Should I Become a Dental Hygienist: Pros and Cons

What You Should Know

• Dental hygienists have a positive job outlook with pretty good job security, make around $77,090 a year on average, and can often work flexible hours that let you have a life outside work.
• But it’s not all perfect - you’ll be doing repetitive stuff, your body might ache from the work, and you’ll be dealing with spit and other bodily fluids that come with the territory.
• If you’re thinking about this career, you need to be honest about what you want, what you can handle, and whether the job market in your area makes sense for your goals.

The Good Parts About Being a Dental Hygienist

There are some real benefits to choosing a career in the field of dental hygiene. You get job security thanks to the high demand for dental hygienists, decent money, and you’re working in clean offices with other professionals who know what they’re doing. Most dental hygienists we work with say they enjoy their workday and feel good about what they do.

Plus, you can often work the schedule that makes sense for your life, which helps support a better work-life balance. Whether you want full-time hours or just part-time, there are options out there. You don’t have to be stuck in the same routine if that’s not what works for you.

Let’s get into the specifics of why people choose this career, including the comfortable environment of a dental office.

Jobs Are Out There

The job outlook for dental hygienists is pretty solid - we’re talking about 9% growth from 2023 to 2033. According to recent labor statistics, there is growing employment in this field, making it a promising career choice. That’s good news if you’re worried about finding work. More dental clinics are opening up, and people are finally getting serious about taking care of their teeth before problems start.

You can find work in different places, and offices need qualified hygienists they can count on. Dental hygienists worked not only in dental clinics, but also in hospitals, nursing homes, and even private homes, showing the versatility and demand for their skills. If you’re good at what you do, you’re not going to have trouble finding work.

Competitive Salary

Let’s talk about what you’ll actually make. A registered dental hygienist can expect a competitive salary, with the median pay at $77,090 a year, which isn’t bad at all. Salaries vary based on several factors, including where you live, your education, and whether you are a part time employee or work full-time. Your pay can also vary depending on these factors.

Even in places where everything costs less, you’re still looking at $50,000 to $60,000 a year. That’s enough to live comfortably in most places.

You Can Work on Your Terms

A lot of dental hygienists like that they have more control over their schedules. You’re not stuck working the same hours every week. Most dental hygienists work standard hours and typically do not have to work nights, which makes the job even more appealing. You’ve got options:

• Full-time if that’s what you want
• Part-time if you need flexibility
• Part time jobs are widely available, allowing you to work just a few days a week if that suits your lifestyle
• Working at one office
• Picking up shifts at different places

This flexibility means you can handle your personal stuff and still have a career that pays the bills.

You Actually Help People

One of the best parts of this job is helping patients feel better about their smile by working directly on patients' teeth. You’re cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and showing people how to take care of their mouths. It’s hands-on work that makes a difference.

Dental hygienists play a vital role in patient care, supporting both the dental team and the overall health of those they treat. It’s similar to being a nurse in how much you’re involved in patient care. If you like helping people and seeing results, this could be a good fit.

The Work Environment Doesn't Suck

Dental offices are clean and comfortable places to work. They have to be - it’s healthcare. You’re working as part of a team in a dental office, alongside dentists, other hygienists, assistants, and office staff who all know what they’re doing.

Most people in this field say they’re satisfied with their job, and the work environment is a big part of that.

The Not-So-Great Parts

Let’s be real - no job is perfect. There are some things about being a dental hygienist that might get on your nerves or wear you down, such as a heavy workload. Knowing what these are ahead of time can help you prepare or decide if you can handle them.

From doing the same thing every day to dealing with difficult patients and managing a heavy workload, there are challenges you should know about. Some of these might be dealbreakers for you, and that’s okay.

You'll Do the Same Thing Every Day

Here's the thing - you're going to clean teeth, take x-rays, and do the same procedures day in and day out. For some people, that gets old fast. If you need variety in your work to stay interested, this might drive you crazy.

The routine can feel monotonous, so you'll need to find ways to keep yourself engaged if that's important to you.

Your Body Will Feel It

This job is harder on your body than you might think. You’re standing for hours, bending over patients, and using tools that can strain your hands and wrists. A lot of hygienists deal with neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and wrist problems.

