What are the pro's or con's of being an Dental Hygenist or Assistant?
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I love being an assistant. The pay and hours are GREAT! The only thing I'd say that is a con is grouchy patients. Sometimes I just can't deal with their drama. But, if you get in with a good dentist, you've got it made. You get free dental care as long as you're in the profession. Other dentists offer free or highly discounted work as a "professional curtosey".
Hygenist is about the same. They make a lot more money, but it's hard to find full-time work since dentists don't use hygenists full-time. If health and other benefits are important to you, I'd maybe rethink this.
Pros-Fun job, no weekends, decent pay.
Con-Having your hands in peoples mouths all day.
I'm a dental hygienist.. i love my job, its a new face every 45 minutes.. but the con of that is sometimes people are just in a bad mood and get an attitude.. i work full time, no weekends, excellent pay, holiday pay, medical benefits, free dental care, bonuses,.. if i need a day off i just have to make sure i can reschedule all my patients for that day and its no problem to take off. i enjoy going to work everyday..you just have to find a friendly office where all the staff gets along, or else it could be not as fun. and as far as sticking your hands in peoples mouths all day, you get used to it, but it isnt for everyone, you will find out quickly in dental hygiene school if it is for you or not. good luck!
Dental assistant pros:
-Although you have a lot of responsibility you don't have to be "in charge". You can rely on the dentist to make the big decisions.
-You will get to know the ins and outs of dentistry better than a hygienist.
-You are basically the finder of all things in the dental office--hopefully ppl appreciate you for this.
-If a patient is unhappy, the dentist usually handles the problem.
Dental Assistant cons:
-You are often not appreciated as much as any other dental team member
-There is a high turnover rate of assistants because a lot of dentists treat their assistant's badly (and they often seem so nice in front of the patient)
-The dentist basically watches your every move.
-You will be running around much more than a hygienist does.
Dental Hygienist pros:
-You are more highly respected, at least by your peers
-Your hours are almost always very consistant.
-You're not always scrambling to make room for emergency patients (though it can happen sometimes)
-You get more privacy, the dentist doesn't watch your every move
Dental Hygienist cons:
-If something goes wrong, you are responsible for it.
-You have to deal with cranky patients yourself.
-You have to come up with small talk for the patient all by yourself.
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