Are you trying to decide whether to pursue a career as a dental hygienist?
There are 29,246 dental hygienists registered in Canada. This makes it the sixth largest regulated health profession in the country!
It can be an appealing career for someone interested in the medical field but also seeking to avoid going to school for an extended period of time. But you may be intrigued by the idea of studying to become a dentist instead.
Although these professionals work in the same office, the career paths of each position are quite different.
Read on to learn about the most important dental hygienist pros and cons!
The Pros
Being a dental hygienist has lots of different pros and other benefits – some of which may come as a surprise!
Competitive Salary
A dental hygienist salary is typically between $60,000 and $80,000.
This can vary quite a bit depending upon your experience and the size of the office where you are employed.
Go To School For a Shorter Time
The length of dental hygienist programs varies from school to school. But the good news is that if you attend school full-time, you can complete your dental hygienist program in under two years.
In fact, the Southern Ontario Dental College gives you the ability to earn your degree in 22 months!
More Affordable Costs
The shorter amount of time spent in school means that it will cost you less money too. For example, the Southern Ontario Dental College dental hygiene program sets you back less than $40,00 to begin your new career.
The Cons
Being a dental hygienist also has some not so great qualities as well. But the good news is that these cons are far outweighed by the pros of the profession.
Patient Responsibility
Caring for patients in your role as a dental hygienist is appealing. However, providing services to patients is also a big responsibility.
A dental hygienist is expected to provide top-level service to ensure a positive experience for clients. This can be a challenge because every patient is different and each has their own unique needs.
High Stress At Times
Working in the dental field can be an exciting experience. But it can also be quite stressful, too.
That’s because your dental office may have a lot of volume. This means that you have lots of patients and will need to spend a limited time with each of them.
This can challenge you to perform at the highest level while also doing so with a fairly efficient speed.
Wrapping Up: The Most Important Dental Hygienist Pros and Cons
When you weigh the dental hygienist pros and cons it helps explain why the profession is in demand right now in Canada.
At the Southern Ontario Dental College, our dental hygienist program is designed to help you realize your dream of becoming a dental professional. We have experienced staff who is dedicated to your educational goals and professional development.
Contact us today to request free information about our program and what makes us stand out from the competition!