Dentists are in great demand in the current economy. There is a wide range of reasons to consider a career as a dental hygienist; however, this is not the only one. A career as a dental hygienist can be a profitable venture, with an impressive amount of benefits, including competitive salaries and flexible schedules, and the satisfaction that comes from helping people live healthier lives by doing their hands-on work.
Listed below are top 12 reasons you should become a dental hygienist
Flexible schedules
Getting a job as a dental hygienist is likely to offer you the opportunity to work from anywhere. Dental hygienists work full- or part-time, and many only work a few days a week. Some work weekends. There is even the possibility of being placed in a floating role, where you work at multiple offices during the week. Those who pursue careers in this field can often customize their schedules to meet their personal needs and maintain a work-life balance that suits them.
Multiple career paths
As a dental hygienist, you will be eligible to apply for positions after you have earned an associate degree or a certificate in dental hygiene. Once you have gained experience, you can also continue your education in your field of specialization by completing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. A graduate of an advanced degree program will be able to move into leadership and education positions within the field of dental hygiene.
Working environment
A dental hygienist interacts daily with patients, the office staff, and other dental professionals while performing their duties. Dental hygienists have the opportunity to regularly interact with clients and co-workers using their social skills, making them the ideal career path for those seeking a career path where they can utilize their social skills. In addition, a hygienist needs an upbeat personality to overcome patient concerns and provide a calm manner to clients during the day as they attend to their health needs.
Interactive and Relaxed Environment
Dentist strives to create a calm and relaxing environment for their patients. Therefore, dental offices typically ensure that their staff is as comfortable as possible during their stay in the office. Dental hygienists working in this kind of environment will be interacting every day with people of varying ages, backgrounds, and skills. As a result, they will assist in easing patients’ fears and ensure they have a pleasant experience during their visit.
Educational acceleration
Dental hygienists are employed in the dental field, allowing them to work in a competitive career with a high earning potential after investing in a certificate or associate’s degree program. Dental hygiene programs usually take three years to complete. Graduates of hygienist programs must pass a certification examination to gain full certification as fully licensed professionals.
Healthcare partnerships
A dental hygienist works as a team member of the office to facilitate continuity with the patients who come in regularly. A dental hygienist provides individualized care, establishes trust with patients, and shapes their perceptions of oral hygiene and oral health care professionals. A hygienist can secure their patient’s trust and even build a friendship once they know their patient’s specific needs. Showing empathy and listening to them as they undergo a dental hygiene procedure is essential for maintaining that trust.
Employer Benefits
Dental hygienists may qualify for numerous benefits through their employers, including sick leave, vacation time, paid vacation time, health insurance coverage, and membership dues to professional organizations with tuition assistance. The extent of your benefits from your employer will typically vary depending on your position, and whether you work full-time or part-time is a significant factor that you need to consider.
Medical field opportunities
The dental hygienist position offers a career opportunity for those seeking a career in health care that gives them hands-on experience and training while working with patients in a medical setting. Hygienists use their technical training and medical knowledge to improve patients’ health in this skilled profession. Working as a dental hygienist will allow you to work in the medical field for a short period. The training is readily available, and you can begin working with patients immediately.
Work autonomy
Dental hygienists enjoy quite a few freedoms within the health care field, specifically concerning the autonomy they have within their jobs. Dentists often leave hygienists to do their work and be responsible for patients, often without close supervision. Dentistry relies on dental hygiene professionals to make recommendations for dental care and consult with them professionally. It only performs the procedures that need specialized training at the doctoral level. The hygienists are responsible for cleaning the patient’s teeth and gums.
Dental hygienists gain experience working within the field, thus having the opportunity to network with and assist other professionals through dental hygienist associations at the national and local levels. In addition, hygienists who participate in regulatory boards or provide continuing education training through organizations dedicated to advancing the hygienist profession may serve on these boards or offer such training. The benefit of interacting with other dental hygienist professionals is that you can build relationships with others in your field, and your career may open up more opportunities for you.
Become a Dental Hygienist for Life
A dental hygienist can start their career as entry-level employees without going to college. The best part is adjusting your hours to suit your lifestyle as it changes through the years. As a dental hygienist, you enjoy tremendous flexibility and benefits throughout your entire career, from parental roles to empty nests and even unplanned retirement.
Job Stability
Even though the world around us is constantly changing, the fact remains that everyone still needs someone who can adequately care for their teeth. There is a good chance that dental offices, regardless of where you move, will need dental hygienists. Dentists are one of the most significant dental care providers and will remain so for the foreseeable future. A further reason for the ever-increasing pool of patients is the ever-increasing life expectancy of people.
Conclusion
The career of a dental hygienist is a rewarding and challenging one simultaneously. The qualification of this profession opens up a host of opportunities in a variety of cultures and with part-time and full-time work options available. This profession is a good one to pursue if you consider a career in dentistry. As a dentistry professional, there are many advantages to being here, and you should not overlook that.
