As the number of people looking into dental hygienistry hits an all time high, one concern is that people are not considering exactly the job before taking it. All looks good in this picture, but it is important to keep in mind that a career as a dental hygienist is about much more than the salary. Yes, the job pays well, particularly relevant to the education and experience needed. That said, however, you’re entering more or less a career with no room for growth. Yes you can improve your salary with experience, but your job options and role are rather limited without further education. This type of position is fine for many people, but others struggle with this reality. Definitely want to take full stock of all of the pros and cons before considering a career as a dental hygienist.
Education
career, options, pros and cons, Salary
A recent report from the government says that there will nearly be 33% more dental hygienists in 2018 as opposed to today. This makes it one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. What remains unclear, as we’ve discussed here many times, is how much of this growth will come in the part time versus the full time sector. Part time hygienists are becoming increasingly popular for many dental clinics. The problem for many is that the cost of education, at least at first, demands a full time position to help pay off debt. Nevertheless, the staggering growth rate represents strength across the board is sure to come.
Education, Salary
career, clinics, debt, Education, growth rate, occupations
An entrepreneurial dental hygienist has written a book, Self Help Guide to Dental Hygiene, to help those going to the dentist understand more about their health issues and experiences in the chair. Leah M. Nelson, RDH, decided to write a book to help dental consumers better understand the process, one that often scares many people. I also feel as if this is a good book for those of you considering a career in dental hygiene. Given that it is written from the hygienist perspective, by someone in the industry for 20 years, I think it can offer prospective dental hygienists as much as it does dental consumers.
Education, Jobs
book, career, dental hygiene
A recent report came out that said dental hygienists were #10 on the top ten fastest growing careers in the region. The salary of dental hygienists that the report quoted represented a wide range from people making $8.45 to $39.24. It’s hard to imagine too many people earning a wage at the top and bottom of this range, but especially at the bottom. Given the pace at which the job market is growing for dental hygienists in Houston, I would imagine that the bottom end of this range would get bumped up quite a bit. Over half of the fastest growing careers in Houston were in the medical or wellness field.
Jobs, Salary
career, fastest growing, houston, job market, Salary, wage
Recently, a local Memphis newspaper profiled Lisa Underwood, a dental hygienist in Bartlett. According to Underwood her career highlight is that she gets “the chance daily to help others with their overall oral health.” Before you enter into a career it is important to look beyond the salary. Look at the people who enjoy their job. What type of person are they? What about the job makes them happy? What drives them crazy? As individuals, we cope with the good and bad in different ways. What drives someone crazy may not bother us or may be unbearable. Profiles like this are a good, if oft forgotten, way to learn more about a career in dental hygiene.
Jobs
career, lisa underwood, memphis, oral health, profile
Many people ask what are some occupations similar to dental hygienists that they could pursue. Some want a change of pace, some are looking for new working environments, and some for a better career position. Many jobs that support health practitioners are considered complementary to dental hygienists. This include working as an assistant in areas like medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiation therapy and even registered nurses. This does not mean cross over among these careers is easy or doesn’t require additional education, but it does mean a skill set built up in the field of dental hygienistry is applicable.
Jobs
career, Jobs, nurses, practitioners
