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Woman considers career as hygienistDear Dr. Reitz: I am 32 years old, married, female with two children, working 20 hours per week at a hair salon. I have been thinking about a career change from hair stylist to dental hygienist. My husband is supportive and is willing to be the sole breadwinner for as long as it takes for me to obtain the necessary education. I have great hand-eye coordination, and it has helped in my current job. My hope is that a career in dental hygiene will be more rewarding both financially and professionally. I realize my husband is willing to make a great sacrifice for my goals, are the opportunities in dentistry worth the sacrifice that we are both considering? - Cindy Dear Cindy: Although our county's current financial situation has taught us that nothing is guaranteed, historically employment opportunities in the dental field have remained strong even in recessionary times. But a career choice should not be made mainly from a financial perspective. A typical dental office has job opportunities that include dental hygiene, expanded function dental assistant, dental assistant, receptionist and bookkeeper. Your desire to become a dental hygienist will require the most formal education, but will likely take you to the top of the office salary scale. While your husband is working to support the family, you will need to spend a minimum of two years in an approved dental hygiene program that runs at least 32 weeks per year for a minimum of 30 hours each week. You will be taking courses such as microbiology and anatomy plus health sciences specific to dentistry. It's a challenging program, but rewarding in that you are preparing for a career. After finishing your formal education, it will be necessary to take both a written and clinical test to obtain your state license before you are allowed to practice. If I haven't discouraged you so far, you will want to hear the benefits of all that work. A career in dental hygiene offers the satisfaction of keeping people healthy, with the benefits of a flexible work schedule, pleasant surroundings, attractive income and professional stability. Many dentists seek part-time dental hygienists, which works well for mothers with young children. Before you hand in your resignation, I would suggest you contact a few hygiene schools to discuss their entry requirements. It would also be advisable to call a few dental offices and ask to meet with their hygienist to discuss your career decision. If everything you hear helps to reinforce your dream, I hope you find the dental career as satisfying as I have. The column is written by John Reitz, DDS, and does not represent the opinion of the Pennsylvania State Dental Board. Dr Reitz answers questions from readers. E-mail them via his Web site at reitzdds.com or mail to John Reitz, DDS, 30 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing PA 19610 John
V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Copyright
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