunnel, i'd be happy, but i don't...not the way things are going... too many schools, too many hygienists etc.
Thanks again for your comments, much appreciated:)

I am getting plenty of indication that the situation in Ontario is truly dire. My advice is do whatever you can to get a job - most likely will mean moving away from the saturated areas and commit to a new area where there are some jobs. You could start by moving to more rural or remote areas of Ontario where your license is valid, but research it first. Or, look to the other provinces, esp northern parts of Western provinces - move to that area, get licensed and stick it out.

I posted a job recently, and got 3-4 local experienced RDHs who already had jobs plus a lot of out of town resumes that are impractical to try and interview, etc. If they were here, I could consider them but not otherwise.

Typically there is a huge flood of grads all at once in July, which slowly get absorbed into practices into the fall and winter. It is less hard to get a job now than last July, but it will be many times harder next summer. Practices are busier now than in summer also. OTOH, some Private schools are graduating RDHs at various other times of the year also ... flooding the market all the time.

Your wage as an RDH will still start at least double what an assistant starts at. My advice if you really want to be an RDH: move away and get a job asap.

skrrrrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: I am getting plenty of indication that the situation in Ontario is truly dire. My advice is do whatever you can to get a job - most likely will mean moving away from the saturated areas and commit to a new area where there are some jobs. You could start by moving to more rural or remote areas of Ontario where your license is valid, but research it first. Or, look to the other provinces, esp northern parts of Western provinces - move to that area, get licensed and stick it out.

I posted a job recently, and got 3-4 local experienced RDHs who already had jobs plus a lot of out of town resumes that are impractical to try and interview, etc. If they were here, I could consider them but not otherwise.

Typically there is a huge flood of grads all at once in July, which slowly get absorbed into practices into the fall and winter. It is less hard to get a job now than last July, but it will be many times harder next summer. Practices are busier now than in summer also. OTOH, some Private schools are graduating RDHs at various other times of the year also ... flooding the market all the time.

Your wage as an RDH will still start at least double what an assistant starts at. My advice if you really want to be an RDH: move away and get a job asap.

Thanks skrrrr for the advice and comments...
I've been thinking the same thing..that i have to leave Toronto and go somewhere else..iam willing to go to the North Pole if i have to..i'm not kidding.. so i've been looking online for jobs in other provinces..i dont see anything! or they want a few years experience..
but i do have a question..my license is good for all of Ontario..so if i go to any other province in Ontario, i'm good or do i have to do something else?
so lets say i go to ottawa, what do i do???
I'd go anhywhere at this point, but where???
now let

hello in York, Ontario said: Thanks for the advice Stacey...yeah your right...economy and way too many hygienists...
i know what you mean about temping..the problem here is that because there are sooo many hygienists and experienced too, and not enough hours,they are also temping, alot of them are going door-to-door with their resumes etc...so, a dentist who needs someone can now get away with hiring a more experienced hygienist like 2-3 years experience, and still pay her less $, because at this point, many experienced hygienists are willing to get paid less... so why would he hire a new grad like me with absolutely zero experience??? the dentists don't have to do that now...
i also spoke to a few temp agencies and they told me that alot of the dentists don't even have to go through their agencies anymore, they have stacks of resumes that have been dropped off at their office..so the temp agencies are getting less requests for dental hygienists and the few available vacancies they do get, well they are not enough for everybody..and i'm at the bottom of the list.

Hi, How does your resume look? Is it clean and in line? (ie-all dates then course then place taken)? What I mean is it set up, neat clean and readibly readable.....I'm not saying it isn't, but sometimes the Dr.'s or O.M.'s want it picture perfect)....Might I suggest...even if it's not an agency in your state, to look at: rdhtemps.net, they have drop down boxes with info on presentation of your resume....worth looking at...I actually re-wrote mine and it looks alot more clean. GL

smile in Calgary, Alberta said: Can someone explain to me what the difference between a office manager & receptionist is please? 20 some years ago when I worked as a dental assistant, I also worked reception in the same office. I also did month end, accounts payable/receivable, payroll.... ALL without a computer & I assisted the dentist & when needed the hygienist. There was the dentist with 2 chairs, the hygienist & myself. I went in & did my job dental assistant/receptionist. What I can see an office manager is someone with a fancy name who likes to delegate & complain that hygiene may have 5 minutes to breath. Do they do anything else that I didn't do (expect assist, most don't)?

