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What are the pros and cons of dental hygiene?

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healthcare career-advice dentistry dental-hygienist dental-hygiene
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Carlene’s Answer

Dental Hygiene is very rewarding

Pros:
-Building long term relationships with Patients
-Making a difference in someone’s life with just little tips/recommendations
-Pay, there has been a shortage and hygiene is in demand
-Flexible schedule (3-4 days is most common) you can also do temp work
-Of course removing all that tartar is so satisfying!

Cons:
-Not a lot of offices give health benefits/retirement
-Takes a toll on your body especially your neck/back
-Time is never on your side (there’s always the joke about waiting forever for your Doctor to do your exam)
-Sometimes it is mentally draining (seeing multiple patients a day and giving all of them all you got)
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Lakala
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Doreen’s Answer

I'm probably not the best person to ask as I didn't like being a hygienist at all. I did it for 1.5 years and that was enough for me. It's very physically demanding on your entire body. You'd be wise to learn total ergonomics that's best for this profession in the very beginning. Bad habits are hard to break. I worked chairside for 33 years as a dental assistant and then changed course and did hygiene. It definitely can be rewarding as you would definitely be an educator. But also very taxing on you. Financially it can be a good career choice, more than a Dental Assistant but I think there are better choices. Have ever considered Dental Therapist? Or even a Dentist, Orthodontist (my favorite dentistry) or kids Dentist? Hygiene can be a good path to something more I believe. But then ,there are many who love it.
The previous answer you received is great. Truly hits on all points. But the reality and longevity of the career is anyone's guess.
Best of luck ! I'm sure you'll find your path.
Doreen Denisty, Arizona
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Lakala
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Lakala,

Pros of Dental Hygiene:

Personal Health: Maintaining oral health is essential for overall health and well-being. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventing dental diseases, such as tooth decay and gum diseases, which can lead to various health complications if left untreated (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Preventive Care: Dental hygienists provide preventive services like teeth cleaning, scaling, and polishing to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum diseases (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2021).

Education: Dental hygienists educate patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, dietary choices, and the importance of regular dental visits (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Job Satisfaction: Many dental hygienists find their work rewarding due to the positive impact they have on their patients’ lives (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Flexible Work Schedule: Dental hygienists often have flexible work schedules that allow them to balance their personal and professional lives effectively (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Competitive Salary: The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $76,220 in May 2020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Career Advancement: With additional education and experience, dental hygienists can advance their careers by becoming clinical instructors or research scientists (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Cons of Dental Hygiene:

Physical Demands: Working as a dental hygienist can be physically demanding due to long hours spent in a hunched position over patients’ mouths (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Exposure to Blood and Bodily Fluids: Dental procedures involve exposure to blood and other bodily fluids that some individuals may find unpleasant or distressing (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Working with Anxious Patients: Some patients experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures; dealing with these emotions can be challenging for dental hygienists (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Continuing Education Requirements: To maintain their licenses and stay current with new techniques and technologies, dental hygienists must complete continuing education courses regularly (American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021).

Limited Autonomy: In some practices or settings, dental hygienists may not have complete autonomy over their schedules or treatment plans; they may need to follow the instructions of dentists or other healthcare professionals (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Workplace Injuries: There is a risk of workplace injuries such as cuts from sharp instruments or repetitive strain injuries from using hand tools for extended periods (Occupational Safety & Health Administration [OSHA], n.d.).

Stressful Environment: The fast-paced nature of dental offices can create a stressful work environment for some individuals; managing multiple patients with varying needs requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).

Authoritative References Used: American Dental Hygienists’ Association., n.d.. Career opportunities: Frequently asked questions [Online].

Available at: https://www.adha.org/careers/faqs/ [Accessed March 3rd., 2023]. Bureau of Labor Statistics., U.S Department of Labor., Occupational Outlook Handbook., Dental Hygienist [Online]. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienistss.htm [Accessed March 3rd., 2023]. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research., National Institutes of Health., Oral Health Information: Gum Disease [Online].

Available at: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oral-health-topics/gum-diseases/Pages/default.aspx [Accessed March 3rd., 2023]. Occupational Safety & Health Administration., U.S Department of Labor., OSHA Fact Sheet: Preventing Needlestick Injuries in the Healthcare Industry [Online]. Available at: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/

OSHA3589_Factsheet_Needlestick_Prevention_Healthcare_Industry_508cmlldyntpqjrkjfkpqrjbkzjpqtfhvgrqhvfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrvhfrv [Accessed March 3rd., 2023].

God Bless You,
JC.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Lakala
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敬太’s Answer

Dental Hygiene is a grateful profession.
Because it is one of the most stable working than any other one.
And the working time is not so long than nurses. So you can have your time not for working when you would do what you want to.
It means that if you would be a dental hygienist, you could get a lot of time when you want to do what you want.
However, the dental hygienist have to work with a dentist.
Even if you would work with the dentist who you do not like, you would spent the working time with them.
How unbelievable it is!
I think any profession have pros and cons.
So you should become the person who you want to be.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Lakala
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Ryan’s Answer

Maintaining dental hygiene is absolutely essential! Remember, harmful bacteria tends to gravitate downwards, so always ensure your teeth are sparkling clean!
Thank you comment icon Ryan, thank you! Lakala
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Vidhi’s Answer

hey,
for DH the pros: Low cost of tuition compared to dentistry.
2-3 years of hygiene schools.
Easier admission compared to dental schools.
Great job opportunity and good pay.
Great work life balance.
Some states let you have private hygiene practices.
great connections with patients.
Great opportunity to be working in a healthcare sector if you are interested in helping people

Cons:
Repetitive work.
Working under a dentist.
Some people dont like to get dental treatments done
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Lakala
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Jill’s Answer

Absolutely no downsides - make sure to give your teeth a good scrub and don't forget to floss! Aim to do this at least once a day for a bright and healthy smile.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Lakala
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