5 answers
Gracen
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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How do I know If being a dental hygienist is a job that I will enjoy doing?
I am a sophomore in high school. I enjoy playing sports and I am also very social. I have recently considered being a dental hygienist but don't know if it is something that suits me.
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Gracen! Since you're super social and into sports, a dental hygienist gig could actually be a solid match—lots of patient interaction, a structured (but not boring) work environment, and a good work-life balance. But the real question is, will you enjoy it?
Best way to find out? Shadow a hygienist. See the real deal in action—how they interact with patients, what their daily tasks look like, and if the job vibe clicks with you.
Also, ask yourself:
Do you like helping people and making them feel comfortable?
Are you cool with a repetitive routine (cleaning teeth, educating patients, etc.)?
Do you mind working up close with people all day?
Are you okay with science-y stuff (like anatomy and oral health)?
If most of that sounds like a “yeah, I could do that,” then it might be a great fit! If not, no worries—if this is what you want you will defenetely find out! Good luck an did you need any further questioning just let me know Gracen you got this! 😉🥰
Best way to find out? Shadow a hygienist. See the real deal in action—how they interact with patients, what their daily tasks look like, and if the job vibe clicks with you.
Also, ask yourself:
Do you like helping people and making them feel comfortable?
Are you cool with a repetitive routine (cleaning teeth, educating patients, etc.)?
Do you mind working up close with people all day?
Are you okay with science-y stuff (like anatomy and oral health)?
If most of that sounds like a “yeah, I could do that,” then it might be a great fit! If not, no worries—if this is what you want you will defenetely find out! Good luck an did you need any further questioning just let me know Gracen you got this! 😉🥰
Karin P.
Lecturer, Student Advisor
460
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Gracen,
I would recommend that you make contact with some of your local dental hygienists and ask if you can have a chat about the profession. Maybe they can give you a tour of the practice and let you shadow them for a day.
If you have a school for dental hygienists anywhere near you, you can find out if and when they have an open day. Alternatively, you can also ask if they would be available for an informational interview. Ask about the education as well as the day-to-day work of dental hygienists. Ideally, you would do an internship in a dental practice for a couple of weeks.
For a first impression, I left some links to YouTube videos on the job of a dental hygienist for you at the bottom.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://youtu.be/MhA11Tn5zDY?si=eNnEhK_lwqT5XJL5
https://youtu.be/Pm6Nn9b6St0?si=0O-VocESFE_Hvkgh
I would recommend that you make contact with some of your local dental hygienists and ask if you can have a chat about the profession. Maybe they can give you a tour of the practice and let you shadow them for a day.
If you have a school for dental hygienists anywhere near you, you can find out if and when they have an open day. Alternatively, you can also ask if they would be available for an informational interview. Ask about the education as well as the day-to-day work of dental hygienists. Ideally, you would do an internship in a dental practice for a couple of weeks.
For a first impression, I left some links to YouTube videos on the job of a dental hygienist for you at the bottom.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Samantha Maines
Insurance Sales
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hello Gracen,
Like Mary who answered you earlier, I am not a dental hygienist. However, the medical field usually works the same way no matter the specialty. First, you should ask dental offices in your area if you can shadow their hygienists for a few hours a day. This will give you a first-hand look into the job and you may even make friends! I did this for my veterinary and medical assistant careers.
Next, keep a logbook of the hours you spent shadowing. This is a great way to show potential dental schools and future employers that you have experience. (have the dentist or office manager sign off on it before you complete your time at their clinic)
Explore the dental schools in your area so you have an idea of where you would like to go once you are ready for college. Join groups on social media that are focused on dental students. Facebook usually has an interest group you can join. Look at websites like the one I've linked below.
https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/career/rdh/high-school-to-become-a-hygienist/https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/career/rdh/high-school-to-become-a-hygienist/
I hope I have been helpful to you. Good luck in your future schooling and career!
Ask local dentist offices for opportunities to shadow.
Keep a logbook.
Explore websites.
Visit the American Dental Association's website.
Like Mary who answered you earlier, I am not a dental hygienist. However, the medical field usually works the same way no matter the specialty. First, you should ask dental offices in your area if you can shadow their hygienists for a few hours a day. This will give you a first-hand look into the job and you may even make friends! I did this for my veterinary and medical assistant careers.
Next, keep a logbook of the hours you spent shadowing. This is a great way to show potential dental schools and future employers that you have experience. (have the dentist or office manager sign off on it before you complete your time at their clinic)
Explore the dental schools in your area so you have an idea of where you would like to go once you are ready for college. Join groups on social media that are focused on dental students. Facebook usually has an interest group you can join. Look at websites like the one I've linked below.
https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/career/rdh/high-school-to-become-a-hygienist/https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/career/rdh/high-school-to-become-a-hygienist/
I hope I have been helpful to you. Good luck in your future schooling and career!
Samantha recommends the following next steps:
Mary Kaupp
Consultant
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Gracen, even though I'm not a dental hygienist, I believe my advice can still help you. Try contacting a local dental hygienist to set up a time to chat and learn more about the job. You might even be able to shadow them for a day. This experience will give you a better understanding of the role and help you see if it's something you'd enjoy. Keep exploring—you're on the right path!
I appreciate your feedback
Gracen
Ramona Crawford
Dental Hygienist
3
Answers
Charter Township of Clinton, Michigan
Updated
Ramona’s Answer
I would call your current dental office and ask if the office would consider allowing you to shadow the dental hygienist for part of a workday and that would help and maybe they could show you around the office and the computer system. Watching the daily workflow would help a lot and I would also like to add, if you enjoy educating people and enjoy feeling like you’re doing something for the greater good you would be a great fit..