Actually, office managers do a lot. In small office the receptionist can very well do the duties of an office manager, however, they are two very different positions. Some of the duties of an office maneger are dealing with staff. If staff is sick they are the first to be called sometimes earlier than six in the morning, even if it is supposed to be their day off. They are responsible for making sure the office is running smoothly every day, that includes overseeing scheduling, accounts, broken down (something), dealing directly with any un-happy patient, dealing with staff issues or any problem that occurs....the list goes on. Basically office managers are there to deal with the head aches, so the dentist can concentrate on their priority..."dentistry". Whether the business type is dentistry or something else, a business that has a manager always operates more smoothly.

exp in Massachusetts said: Hi, How does your resume look? Is it clean and in line? (ie-all dates then course then place taken)? What I mean is it set up, neat clean and readibly readable.....I'm not saying it isn't, but sometimes the Dr.'s or O.M.'s want it picture perfect)....Might I suggest...even if it's not an agency in your state, to look at: rdhtemps.net, they have drop down boxes with info on presentation of your resume....worth looking at...I actually re-wrote mine and it looks alot more clean. GL

i think my resume is pretty good but i'll check the link you posted just incase it needs some polishing up:) I actually live in Toronto, Canada, Thanks exp:)

hello in York, Ontario said: i think my resume is pretty good but i'll check the link you posted just incase it needs some polishing up:) I actually live in Toronto, Canada, Thanks exp:)

Hi to York, You're welcome...hope it helps. P.S. Keep circulating yourself: in person, online....TRY to get past the O.M. or Front Desk if possible to "meet" the Dr., or if you see him in the front office...say:"Dr....., nice to meet you , my name is ...., I've left my resume with (name of person so hopefully if he/she wants...they will ACTUALLY see your resume...). I know the Dr.'s are very busy to those who say...you can't do (talk to him)that! Always, take a bus. card of yours and leave one. On theirs, write : who you spoke with, the day, and Dig and or Comp., you know there are still many offices without either, and still thinking about changing.....I've been in both types of offices, fortunately I've been "exposed" to 3 Dig X-ray systems, but MANY don't want to show you the note taking process of comp. programs....I do have personal comp. exp.....but, also, unfortunately it's not enough for them, and I find that many staff put in their notes "all" differently, even from R.D.H. to R.D.H....not good practice I feel.

myview in Chilliwack, British Columbia said: Actually, office managers do a lot. In small office the receptionist can very well do the duties of an office manager, however, they are two very different positions. Some of the duties of an office maneger are dealing with staff. If staff is sick they are the first to be called sometimes earlier than six in the morning, even if it is supposed to be their day off. They are responsible for making sure the office is running smoothly every day, that includes overseeing scheduling, accounts, broken down (something), dealing directly with any un-happy patient, dealing with staff issues or any problem that occurs....the list goes on. Basically office managers are there to deal with the head aches, so the dentist can concentrate on their priority..."dentistry". Whether the business type is dentistry or something else, a business that has a manager always operates more smoothly.

Dental receptionists do that too. But often I find now that in a dental office, it is the office manager that causes most of the conflict as many don't have a clue about dentistry & procedures. Of course, you can't tell them anything because they are the office manager. I do find many receptionists are dental assistants & do have a clue & are more capable than said office managers. As a receptionist, I oversaw scheduling, accounts pay/recieveable, angry patients, payroll, ordering, recalls, confirmed patients month end..... all without a computer. What I don't understand is why it takes 2 people with computers to do a job 1 person with the 1-write system, ledger cards, recall cards & an appointment book did. Predeterminations & insurance claims were sent in manually, receptionists entered treatment & typed up estimates/treatment plans. Dental offices ran smoothly. Now you often see receptionists/ OM reading magazines, instant messaging or on facebook but yet they can't get their confirmation calls done. I don't get it.