You’ll need to take care of yourself and learn how to work without destroying your body over time. Practicing good ergonomics is essential to prevent injury and maintain your health throughout your career.

You're Dealing with Bodily Fluids

Working in people’s mouths means you’re going to encounter spit, blood, and other stuff. Working in people's mouths as part of dental hygiene exposes you to bodily fluids such as saliva and blood. Even with protective gear, there’s always some risk of getting exposed to something you don’t want. You have to follow strict protocols to stay safe.

If bodily fluids gross you out, this job might not be for you.

Full-Time Jobs Can Be Hard to Find

A lot of dental hygienist positions are part-time, which can make it tough to get steady hours and benefits like health insurance. You might end up working at multiple offices to piece together full-time hours.

This can affect your job security and make your income less predictable.

Some Patients Are Difficult

You’re going to deal with challenging patients who are scared, uncooperative, or just plain difficult. Not everyone enjoys visiting the dentist, which can make some patients more difficult to work with. Some people hate going to the dentist, and they might take that out on you. You need to be able to handle these situations without losing your cool.

Good communication skills and patience are essential, and having supportive coworkers helps when things get tough.

How Dental Hygiene Compares to Other Dental Careers

When you look at the dental field, dental hygiene stands out as a unique and rewarding career path. Unlike dental assistants, who often help with basic tasks and may only need a certificate or on-the-job training, dental hygienists are required to complete a formal associate degree program in dental hygiene. This extra education means dental hygienists take on more responsibility, from cleaning teeth and taking x-rays to providing preventative care and patient education.

Many dental hygienists appreciate the autonomy that comes with their role. While dentists handle complex procedures and diagnoses, dental hygienists work directly with different patients throughout the day, focusing on oral health and helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease. This direct patient care can be very satisfying, especially if you enjoy building relationships and seeing the impact of your work.

Of course, every career has its challenges. Dental hygienists often spend long hours on their feet, working in close quarters with patients and dealing with bodily fluids. The job can be physically demanding, and you need to be comfortable working in people’s mouths all day. But for many dental hygienists, the chance to make a difference in patients’ lives and the variety of tasks—like cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and educating patients—make it a fulfilling choice compared to other dental careers.

What You Need to Learn

You can’t just walk into a dental office and start working - you need formal training to enter the field of dental hygiene. Most people get an associate degree, which gets you working pretty quickly. If you want to advance your career later, you can always go back for more education.

Understanding what’s required upfront helps you plan your path and know what you’re getting into. From two-year programs to master’s degrees, there are different ways to get where you want to go.

Associate Degree Gets You Started

Most dental hygienists have an associate degree in dental hygiene. This usually takes two to three years to finish. You'll learn about dental science and get hands-on experience with patients.

The average cost is around $22,692, which isn't too bad compared to other healthcare programs. You can start working and making money pretty quickly.

Career Advancement - Higher Degrees Open More Doors

If you want to move up in your career, you might consider getting a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree can expand your career options, opening doors to roles in management, education, consultancy, and other specialized fields. A bachelor’s takes four years, and a master’s takes another one or two years after that.

These advanced degrees can lead to specialized roles, teaching positions, research jobs, or public health work.

You Need a License

You have to be licensed to work as a registered dental hygienist in most states. This means passing written and hands-on exams that test whether you know what you’re doing and can safely treat patients.

Licensing requirements can vary depending on the state, and you may need to obtain a new license if you move across state lines. Each state has its own requirements, so you’ll need to check what’s required where you want to work.

Ways to Move Up

Dental hygiene isn’t a dead-end job. There are ways to grow your career as a dental hygienist and take on different roles if that’s what you want. You can specialize in certain areas, teach others, or move into management positions.

The key is getting additional training and certifications that open up new opportunities. If you’re ambitious and want to have more impact in the field, these paths exist.

You Can Specialize

Dental hygienists can focus on specific areas like working with kids, gum disease, or orthodontics. You might specialize in things like root canals or helping people with missing teeth.

These specializations can make your work more interesting and often lead to better pay and career opportunities.

Teaching Is an Option

If you like the idea of training the next generation of dental hygienists, you can become an instructor or program director at schools. With the right education, you can teach at colleges and universities.

These jobs are in demand, and you'd be shaping the future of your profession while continuing to grow your own career.

