Nursing VS Dental Hygienist

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Hello. I am contemplating between being RN or DH.

I was researching the topic but all the forums I could find are from 07 or whatever which is kinda outdated.

I'm thinking of being a DH instead of a nurse as it is less gross(please don't judge) and from what I've heard less dynamic

I don't mind it as a "dead end job" but what is the job availability like vs nursing? Are there jobs to go around? Can I at least get some idea? I'm worried of going to school for 2 years and not finding work quick enough.

BTW I live in houston Texas

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Check the website for DH. Some states require 4 year program. And like nursing, many areas are flooded with new grads, and a few small areas have shortages. My sister is a DH has been for 25+ years and says that there's definitely not a huge need, pay is no longer great, and lucky if you can find job. Continue your research into that area, but you won't find many DH here to answer. Nursing is more and more requiring (by the hiring entities, not licensing entities) a 4 year degree as well. Call nursing recruiters for desired employers in your area. Good luck!

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Only you can decide if being a DH is for you... Here are some words though!

1) Picking teeth is gross, because it won't always be in a clean mouth!

2) Like nursing you WILL have to deal with difficult personalities whether it is co-workers or patients!

3) DH I would assume can get quite monotonous, as you cannot just change areas, as you can with nursing!

4) You may not mind the "dead end" job part now, but in 20 or 30 years you may have regrets when you are bored or no longer want to do hands on patient care!

5) Monday through friday is great, but be prepared for no health insurance or high cost insurance and low benefits and vacation time!

6) As the previous poster said, the job market may not be that great!

Most DH programs in my area are very competitive and make candidates shadow a DH for a few shifts. You may want to do this on your own, as that may give you a better idea about the job.

Good luck!

Annie

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In simple terms, nursing is more versatile. Outside of that, I am sure that there are pro's and con's on either side.

If this is a first career decision, I would weigh the versatility of nursing quite heavily against anything dental hygiene has to offer.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

In my area, CA, I have a good friend who is a dental hygienist. She earns as much money as a newer Grad RN in a well paid hospital--approx 40-50/hr. She chooses her own schedule. She currently works 2-3 days per week. She's been in the field for about 20+ years.

I do think that some DHs work as independent contractors, which does mean no bennies.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Have you checked out a dental hygiene website?

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Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.

In my system, we pay dental hygienists between $ 68-93K per year with full benefits. We currently have three positions open. Almost every hygienist I meet is female. Many of them go into the profession to have a flexible schedule for childcare, and they often work less than 40 hours per week.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Oddly enough I only went into nursing after being wait listed for a DH program....

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