Smile in Calgary,
then when the confirmation calls don't get done or the recall cards didn't get sent because someone was on myspace all day and the hygiene production was a flop it's always the hygienists fault. The staff has no problem acting like they did their job and they don't want to even talk to the hygienist for fear of being held accountable. Have you ever said to one of them when the dds is around that if you were on the phone with patients instead of your boyfriend or online shopping or myspacing I'd have a patient in my chair? Great way to be ostracized and lose your job!

hello in York, Ontario said: i think my resume is pretty good but i'll check the link you posted just incase it needs some polishing up:) I actually live in Toronto, Canada, Thanks exp:)

You may THINK your resume is good, but you need an obective opinion! I'd say out of the 15 resumes I received in the last 2 weeks, only 2 were well written - most of them were truly awful, like the writers didn't have a clue. Can't say I rely on the resume to be an indication of the quality of the worker, so I just overlook the resume. Some dentists and manager won't be so kind. I'd advise taking it to a dentist or office manager who will give you feedback on your resume. You also could post your resume on the Hygienetown or Dentaltown forum to get some feedback - that is probable the single most effective way to get some objective, highly relevant feedback. Someone did just that a couple weeks ago. A local employment counsellor won't have a clue what a dentist is looking for in a resume, imho.

hello in York, Ontario said: Thanks skrrrr for the advice and comments...
I've been thinking the same thing..that i have to leave Toronto and go somewhere else..iam willing to go to the North Pole if i have to..i'm not kidding.. so i've been looking online for jobs in other provinces..i dont see anything! or they want a few years experience..
but i do have a question..my license is good for all of Ontario..so if i go to any other province in Ontario, i'm good or do i have to do something else?
so lets say i go to ottawa, what do i do???
I'd go anhywhere at this point, but where???
now let

Oh this is sad. You have closed some doors with your non-accredited diploma. I would keep looking, perhaps volunteering for sterilization a several larger dental offices will
get your foot in the door and they can give you priority to temping
hygiene on vacation or sick leave. Try any maternity leave, that might work as well. Go for the BIG offices, this way you can network easier as many of the staff could be part-time and recommend you to other offices that they work at. Good luck.

skrrrrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: You may THINK your resume is good, but you need an obective opinion! I'd say out of the 15 resumes I received in the last 2 weeks, only 2 were well written - most of them were truly awful, like the writers didn't have a clue. Can't say I rely on the resume to be an indication of the quality of the worker, so I just overlook the resume. Some dentists and manager won't be so kind. I'd advise taking it to a dentist or office manager who will give you feedback on your resume. You also could post your resume on the Hygienetown or Dentaltown forum to get some feedback - that is probable the single most effective way to get some objective, highly relevant feedback. Someone did just that a couple weeks ago. A local employment counsellor won't have a clue what a dentist is looking for in a resume, imho.

I personally, don't think it is a good idea to post your resume online due to the scam's, and identity theft that occurs on a daily basis....they could just gain enough from this info, and then you have trouble with bank accounts, S.S., etc....some are pretty sophisticated (sp) on "stealing" YOU. If it is a legitimate, office and you can check their webpg. and phone #, I think that might give you a green light....Too much identity theft....try using a bullet form type of resume...it looks clean, and readibly readable: name, etc. top middle in bold
next: Headings-Objective, Experience, Education, Schooling, Cert's and Licenses. Put these to the Left in boldtype. Under each section- dates.....course.....where taken.
When listing SKILLS- lists things under each other:
SKILLS
Registered Dental Hygienist in (state)
Prophylaxis: Adults and Children
Digital X-rays:(type of systems you've worked on)
etc.....
Hope this helps! The internet is great but be cautious what personal info....= hackers, etc.....GL