Management and Research Roles

With a bachelor's or master's degree, you can move into administrative positions where you're managing dental practices or programs. You could also get into research, studying ways to improve dental care.

These roles let you have a bigger impact on the industry and often come with better pay and benefits.

Staying Organized on the Job

Organization is key to thriving as a dental hygienist, especially when your schedule is packed and every patient needs your full attention. The best dental hygienists know how to prioritize their day, making sure they’re prepared for each appointment by reviewing patient histories and setting up their workstations ahead of time. Using tools like digital calendars, appointment reminders, and to-do lists can help you stay on top of your schedule and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

A clean and organized work environment is just as important as a well-planned schedule. Keeping your instruments, supplies, and paperwork in order not only saves time but also helps maintain patient safety and infection control standards. When everything is in its place, you can focus on providing the best care possible, even during a busy day. Staying organized means less stress for you and a smoother experience for your patients.

Building Strong Relationships with Patients and Coworkers

One of the most rewarding parts of a dental hygienist career is the chance to build strong relationships with both patients and coworkers. Dental hygienists are often the first point of contact for patients, so being able to communicate clearly, listen to concerns, and offer helpful advice about oral health is essential. Taking the time to answer questions and explain procedures can help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their dental care.

Teamwork is also a big part of the dental hygienist job. You’ll work closely with dentists, dental assistants, and other staff members to make sure each patient gets the care they need. Good communication and a positive attitude go a long way in creating a supportive work environment where everyone can do their best. Building these strong connections not only improves patient outcomes but can also open doors for career advancement and make your daily work more enjoyable and fulfilling. In the end, it’s these relationships that often make a dental hygienist career truly meaningful.

Tips If You're Thinking About This Career

Before you commit to becoming a dental hygienist, take some time to really think about whether it’s right for you. Deciding if this career aligns with your personal goals and interests is crucial before moving forward. Consider what you want out of your career, how much money you need to make, and what the job market looks like where you live.

Being honest about your interests and goals upfront can save you time and money later. Here’s what you should think about.

Be Honest About What You Want

Do you actually care about helping people with their oral health? Are you comfortable working in people's mouths? Can you handle doing similar tasks every day without getting bored?

You'll also need to be good with people, especially when they're anxious or difficult. If these things don't sound appealing to you, this might not be the right career.

Think About Your Money Goals

Know what you need to make financially and whether the $77,090 median salary works for your situation. Remember that location and whether you can find full-time work will affect your actual income.

Make sure your career choice aligns with your financial needs and long-term goals.

Check Out Your Local Job Market

Look into what the job market is like in your area. Are there dental offices or dentist's offices hiring? Is the demand growing? Understanding your local market helps you know whether you’ll be able to find steady work.

Research the opportunities and growth potential in your region before making your decision.

Bottom Line

Being a dental hygienist has some real benefits - steady work, decent pay, flexible scheduling, meaningful patient care, and comfortable working conditions. But it also comes with challenges like repetitive work, physical strain, exposure to bodily fluids, limited full-time positions, and difficult patients. By understanding the education requirements, knowing your advancement options, and being realistic about what you want, you can decide if this profession makes sense for you. If it does, you'll be making a real difference in people's health and quality of life.

Common Questions

What's the job outlook like for dental hygienists?

It's pretty good - they're expecting 9% growth from 2023 to 2033. This is happening because more dental clinics are opening and people are focusing more on preventing problems rather than just fixing them.

How much do dental hygienists make?

The median salary is $77,090 per year, but that can change based on where you work, whether you're full-time or part-time, and how much education you have. These factors can make a big difference in what you actually take home.

What do you need to study to become a dental hygienist?

Most people get an associate degree in dental hygiene, which takes about two to three years. If you want to advance your career later, you can always go back for a bachelor's or master's degree.

What are the biggest challenges dental hygienists face?

The main issues are doing repetitive work, physical strain on your body, being exposed to bodily fluids, encountering bad breath during patient care, trouble finding full-time positions, and dealing with difficult patients. These can all affect how much you enjoy the job.

How can dental hygienists advance their careers?

You can specialize in certain areas, get additional certifications, pursue higher education, or move into teaching, management, or research roles. The key is continuing your education and staying current with the field.

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