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Clean Around the World: How to Become a Traveling Dental Hygienist

Posted in Articles, Dental Hygienist, Dentistry.

Want a clean break from your current work arrangement?

In that case, you might want to consider becoming a travelling dental hygienist. Not only will you be doing the rewarding work of delivering dental services, but you’ll also be able to see more of the world in the process!

But how do you transition into this role? Read on to learn more about the travelling position and why it might be a great choice for your career.

How Do You Become a Traveling Dental Hygenist?

One of the methods is getting on board with a staffing agency that specializes in dental professionals. This way, you can land temp positions locally or in other cities as the need calls for.

But there are also work/travel agencies designed specifically to allow dental professionals to travel outside of their locale to fill demand in other places. Some of these programs allow more flexibility in scheduling. They may also give the option for the hygienist to continue in their current location or move on to another.

In some cases, the hygienist may choose to stay at a particular location for months, or even permanently.

To be considered, you need to at least have completed training to become a registered dental hygienist. If you’re looking at travelling hygienist jobs, you’ll likely also need to have your CPR training. Keep in mind that licensing requirements may be different depending on the jurisdiction you’re working in.

If the staffing agency doesn’t handle it for you, you might also have to consider work permits or visas if you’re considering posts outside of the country.

What Are The Benefits?

You can see somewhere new as often as you choose. But there are also salary considerations to take into account for travelling dental hygienists. For example, you might be able to negotiate living allowances or subsidized housing arrangements.

Depending on the location you choose, you could even qualify for isolation benefits.

By making yourself available as a travelling hygienist, you’ll help fill the need in places that don’t have enough professionals to meet demand. You could even consider other opportunities such as working in a correctional facility.

Travelling to different facilities in new places could also present opportunities to hone your clinical skills. It can also help increase your confidence while connecting with dental professionals from other cities. In some cases, the agencies will go out of their way to arrange meet-ups for travelling hygienists to socialize.

Get Started In Your Exciting New Career

Becoming a travelling dental hygienist is an opportunity for new graduates. It’s also ideal for hygienists that are looking for an exciting challenge.

Get started by registering with dedicated agencies. You could find yourself taking care of the oral care needs of patients in another city – or even another country!

To find out more about becoming qualified as a dental hygienist and then possibly taking your skills on the road, contact us today.

SODC is NOW accepting Dental Assisting applications for 2024. View Programs