exp in Massachusetts said: I personally, don't think it is a good idea to post your resume online due to the scam's, and identity theft that occurs on a daily basis....they could just gain enough from this info, and then you have trouble with bank accounts, S.S., etc....some are pretty sophisticated (sp) on "stealing" YOU. If it is a legitimate, office and you can check their webpg. and phone #, I think that might give you a green light....Too much identity theft....try using a bullet form type of resume...it looks clean, and readibly readable: name, etc. top middle in bold
next: Headings-Objective, Experience, Education, Schooling, Cert's and Licenses. Put these to the Left in boldtype. Under each section- dates.....course.....where taken.
When listing SKILLS- lists things under each other:
SKILLS
Registered Dental Hygienist in (state)
Prophylaxis: Adults and Children
Digital X-rays:(type of systems you've worked on)
etc.....
Hope this helps! The internet is great but be cautious what personal info....= hackers, etc.....GL

i thank you all for the helpful tips! I wouldn't mind sending my cover and resume to one of you ladies that are so nice and helpful.. but yeah i'm not too comfortable about posting my resume....the only reason why i say it looks ok is because my resume is pretty straight forward..since i haven't worked as a rdh yet, i don't have that many jobs to write about! I have followed a very easy to read format as well.
i know the resume is not the problem, its my lack of experience and not enough jobs so that a dentist can give me the chance...i mean that's how everyone started..someone gave them a chance to work:)

nojobs in Toronto, Ontario said: Oh this is sad. You have closed some doors with your non-accredited diploma. I would keep looking, perhaps volunteering for sterilization a several larger dental offices will
get your foot in the door and they can give you priority to temping
hygiene on vacation or sick leave. Try any maternity leave, that might work as well. Go for the BIG offices, this way you can network easier as many of the staff could be part-time and recommend you to other offices that they work at. Good luck.

i know everyone talks about the unaccredited school students not being able to get a job..i think that's so inaccurate.
My friends that graduated earlier than me all have DH jobs! Here in Ontario, the unaccredited students must pass a clinical exam in order to get their license. We have been examined by an outside source, someone other than our school, and have met the requirements to practice as an entry-level hygienist! I mean, what more do they want?!
Believe me, if the market wasn't as crappy as it is now, and the dentists desperately needed hygienists (as it used to be a long time ago) do you really think they'd turn down the hygienists that didnt go to an accredited school??

oh and i'm not willing to sterilize instruments..i spent alot of time, money, blood , sweat and tears getting this DH diploma LOL...sterilizing instruments is not something that will better me as a DH and i really don't believe that will open doors for me...plus when will i ever make some $?
I spoke to this one dentist and he wanted me to go in, voluntarily, to assist him with his surgeries...and i'm not an assistant! he also said that he works at a college somewhere and he gets all his assistants for free..so there are users out there and it makes me sick.
I am willing to work at a lower wage just so i get the experience but not to be used and abused for free at some cheapo's dental office:)

hello in Toronto, Ontario said: i know everyone talks about the unaccredited school students not being able to get a job..i think that's so inaccurate.
My friends that graduated earlier than me all have DH jobs! Here in Ontario, the unaccredited students must pass a clinical exam in order to get their license. We have been examined by an outside source, someone other than our school, and have met the requirements to practice as an entry-level hygienist! I mean, what more do they want?!
Believe me, if the market wasn't as crappy as it is now, and the dentists desperately needed hygienists (as it used to be a long time ago) do you really think they'd turn down the hygienists that didnt go to an accredited school??

Unfortunately that is not the case these days...offices can be picky and some will choose the accredited grad over an unaccredited school grad. Competition is fierce these days.
Some good suggestions on this post for getting your foot in the door though.

hello in Toronto, Ontario said: i know everyone talks about the unaccredited school students not being able to get a job..i think that's so inaccurate.
My friends that graduated earlier than me all have DH jobs! Here in Ontario, the unaccredited students must pass a clinical exam in order to get their license. We have been examined by an outside source, someone other than our school, and have met the requirements to practice as an entry-level hygienist! I mean, what more do they want?!
Believe me, if the market wasn't as crappy as it is now, and the dentists desperately needed hygienists (as it used to be a long time ago) do you really think they'd turn down the hygienists that didnt go to an accredited school??

