People around the world spend more than $442 billion on dental care each year. This includes going to the dentist and taking regular trips to the hygienist, among other treatments. This is one of the reasons why choosing a dentist career opens up great opportunities. But, becoming a dentist or hygienist is a big step. It’s also a prestigious profession that has many benefits.
Like all great things, becoming a dental hygienist also requires a huge amount of work and dedication. Below, we’ll take a look at all the elements you need to remember if you’re thinking about becoming a dental hygienist.
Selecting a Dental Hygienist or Dentist Career
Studying to become a dental hygienist may seem straightforward. Even though there is a clear career path, there are many institutions to choose from. Here are some aspects that may pose a challenge depending on your specific situation:
Job Stability
One of the great benefits of becoming a dental hygienist is that it offers you stability. Oral health is very important and hygienists are in high demand meaning there are various jobs to choose from.
You can also choose to work in different areas and locations. These include hospital emergency rooms, teaching future generations or conducting laboratory research.
Future Opportunities
Like most fields of medicine, the technologies and methods that help improve dental care are advancing at a fast pace. This will open up new opportunities for quality dental hygienists. For instance, the ability to take part in new fields or develop new dental care standards.
High Income
Dental care is expensive, and for good reason. This also means that dental care professionals get paid well. This is especially true if you specialize in a specific field or conduct complicated procedures.
Fosters a Balanced Life
Out of all the medical specialties, dentistry may be the one that offers the best work-life balance. In some cases, dental care is time sensitive or continuous. But, most dental hygienists enjoy a predictable schedule that allows them to spend time with their families as well.
Extensive Education
Keep in mind that becoming a dental hygienist requires a lot of studying. Depending on your location, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree to apply to dental school. Once you get in, dental school usually lasts for a minimum of four years or more depending on your specialty.
Physical and Emotional Strain
Most people wouldn’t consider dental care a demanding job. The truth is that providing dental services requires energy and puts a strain on different parts of your body. Not only this, some patients or specific cases may be difficult to handle from an emotional point of view.
Business Management
Dentists and dental hygienists that open their own practice also need to figure out how to run a business. This includes getting the right license and keeping up with taxes.
Costs and Financial Aid
Besides a big time investment, dental school often costs a lot of money. The vast majority of students take out a loan to help pay for their studies. You should always explore all the financial options available to relieve some of the economic burdens.
Start With the Right College Today!
A hygienist or dentist career is a challenging path to go down. That said, it’s also a rewarding one. If you’re looking to start your career in dental hygiene, why not contact Southern Ontario Dental College today?
We provide an excellent education for future professionals looking to establish a successful career as hygienists.