by 
Dental hygienists play a key role in examining patients, performing duties under the supervision of a dentist, and educating patients about their oral health.
They perform many duties while using a variety of tools in dental clinics or private practices.
One thing that appeals to many dental hygienists is that they get the education and training that they need without having to spend four years in college.
They do not need to earn an advanced degree after they complete a dental hygienist program.
People need to look at the pros and cons of becoming dental hygienists before they enroll in a dental hygienist program.
Considering the pros and cons of the profession is important for those who are interested in a dental hygienist career.
Article Table of Contents
Pros of Being a Dental Hygienist
The many pros of being a dental hygienist are one reason that people choose this career.
It is important to know the pros and how they may affect the career of dental hygienists.
1. Performing a Variety of Tasks
Dental hygienists perform a variety of tasks that appeal to many people who do not want to perform mundane tasks.
Some things that dental hygienists do include examining a patient’s teeth and gums, and cleaning the teeth and gums of their patients.
They also take X-rays, provide care for periodontal disease, and make dental molds for partial or full dentures.
Some duties of dental hygienists may vary, based on the type of practice.
Dental hygienists may work at a private practice or a busy dental clinic.
Some practices treat adult patients, while others treat children.
Dental hygienists may spend more time with children while explaining the care or treatment at the child’s level of understanding.
They perform tasks such as applying fluoride treatments and sealants to children’s teeth.
2. Having a Flexible Schedule
Dental Hygienists sometimes need a flexible schedule that they may not be able to have if they worked in another career.
Hygienists who want to work part-time are likely to enjoy a flexible schedule.
Many dental practices do not have weekend hours.
If the dental office or clinic is open on weekends, it is often for only a few hours on Saturdays.
The staff often rotates working on weekends, which means that dental hygienists may work only one or two Saturdays a month.
3. Does Not Require Completing an Advanced Degree or Training
Dental hygienists usually graduate from an associate degree program at a college or career school.
The two-year degree allows students to start working soon after graduation.
Hygienists are not required to complete an advanced degree.
Many dental hygienist programs prepare students to sit for the exams to become a dental hygienist in the state where they want to work.
One example of a two-year program is the Dental Hygienist Associate of Applied Science program at Rock Valley College.
Students learn the skills that dental hygienists need to work in private dental practices, corporate dental offices, schools, institutions, and correctional facilities.
The accredited program qualifies graduates to sit for two board exams.
4. Opportunity to Start to Work Quickly
Schools that offer accredited dental hygienist programs allow students to find a job right after graduation.
Check for programs that prepare students to sit for board exams.
Some schools may include the cost of sitting for exams in their tuition.
Many schools recommend submitting your application as soon as possible once you decide to apply to the school.
One other consideration is the competitive nature of the application process.
Schools usually choose a limited number of students each term.
Palm Beach State College is one example of a school that lists its dental hygiene program as a “limited access” program.
Students who earn an associate degree have the qualifications to start working in a variety of settings immediately after passing exams and meeting the requirements of individual employers.
5. Opportunity to Advance Your Education
Some people realize the value of continuing their education after earning an associate degree from a dental hygienist program.
Students may feel that they have better job opportunities if they earn a bachelor’s degree.
They may earn a higher salary if they complete a dental hygienist bachelor’s degree program.
Schools that offer a bachelor’s degree program may only offer those programs to students who already have an associate degree.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Georgia State University is an online program.
Students only need to take 10 courses to complete the program.
6. Job Stability
Dental hygienists are highly sought-after professionals.
They play a pivotal role in the success of the practice, organization, or facility where they work as a dental hygienist.
Dentists need skilled dental hygienists who have the required education and who have passed the exams for their state.
They may offer benefits that provide job stability for their hygienists so that they continue working for their employer.
7. Job Growth with Good Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the job growth for dental hygienists is much faster than average, when compared to other careers, through at least 2033.
The bureau expects that nearly 20,000 new dental hygienist jobs will become available by 2033.
Dental hygienists earn a good salary.
The median 2023 median pay for dental hygienists was $42.08 per hour.
The annual salary for dental hygienists was about $87,530.
Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist
Consider the cons of working as a dental hygienist, along with the pros, when thinking about choosing this career.
1. May Not Work Full Time
Many dental hygienists find part-time jobs because they cannot find good full-time jobs.
Full-time jobs are available if dental hygienists take the time to look for them.
One thing to consider is that finding a full-time job may require more time to drive to and from work.
Some hygienists travel to a nearby city or county to work at a dental practice, clinic, or agency that offers full-time employment.
2. Limited Career Paths
Dental hygienists complete a two-year dental hygiene program.
The degree prepares them to sit for exams to become a dental hygienist.
The dental hygienist programs do not prepare students to work in other careers.
One example is that students who earn a degree in nursing, criminal justice, or social work may have many career path options.
3. Dental Hygienists Need Licensure
Dental hygienists need a license to practice at the state and national level.
Many educational programs prepare students to sit for exams.
The program description for the Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science at Columbus State College indicates that graduates of the accredited program will be able to sit for licensure exams at the national and state levels.
4. Difficult Patients
Dental hygienists may encounter difficult patients.
Talking to nervous or hesitant patients often helps to calm their fears.
Children may be especially difficult for some dental hygienists.
Talk to them at their level of understanding.
Many dental practices have special rooms for children.
The decor may help to calm kids down so that the hygienist can examine them or provide treatment.
5. Unpleasant Patients
Dental hygienists may feel uncomfortable when they encounter some patients.
Patients may have body odor, bad breath, or periodontal disease.
They may argue with the hygienist about their care or treatment.
Use interpersonal skills to work with unpleasant patients.
They are likely to calm down, and you are likely to provide them with the care and treatment that they need to improve their oral health.
6. Workplace Stress
Working as a dental hygienist in some settings may cause workplace stress.
Some examples where dental hygienists experience a heavy workload or stress include busy dental clinics, correctional facilities, or schools.
Dental hygienists can often work at their school’s dental clinic.
Dental clinics at colleges usually serve students or low-income people.
Take advantage of internships or other opportunities to experience what it is like to work as a dental hygienist.
It can help program graduates have less stress when they start working at a dental practice.
7. Repetitive Tasks
Some tasks may seem repetitive to dental hygienists.
They perform the same duties because they are hired to perform specific roles at dentist’s offices or clinics.
Performing a variety of duties or taking on new tasks at work can help ease the repetitive nature of the job.
Continuing your education can help you assume new responsibilities.
Pros and Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Dental Hygienist | Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist |
|---|---|
| 1. Performing a Variety of Tasks | 1. May Not Work Full Time |
| 2. Having a Flexible Schedule | 2. Limited Career Paths |
| 3. Does Not Require Completing an Advanced Degree or Training | 3. Dental Hygienists Need Licensure |
| 4. Opportunity to Start to Work Quickly | 4. Difficult Patients |
| 5. Opportunity to Advance Your Education | 5. Unpleasant Patients |
| 6. Job Stability | 6. Workplace Stress |
| 7. Job Growth with Good Salary | 7. Repetitive Tasks |
Should You Become a Dental Hygienist?
Working as a dental hygienist has both pros and cons which people should consider before choosing this career.
Dental hygienists need to have an associate degree from an accredited college or training program to sit for exams.
They do not need to earn an advanced degree.
The pros of becoming a dental hygienist, including excellent job growth and a good salary, often outweigh the cons.
The cons of becoming a dental hygienist include working with difficult patients and having limited career advancement options.
Becoming a dental hygienist is an individual decision.
Each person must decide for themselves if they should become a dental hygienist.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Hygienist