Cierra
To be a dental hygienist or a dentist?
I'm a sophomore in high school and I am trying to decide what classes to take. I'm trying to take as many classes as I can if I decide I want to go to a four year school instead of just a two. I'm from Iowa and my biggest decision maker is how much I would make? I've read all over and there are tons of different numbers and job availabilities. I want to live extremely comfortably. I really enjoyed watching what the hygienist do, too. But, if the dentist make more then I think I want to do that. I need advice. #dentistry #dental-hygienist #family-dentistry #pediatric-dentistry
5 answers
Cheryl Lim RDH, BSDH
Cheryl’s Answer
Cierra,
Both professions are great but don't think of it as "making the money". Do what you enjoy the monetary rewards will come.
I've been practicing for 27 years as a RDH. I did make an effort to apply to dental school after 6 years as a hygienist but didn't get admitted. I'm very happy now that I didn't. As Dr. Barnett mentioned, as a hygienist, the schedule is very flexible if you want to have a family.
Little did I know I would still be practicing but I have recently started teaching as a part-time adjunct clinical instructor.
Every dental hygiene program has different requirements for their program so make sure you look at each one.
Most programs are a 4 year but their are some 2 year associate programs. Then, if you want to do a completion of BS in dental hygiene you may.
Other students have done a BS in science base degree then had options to apply to dental hygiene or DDS program.
Whatever you decide, don't let the monetary part drive you, let the profession drive you to be and do your best.
The best to you!
Anna Pycinska
Anna’s Answer
I truly love being a dental hygienist. It’s an incredibly rewarding career, but it’s also physically and emotionally demanding. You’ll meet amazing patients, but you’ll also have challenging ones. In pediatrics, the parents can sometimes be more difficult than the children. It takes a lot of patience, and some days are exhausting. But then a child gives you a hug or tells you they aren’t scared anymore because of you, and it makes it all worthwhile. I usually leave work tired but fulfilled.
As for pay, it depends a lot on where you live and the type of practice. I make about $50/hour now as a hospital employee. I could probably earn a little more in private practice, but my hospital job offers excellent health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, yearly bonus and student loan repayment assistance, which adds a lot of value.
If your main goal is to maximize your lifetime earning potential, becoming a dentist will generally lead to a much higher income than becoming a hygienist. However, it also requires four years of dental school after college, much more debt, and greater responsibility.
Since you’re still deciding, I’d recommend taking as many transferable science prerequisites as possible. That way you’ll keep both the dental hygiene and dental school options open until you’re sure which path is right for you.
Dra. Marisol Seguel Roa
Dra. Marisol’s Answer
Hi Cierra,
Working in the Oral Health care field is about being passionate with it and wanting to take care of people's Oral Health independently of the money you could make. Choosing a profession is about what you love to do . You will do well if people see in you a professional that is truly focused on their needs. Patient is first.
Dentistry is a 4 year career (minimum - you never stop studying ) , but you have to have at least 2 years in College in a pre-dental program ( Sciences) before.
Find more information here: http://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/high-school-student
Good Luck!
john barnett
john’s Answer
Dental school would cost a lot more, but you make a lot more over your career.
My mom was a hygienist, and I am a dentist. Always jobs in both. Hygienist is a good career for you if you want to have kids and work part time. You have plenty of time to decide
