RN thinking of going back to school for dental hygeine?

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I am thinking of going back for dental hygeine since I have become so disatisfied in nsg! Any takers? Input please feeling burnt out in nsg I have been an LPN for 7 and RN for 1 and counting. Mon-Fri with all holidays off along with one task sounds GREAT! :clown:

I think the job market for dental hygienists is probably almost as bad as for nurses right now. My hygienist was telling me she was considering becoming a nurse.

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why not looking into an RN job at a drs office....you'd have mon-fri w/ holidays off! there are so many differt types of dr. offices to choose from...

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I looked into RDH but I'd have to retake A&P, microbiology and chemistry for the THIRD time. First time, for LPN school, and 2nd time for LPN to RN as it had been over five years. The RDH program I was looking at also required these class to be completed within 5 years of the program.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Why not get a job for an oral surgeon. You can still work as a nurse, get dental experience, and have those office hours you want.

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Specializes in Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology.

A girl I go to school with is a dental hygienist. She says she thinks it is boring, and very time oriented. You have patients who want to talk to you while you need to get them out of the door in 20-30 minutes flat. However, that is her personal opinion, and everyone is different. (Obviously she doesn't like it, because she is going to school for nursing) Repetitiveness is also an issue. It is kind of like working in a factory, same thing day in and out. In my area, being a RDH is basically a part time job, probably fine if your spouse carries insurance. At my college, there is a waiting list until 2018 for dental hygiene.... So you would probably have plenty of time to think about it while you wait. If it works for you, and you'll genuinely like it... go for it!

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My husband is a dentist and the office pays hygienists 60 per hour and they can pick up more hours at other clinics if they choose. He gets just as many nut job scenarios as a lot of nurses but it probably depends on office /location/clientele.

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i currently work at a private dental office in los angeles, our hygienst earns about $50hr. be aware that although it is a great profession, out hygienist has been working for about 15 years and complains of back pain and her hands ache. the repetitive motion and the way her body is contorted has taken its toll on her body. in addition it is rare to find a ft job, you would probably need to work at a couple of offices. the temps that have come in to work when our hygienist has been out love the job, but they are usually young and new to the profession. plus no medical benefits!

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Also, consider the grass is greener theory. Maybe try doc office before investing more time & money.

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I have also considered going back to school for dental hygiene.

Maybe working a couple days a week in nursing and a couple days a week in DH would be good. I was thinking that switching around like that could prevent burn-out and provide variety.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Get a job at a surgery center, they have the hours you want. And, you can use your degree. Or go into public health, no one throws up on you there. State jobs have great hours and benefits. Good luck.

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My daughter's friend is a DH, as of last year. She first worked as DA, and went to school while she was working. So, once she graduated she already had the job. I have suggested this career to a few ppl lately, and got the 'Ewww...I couldn't stand being in nasty mouths all day'. But, my thinking is, folks who come in for regular cleanings are usually the ones taking great care of their teeth so their mouths wouldn't be all gross? Well, anyway, I think if I were doing it over I would have gone for DH. At least that was what I was thinking last week when having to renew ACLS...being all stressed with that. But, going thru ACLS and learning new stuff, (have had ACLS certification since the '90's but still learn new things every time) just made me realize how much I really do like nursing. I think I have a love/hate relationship with my career! LOL

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Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics.

Not much grosses me out but the idea of scraping plaque off people's teeth and inhaling bad breath for 8 hours a day is enough to turn my stomach. Blech! No thanks, couldn't pay me enough. I'll stick to the vomit and poo.

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