Wouldn’t it be great if everyone knew exactly what they wanted to do at an early age and went for it? A friend of mine from Old Dominion knew what she wanted to do at an early age. April has been a Dental Hygienist for 21 years and she still loves it! And, she has a beautiful smile!Q: What is the title of your profession?
A: I am a Dental Hygienist.
Q: What do you do? A: I clean and polish the enamel of theeth, scale below the gumline to smooth root surfaces, and takes radiographs (X-rays). Hygienists wear lots of other hats in the office, too: confirming patients, sterilizing instruments, filing insurance, providing dental hygiene instruction to patients, and even assisting the dentist sometimes.
A dental hygienist has different job responsibilities in each state. Some hygienists can even open their own practices without a dentist (Colorado)! Many states allow hygienists to give local anesthesia. This is such a help especially when you have a patient that is uncomfortable with a procedure.
Q: Have you always worked in this field?
A: I have worked 21 years as a licensed Registerd Dental Hygienist (RDH) (ouch!) hurts to type that. I have always worked (part time or full time) since I obtained my degree (BSDH- Bachelor of Science Dental Hygiene).
Q: Why did you choose this profession?
A: I loved going to the dentist when I was growing up. Actually, I think I had a crush on my Dentist (we’ll call him Dr. Mike). I was an athlete and I was always chipping or cracking something because I didn’t want to wear my athletic mouthguard. (kids should always wear them!) I had to have a root canal on my front tooth when I was 8 years old. Many would say that would be a horrible experience. I had no problems. Everyone was very nice and friendly.
As I got older and in high school, I continued to look forward to my visits to Dr. Mike. I was always talking with the little kids in the waiting area and reassuring them about their care and how nice everyone was at the office. Dr. Mike offered me a part time job in the summer before my sophomore year in high school. It wasn’t anything huge, I just went in and kept the reception area clean. I helped kids brush their teeth before appointments, and I played with them or read books to them. I LOVED IT!
While I was in my Junior year of high school, a nice lady came to visit on career day. She was a dental hygienist. She explained the difference in being a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist. I knew I had found my profession!
Q: Did you go to college or a trade school for this profession? Do you have to be licensed?
A: I was blessed in the fact that the Dental Hygiene program with the BEST National Board scores in the country was in my home state of Virginia. I applied early in my Senior year and was accepted in the Spring. I attended 4 years at Old Dominion University. (even had to go for a few summer classes, NO FUN!) One must keep a 3.25 GPA or you are removed from the program.
There are very few Bachelor programs for Dental Hygienists (meaning to ACTUALLY have a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene) Most schools are two year programs. There is not one Board/licensure for the United States. One must be licensed in each state to practice where they want. I have five (5) licenses and I am required to keep them updated through CE courses or I must forfeit them. (CA, FL, VA, RI, NC).
Q: Does your job require continued education? What type? How much?
A: Each state that one is licensed requires different CE credits/courses.
Q: Does your profession require travel? How much?
A: I don’t usually travel with my job per se; however, I have attended CE courses all over the country. Once one has been in the field awhile, one wants to hear/see the best speakers and health car providers in the profession.
Q: What is the typical schedule/hours?
A: I LOVE my job….I typically work 6-8 hours a day.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Helping people, that is the best part of my job. Not everyone is blessed with growing up with a positive dental experience. Some people dislike (even hate) the dental office. I love when someone comes in and struggles with their homecare and then the next time I see them there is a “turnaround” with the attitude and/or oral hygiene. That makes me feel like something I said or did helped them! I also feel I make great money…..
A: I would advise young people to make sure that they want to help people.
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you choose the same profession?
A: I would choose this profession over and over again.
Q: Do you receive a pension?
A: There is usually no pension involved, meaning one needs to save for their own retirement. Some dentists will do profit sharing which means that the hygienist will get a percentage of whatever procedures (money taken in) during his/her work day.
A dental hygienist is a great career choice. Thanks for sharing.
my daughter is currently a sophmore in highschool. for years she has wanted to be a dental hygienist, not sure where this came from
we also live in near richmond virginia. is ODU the only hygienist school in the area? or where else can she apply? when should she be looking for scholarships??