What I meant by unaccredited opening up less doors iw when re-locate and try to get your RDH license elsewhere. From what I have read, most colleges outside of Ontario require you to graduate from an accredited program.
The reference to volunteering was merely a suggestion to go to a few different offices now and then, while you actively seek employment. This way you could create your own schedule (since you are volunteering) and gain some networking opportunities.
It is better if you approach the office, rather than having a dentist approach you...less chance of meeting up with the cheapskates. Not all dentists will take advantage of you. I do understand your frustration.
Best wishes.

hello in Toronto, Ontario said: oh and i'm not willing to sterilize instruments..i spent alot of time, money, blood , sweat and tears getting this DH diploma LOL...sterilizing instruments is not something that will better me as a DH and i really don't believe that will open doors for me...plus when will i ever make some $?
I spoke to this one dentist and he wanted me to go in, voluntarily, to assist him with his surgeries...and i'm not an assistant! he also said that he works at a college somewhere and he gets all his assistants for free..so there are users out there and it makes me sick.
I am willing to work at a lower wage just so i get the experience but not to be used and abused for free at some cheapo's dental office:)

If you were sterilizing instruments and the office was running behind you could jump in and offer to take a patient or two. You could also suggest, after being there a little while, to double book the hygienist and then if they all show up you've got patients and a chance to prove yourself and get a reference for your resume. You just might hear of a rdh position if you are in an office and are in on the daily gossip or your boss may throw you a lead. If you are good he won't forget you. He has friends that are dds's. Just my opinion. Good luck.

I agree with Suzanne. Because there are alot of hoops to jump through to get a license in Alberta if you are especially a graduate of a non-accreditated school, many grads are taking jobs as DAs or sterilization assistants. This does get your foot in the door, contacts can be made, if you were an assistant before then you would know about all the wonders of the sales rep...he/she is in so many offices & knows what is going on, whose looking for people, etc. This is information you get being in an office. I'm sure a sterilization assistant makes more money than someone working in retail or fast food. If you are in this profession for the money, you are going to be miserable. Don't do a job for the money, do it because you want to and if you want this, you will do what it takes. In Calgary, we have a clinic set up the city for the underprivilaged which is mostly manned by volunteers. You may want to check if Toronto has such clinics. This would be an activity you could put on a resume.

I would never go in a private practice and volunteer hyg services for free. I would do a a free dental screening day. Alot of DDs in private practice have like some type of Smile day when they come together and do free dental. I would do it then. I would network with those DDS. Why would a DDs buy a cow when he can get the milk for free.

hyg sucks in Richmond, Virginia said: I would never go in a private practice and volunteer hyg services for free. I would do a a free dental screening day. Alot of DDs in private practice have like some type of Smile day when they come together and do free dental. I would do it then. I would network with those DDS. Why would a DDs buy a cow when he can get the milk for free.

I agree 100%. You studied and wrk to hard to work for free!

smile in Calgary, Alberta said: Dental receptionists do that too. But often I find now that in a dental office, it is the office manager that causes most of the conflict as many don't have a clue about dentistry & procedures. Of course, you can't tell them anything because they are the office manager. I do find many receptionists are dental assistants & do have a clue & are more capable than said office managers. As a receptionist, I oversaw scheduling, accounts pay/recieveable, angry patients, payroll, ordering, recalls, confirmed patients month end..... all without a computer. What I don't understand is why it takes 2 people with computers to do a job 1 person with the 1-write system, ledger cards, recall cards & an appointment book did. Predeterminations & insurance claims were sent in manually, receptionists entered treatment & typed up estimates/treatment plans. Dental offices ran smoothly. Now you often see receptionists/ OM reading magazines, instant messaging or on facebook but yet they can't get their confirmation calls done. I don't get it.

