2 answers
Sabrina
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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What is the most rewarding part of your career in dental hygiene?
I am a dental hygiene student in my 2nd year, and I felt inspired to pursue this career after hearing from a loved one that she was very satisfied with her choice. #Spring25
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2 answers
Courtney Buswell, RDH, MS, DHSc (c)
3
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Courtney’s Answer
Hi, Sabrina.
Congratulations on almost finishing dental hygiene school. It’s certainly not easy.
There’s a lot to love about being a dental hygienist. To echo what has already been said; it’s great getting to building authentic relationships with patients. You’ll get to know people if you stay at a practice long-term.
An instructor once told me that dental hygienists have the opportunity to spend more time with their patients than most other healthcare professionals. That’s something I often think about and try not to take for granted. Because of this, there’s definitely opportunity to educate and improve the overall health of those we treat. Patients will sometimes incorporate your oral hygiene instructions into their home routine. Seeing their improvement and satisfaction in doing so is a rewarding part of the job.
I also like the job stability. I was able to relocate to a new city and support myself on my own. I work normal hours and have holidays off which is nice for work-life balance.
Lastly, find a place to work that values our role and be ready to continue to learn everyday. Some days are fast paced but you’ll find your groove, build your skills, and will soon find what you feel is the most rewarding part of the career.
Happy studying and thank you for the question!
-Courtney
Congratulations on almost finishing dental hygiene school. It’s certainly not easy.
There’s a lot to love about being a dental hygienist. To echo what has already been said; it’s great getting to building authentic relationships with patients. You’ll get to know people if you stay at a practice long-term.
An instructor once told me that dental hygienists have the opportunity to spend more time with their patients than most other healthcare professionals. That’s something I often think about and try not to take for granted. Because of this, there’s definitely opportunity to educate and improve the overall health of those we treat. Patients will sometimes incorporate your oral hygiene instructions into their home routine. Seeing their improvement and satisfaction in doing so is a rewarding part of the job.
I also like the job stability. I was able to relocate to a new city and support myself on my own. I work normal hours and have holidays off which is nice for work-life balance.
Lastly, find a place to work that values our role and be ready to continue to learn everyday. Some days are fast paced but you’ll find your groove, build your skills, and will soon find what you feel is the most rewarding part of the career.
Happy studying and thank you for the question!
-Courtney
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Sabrina!
It sounds like you’ve got a good foundation, and I’m sure you’re feeling excited about what’s ahead. So yeah, Dental hygiene can be such a fulfilling career, and I think the most rewarding part of it is seeing the direct impact you have on your patients’ health and well-being.
For many dental hygienists, the best part is knowing you’re not only helping people look better, but feel better, too. When you help someone with a cleaning, remove stubborn plaque, or give them tips on how to maintain oral health, you’re giving them the tools to improve their overall health. It’s rewarding to see someone leave your chair with a brighter smile and a new sense of confidence, especially when they didn’t know they could feel that way.
Another rewarding aspect is the relationships you build with your patients. Over time, you become a trusted part of their healthcare routine. You’ll see the same people regularly, and when they come back for follow-ups, it’s so satisfying to know you’ve made a difference in their dental health. You’ll also be an educator in many ways, teaching patients about the importance of flossing, brushing, and overall oral care.
Plus, there’s a lot of variety in the job, whether it’s working with different age groups, doing scaling, or educating people about the link between oral health and overall health. It’s a field where you’ll never be bored! And well, of course, the flexibility in scheduling and career stability make dental hygiene a great choice. There’s a lot of room for growth, too, whether it’s advancing your skills, specializing in certain areas, or moving into teaching or leadership roles later on.
In short, lemme say, the rewarding parts of dental hygiene are seeing the improvements in your patients’ oral health, making meaningful connections, and knowing that you’re part of something that makes a real difference in their lives. Best of luck with the rest of your studies! Keep that passion alive, it will definitely serve you well Sabrina, all the best. feel free to ask if I missed anything.
It sounds like you’ve got a good foundation, and I’m sure you’re feeling excited about what’s ahead. So yeah, Dental hygiene can be such a fulfilling career, and I think the most rewarding part of it is seeing the direct impact you have on your patients’ health and well-being.
For many dental hygienists, the best part is knowing you’re not only helping people look better, but feel better, too. When you help someone with a cleaning, remove stubborn plaque, or give them tips on how to maintain oral health, you’re giving them the tools to improve their overall health. It’s rewarding to see someone leave your chair with a brighter smile and a new sense of confidence, especially when they didn’t know they could feel that way.
Another rewarding aspect is the relationships you build with your patients. Over time, you become a trusted part of their healthcare routine. You’ll see the same people regularly, and when they come back for follow-ups, it’s so satisfying to know you’ve made a difference in their dental health. You’ll also be an educator in many ways, teaching patients about the importance of flossing, brushing, and overall oral care.
Plus, there’s a lot of variety in the job, whether it’s working with different age groups, doing scaling, or educating people about the link between oral health and overall health. It’s a field where you’ll never be bored! And well, of course, the flexibility in scheduling and career stability make dental hygiene a great choice. There’s a lot of room for growth, too, whether it’s advancing your skills, specializing in certain areas, or moving into teaching or leadership roles later on.
In short, lemme say, the rewarding parts of dental hygiene are seeing the improvements in your patients’ oral health, making meaningful connections, and knowing that you’re part of something that makes a real difference in their lives. Best of luck with the rest of your studies! Keep that passion alive, it will definitely serve you well Sabrina, all the best. feel free to ask if I missed anything.
Loved reading this, thanks!