5 Pros and Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist

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5 Pros and Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist

In the event that you are interested in providing people with the ability to have healthy teeth and gums, you might be considering a career in the dental field. As a dental hygienist you have the ability to make a reasonable earning without having to worry about the amount of school that dentists need to take. Below are some of the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist.

List of Pros of Being a Dental Hygienist

1. Improved Employment Opportunities
According to worldwide statistics, the need for dental hygienists is only set to increase over the coming years. By 2022 there is supposed to be a 33% increase in the need for dental hygienists, which is perfect for people that want to start going to school now and get into a career right after post secondary schooling.

2. Higher Wages
You can expect to make more money now as a dental hygienist than ever before. On average, these professionals can bring home over $33.75/hour depending on their years of experience. The amount that you are paid will also depend on the hours that you get every week, as you will work based on the schedule of the dentist you are assigned to.

3. Safe Work Environment
Dental hygienists can rest assured that they are working in a professional and comfortable work environment that is equally as safe. You won’t have to worry about dressing up on a regular basis, as scrubs will become your regular attire. You might even find that you have uniforms for your office or a clothing allowance to buy new scrubs.

List of Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist

1. Educational Needs
Although you might not need as much schooling as a dentist, it is important that dental hygienists still get a certain amount of years of post secondary schooling before they can practice. You will also have to get the appropriate certifications to obtain a license before you can work in a practice.

2. Losing Benefits
Since there is a high probability that you’ll be working in a private practice, it’s common for people to lose the ability to obtain paid-for benefits. Instead, you will have to consider signing up for an independent plan or using a plan from your spouse. This is a sacrifice that dental hygienists have to be prepared for as you’ll make more money than the average career but you’ll also miss out on retirement, health insurance, or paid sick leave.