I think office managers and receptionists can both be very beneficial for a practice. The problem is in the individual. If you have a bad employee who takes advantage of their position, there's going to be some conflict and the work will not get done.
I have seen both managers and receptionist on facebook, cell phone etc. while the rest run around like a chicken with their heads cut off because it. Then you have your office divas that get away with it cause no one speaks out or because the doctor doesn't care to address the problem because everyone else does the work for these individuals.

hyg sucks in Richmond, Virginia said: I would never go in a private practice and volunteer hyg services for free. I would do a a free dental screening day. Alot of DDs in private practice have like some type of Smile day when they come together and do free dental. I would do it then. I would network with those DDS. Why would a DDs buy a cow when he can get the milk for free.

It really is a different bird here in Ontario. You are faced with
1000 new grads every year. Many new grads from the previous year
are still looking for work. How many new grads in your state are there per year? We have grads looking from public colleges, which are the most sought after, then private accredited and finally non-accredited grads who are at the bottom of the barrel. The non-accredited new grads have an enormous amount of competition.
If they are lucky enough to an interview, it is because the DDS wants the milk for free. But there aren't many takers for this because most DDS's in Ontario can pick and choose from 100's of applications.

exp in Massachusetts said: I personally, don't think it is a good idea to post your resume online due to the scam's, and identity theft that occurs on a daily basis....they could just gain enough from this info, and then you have trouble with bank accounts, S.S., etc....some are pretty sophisticated (sp) on "stealing" YOU. .try using a bullet form type of resume...it looks clean, and readibly readable: name, etc. top middle in bold
next: Headings-Objective, Experience, Education, Schooling, Cert's and Licenses. Put these to the Left in boldtype. Under each section- dates.....course.....where taken.
When listing SKILLS- lists things under each other:
SKILLS
Registered Dental Hygienist in (state)
Prophylaxis: Adults and Children
Digital X-rays:(type of systems you've worked on)
etc.....
Hope this helps! The internet is great but be cautious what personal info....= hackers, etc.....GL

That is a very good point to make - if the OP wants to post it online for critiqueing purposes, she could leave out all the personal contact info, including her name.

I'll add a bit more. The term 'prophylaxis' should not be used at all because it has different meaning here in Canada. The layout should be 'academic style,' and reflective of her particular work and education history, which means it must not follow a cookie-cutter format. There is plenty of opportunity on most resumes to remove meaningless fluff also. If the person doesn't have a work history, there is no way on earth it should be longer than 1 page. Listing a dozen volunteer activities (esp school projects!) is really annoying to sift through - list a couple but focus on the important stuff - real jobs, unique skills (none of the basic hygiene duties - they are implied!), education and credentials.

skrrrrrr in Victoria, British Columbia said: That is a very good point to make - if the OP wants to post it online for critiqueing purposes, she could leave out all the personal contact info, including her name.

I'll add a bit more. The term 'prophylaxis' should not be used at all because it has different meaning here in Canada. The layout should be 'academic style,' and reflective of her particular work and education history, which means it must not follow a cookie-cutter format. There is plenty of opportunity on most resumes to remove meaningless fluff also. If the person doesn't have a work history, there is no way on earth it should be longer than 1 page. Listing a dozen volunteer activities (esp school projects!) is really annoying to sift through - list a couple but focus on the important stuff - real jobs, unique skills (none of the basic hygiene duties - they are implied!), education and credentials.

skrr, Good points; anything that is not experience but would relate to her being an asset to an office, ie-volunteer work with special needs, or children's outreach, might lend abilities to work in a particular practice(as a positive). If you have a resume format, that has come across your desk , or a website with one....please list for those seeking employment in your area. GL to all (Maybe, write up other than the heading what you (skrr) have seen as an example for those online)that catches your eye as a potential employee.

exp in Massachusetts said: skrr, Good points; anything that is not experience but would relate to her being an asset to an office, ie-volunteer work with special needs, or children's outreach, might lend abilities to work in a particular practice(as a positive). If you have a resume format, that has come across your desk , or a website with one....please list for those seeking employment in your area. GL to all (Maybe, write up other than the heading what you (skrr) have seen as an example for those online)that catches your eye as a potential employee.

To add to this....I personally wouldn't list the "names and place" of employers (make up names and places)using your format - use all make believe ......