Is it too late for me to go back to school for dental hygiene ?
Hello everyone I feel as though I made a mistake majoring in business administration/management. I’m too far into my degree to change it but I wish I would have majored in dental hygiene is it too late for me to go back to school for dental hygiene I would 25 when I graduate.
Is it also possible to later use my business degree to move into a management position in a dental office in the future?
I would also like to know if it is a good idea to work while completing my prereqs?
7 answers
Jim’s Answer
It's never too late to chase your dreams, especially when it comes to education and career. 25 is a great time to enter your career. Many of my friends and colleagues have changed their careers. Do what you love is the best solution!
Good luck!
Xiaojie Johan’s Answer
Thanks for asking. It is never to late to pursue a career change. I did it myself and it worked out well!
Best of luck!
Thanks,
Johan
Megan’s Answer
I had a friend who got her bachelor's and worked for a few years and could not find anything stable. She went back to school and got her dental hygienist associate and is making more money and loves her job. She says that she does not regret getting her bachelors because it gave her time to grow up, meet people, and explore careers more. She wishes she did not have student loan debt from it but she has a better chance of paying it off now.
I have another friend who is a mom of 2 and went back to school to get her dental hygienist degree. She also got married and pregnant while completing her degree.
Having a business degree could also be helpful for you as a hygienist if you want to move into a management position.
And 25 is SO YOUNG! Everyone is on their own timeline. You do not have to worry about age.
My husband went back for his master's in Occupational therapy 5 years after he graduated with his bachelor's. He was in his 30s when he graduated and started working. But he loves it and he is so happy he did it.
If this is what you want to do- go for it!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Are you wondering if it's too late to switch gears and start studying dental hygiene? Let me assure you, it's never too late to chase your dreams, especially when it comes to education and career. Age is just a number, and at 25, you're still in the early stages of your professional journey. If dental hygiene sparks your interest and you're ready to invest your time and energy into it, then it's definitely a path worth exploring.
Are you thinking about leveraging your business degree to secure a management role in a dental office down the line? That's a smart move! Your business background, with its focus on leadership, communication, organization, and financial management, can be a great asset in a dental office management role. You might need to brush up on some healthcare or dental industry-specific knowledge, but your business skills will undoubtedly give you a competitive edge.
Considering working while you're ticking off your prerequisites for dental hygiene? It's a practical approach adopted by many. Not only does it provide you with an income stream during your studies, but it also offers valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Just remember, it's crucial to maintain a healthy work-study balance to ensure your academic progress isn't hindered. Evaluate your time management skills and capacity to handle both before making a decision.
Here are the top three authoritative sources I used for this information:
1. American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA): A professional platform for dental hygienists across the US, offering crucial information about education requirements, career prospects, and resources for those interested in this field.
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): A reliable source for comprehensive data on job prospects, median salaries, and educational prerequisites for various professions, including dental hygienists.
3. American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM): A dedicated organization for dental office managers, providing insights into the necessary skills for management roles in dental offices and resources for professional growth in this sector.
Stay Blessed,
James C.
Violaine’s Answer
Aisha’s Answer
It's never too late to pursue a career change or further education. If you're passionate about dental hygiene, you can certainly consider going back to school for it. Many individuals pursue new careers later in life, and graduating at 25 is still relatively young.
Regarding your business degree, it can indeed be beneficial for pursuing management positions in various industries, including dental offices. Business skills such as leadership, communication, and financial management are valuable in any workplace, including healthcare settings.
Working while completing prerequisites for dental hygiene can be a good idea, as it allows you to gain experience and income while preparing for your new career. However, be sure to manage your time effectively to balance work and study commitments.
Overall, if dental hygiene is your passion, don't let age or your current degree deter you from pursuing it. Research your options, consider your long-term goals, and make a plan to achieve them. Remember to seek guidance from academic advisors, career counselors, and professionals in the dental hygiene field to help you make informed decisions.