I have a question. For the last 2 years I have been going back and forth between the DH program or becoming a nurse. I've been apprehensive about going into nursing because I have some what of a weak stomach, but I think I would enjoy helping people. Has anyone else had a problem like this and if so, how did you overcome it? Is it something you eventually get used to? I'm looking for some brutal honesty here because I'm not getting any younger! :)
With all due respect; DON"T go to a dentist who does his own cleanings! Most honest dentists will admit that they spent less than 3 weeks really learning how to do "cleanings" while in dental school.
Contrast that with hygienists who spent 2 years learning how to be a hygienist. Plus, a dentist wants to charge more for his time, but the insurance companies won't let him, so the only thing he can do to make up the difference is do it faster meaning that not only does the dentist not really know what he's doing; but he's rushing the job as well.
A qualified hygienist will likely spend 30-45 minutes scaling your teeth while a somewhat unqualified dentist will likely spend 10-20 minutes scalng your teeth; guess who is doing a better job?
A common misconception amongst dental patients is that someone is good because they are fast. I've even had people tell me "My hygienist is SO good she can clean my teeth in 20 minutes" It's not a matter of Good; it's a matter of time. If she's sheduled a patient every 20 minutes, well then she'll get you done in 20 minutes; because she HAS to; end of story.
At my regular job, I spend a full 45-50 minutes with each of my hygiene patients and they get quality, comprehensive care. Sometimes when I temp I am forced into a schedule where I have only 20-30 minutes to spend with a patient and do I get them done on time? Yes, because I HAVE to; But are they getting as good of care as the patient that I spend 45-50 minutes with? Absolutely not. But guess what? Both of those patients are paying the same amount to have their teeth cleaned by me; so WHO do you think is reaping the benefits here? certainly not the patient or the hygienist....
I hear you, but I get my teeth cleaned by a dentist and she is fantastic. She has small children and prefers to work as a hygienist while they are young. I receive great dental care, and she always spends a full hour cleaning my teeth.
I hear you, but I get my teeth cleaned by a dentist and she is fantastic. She has small children and prefers to work as a hygienist while they are young. I receive great dental care, and she always spends a full hour cleaning my teeth.
Well, in that case may I respectfully retract my warning?
It sounds like she does a great job. I guess I over simplified the situation a bit (but, I've also seen some horrible dentist cleanings!)
There's a lot of changes in the healthcare biz these days and DH's may be pricing themselves out of business. My dentist can't afford to hire them anymore so he does all the teeth cleaning now.
well actually, for a while there there was a high demand for hygienists. Some states even allow for hygienists to have their own practice. Now adays is diferent, with the economy being as it is now, unfortunately:bluecry1:
My neighbor is a DH and sets her own schedule. She never works weekends or holidays and I THINK she makes more than me. Of course, you need to do what makes you happy. Sometimes the thought of the pleasant music and the comfy chair at the dentist's office makes me wish........... Oh, never mind. I'll just go to work and pack the MANY wounds on my 44 year-old patient who weighs 64.5# and is dying of AIDS.
Multicollinearity, BSN, RN
3,119 Posts
I hear you, but I get my teeth cleaned by a dentist and she is fantastic. She has small children and prefers to work as a hygienist while they are young. I receive great dental care, and she always spends a full hour cleaning my teeth.