Dental Hygiene School: Difficulty and What to Expect

Ever wonder what it takes to become a dental hygienist? This career goes beyond polishing teeth, blending scientific knowledge, technical skills, and compassionate patient care. The rewards are evident, as U.S. News & World Report ranked it 17th in its 2018 “100 Best Jobs” list.

Here we explore the challenges and rewards of dental hygiene school to help you decide if this fulfilling career path is right for you.

Is Dental Hygiene School Hard?

Dental hygiene school is like learning another language. There are many technical terms and equipment to master.

You can expect a heavy course load of science classes and dentistry-related subjects⁠— very similar to being a pre-med student. You’ll also have practical classes where you get hands-on experience with real patients.

This will teach you about dental cleanings, X-rays, and other dental procedures. Because you’ll be working on real people, it can be stressful and potentially nerve-wracking.

Is Dental Hygiene School Right For You?

Before you go to a dental hygiene school, ask yourself if you’re okay with the following:

Detail work like cleaning, X-rays, etc.
Stressful courses and practicals
Interacting with difficult people
Using delicate tools inside people’s mouths
Science subjects

Dental hygiene school is a serious commitment, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Should You Become a Dental Hygienist?

There are many benefits to becoming a dental hygienist. For one, you’ll start your career much faster by only needing an associate degree.

The salary for hygienists is also very good, and most jobs are part-time. This gives you a lot of flexibility on top of a solid income.

However, being a dental hygienist can be physically demanding. It’s also repetitive work. Patients can sometimes be difficult to work with, which might be a pain point for you.

The job might not be for you if you’re squeamish around blood or don’t like working up close with patients. Overall, dental hygiene has a lot to offer, but there are still some downsides you might want to consider.

What Do Dental Hygienists Do?

Dental hygienists are responsible for various tasks that help maintain and protect teeth. This includes:

Removing plaque and tartar
Provide routine cleanings
Spot the early signs of dental problems like gum disease
Prevent problems that may require dental work
Provide personalized advice for maintaining oral health
Educating people on dental hygiene

According to Dr. Nandita Lilly, NewMouth’s consultant dentist, “Dental hygienists provide a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist’s office.”

Becoming a dental hygienist has challenges and incredible rewards. From mastering intricate procedures to making a real difference in people’s lives, it’s a career that offers personal and professional satisfaction.

If you’re ready to grow in the world of oral health, dental hygiene school might be your perfect next step.