Why I Chose to Pursue a Career in Dental Hygiene

As a dental hygienist, I often get asked why I chose this career path. It's a question I'm always happy to answer because my decision to become a dental hygienist was driven by a combination of factors that align perfectly with my passions, interests, and values.

First and foremost, I have always been passionate about oral health. Growing up, I understood the importance of taking care of my teeth and gums, and I was fascinated by the science behind dental hygiene. I found myself constantly researching and learning about different dental procedures, oral diseases, and preventive care techniques. This passion for oral health naturally led me to explore career options in the dental field. Signing up for a 2-hour career prep class in dental assisting during my senior year of high school sparked my interest in the dental field and ultimately led me to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

Another reason why I chose dental hygiene as a career is because of the direct impact it has on people's lives. As a dental hygienist, I have the opportunity to work closely with patients on a one-on-one basis, helping them improve their oral health and overall well-being. I find it incredibly rewarding to see the positive changes in my patients' smiles and confidence as a result of the care and education that I provide.

Furthermore, I appreciate the flexibility and versatility that come with a career in dental hygiene. Whether working in a private practice, community health center, or educational institution, dental hygienists have the ability to tailor their careers to fit their individual preferences and goals.

Key reasons why dental hygiene is so unique and flexible as a health care career.

1. Demand for Part-Time Work: Many dental practices require part-time hygienists to cover specific shifts or to accommodate patient scheduling needs. This demand for part-time work creates opportunities for hygienists who prefer flexible schedules.

2. Job Sharing and Flextime: Some dental offices allow hygienists to share a position, working alternate days or weeks. Additionally, flexible scheduling options such as flextime arrangements can allow hygienists to adjust their work hours to accommodate personal needs.

3. Paid Time Off and Holidays: Dental practices often offer paid time off (PTO) and holidays to their employees, including dental hygienists. This allows hygienists to take time off for vacation, personal reasons, or holidays without sacrificing income.

4. Most Weekends Off: While some dental practices may operate on Saturdays, many are closed on weekends, providing dental hygienists with most weekends off. This can be appealing to those who value work-life balance and want time to spend with family or pursue personal interests.

5. Career Advancement Opportunities: Dental hygiene offers opportunities for career advancement, including roles in education, administration, research, or sales. These roles may offer even greater flexibility and autonomy in work schedules.

One aspect of dental hygiene that particularly resonates with me is the emphasis on preventive care. I firmly believe that prevention is key to maintaining optimal oral health and preventing serious dental issues down the line. By educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices and providing preventive treatments such as prophylaxis (dental cleaning), radiographs, gum charting, and fluoride treatments, dental hygienists play a crucial role in helping patients avoid costly and painful dental emergencies down the road.

Dental hygienists get a bad rap for "just cleaning teeth". Dental hygienists not only clean teeth but care for the whole body; we play an important role on the oral systemic health, and many health conditions can be seen in the oral cavity. It is important to educate our patients on not just their teeth but overall health.

In conclusion, my decision to pursue a career in dental hygiene was driven by my passion for oral health, desire to make a positive impact on people's lives, appreciation for the flexibility and versatility of the field, commitment to preventive care, and love for collaborative work environments. I am grateful to have found a career that allows me to combine my interests and values while making a meaningful difference in the world of oral health.

Follow along as I go in depth into the career that is dental hygiene.