Figured out what I want to do!!

[TBgirl]

I've been really trying to find my nitch in life and figure out what I'd like to do for a career. I am 27 and am starting late here...but I really want to become a dental hygienist! Does anyone have any experience in this field on the forums??
I'm already researching colleges. I'd have to get a 2 year degree...and the pay is great. It's not just the pay motivating me though...I think this is something I'd enjoy. I know some people think it might be too gross for me but I really think I'd be fine with it. I already know all about universal precautions etc. due to the field I work in now.

So what do you guys think? Should I go for it?!

[HaveFaith]

Don't know about dental except on the receiving end, but I was almost 30 before I finished my 1st degree. That was 1 marriage, 2 kids, and a major change from element. ed. It was worth it!

[lisakaye]

Absolutely. The pay is reaaly good, you can set your own hours and days and work for more than one dentist. I have a friend that is a hygenist and she enjoys it. It is something that you can do around your other life activities if and when you have a family.

[Remali]

Great idea! They make excellent money and like lisakaye says, you can set your own hours a bit more and the dentists treat the hygienists rather well (I tried dental assisting and that was terrible pay with no benefits, and the dentists are impossible to work with).

[JackieB]

Sounds good to me. I know two hygienists and they think it's great. Good pay, flexible hours.

[42many]

A great profession - good money, good hours, high demand. Try not to become a huge diva about it, though - speaking as the daughter of a dentist who worked in the office with him for many years, the biggest problem with a hygienist is that they can become bears to deal with for the rest of the office - don't want to dirty their hands doing clean-up and stuff but always want to get more money. The best hygienists we've dealt with over the years are the nice all-around people willing to pitch in to clean their own rooms/tools/set their own appts/etc and who are also reliable (so many just hop around trying to get more and more money) - and you pay GOLD to keep them. :)

On edit - hand cramps and constantly dealing with people's mouths with little change of scenery make it a profession I've considered but rejected, btw!! I know I wouldn't be able to stand doing pretty much exactly the same thing every single hour every single day not matter how much I was paid for it :)

[TBgirl]

Thank you so much friends for all of the replies! :)

I am really excited about this and I am pursuing it! Nothing will stop me now lol!

42many- Great info, thanks!! I completely understand what you mean about it being repetitive. However, my job now is very much the same thing every day and it's all sitting on my rear in front of a computer...I feel I need to do something more. I'm so glad to hear that so many people know hygienists that are actually happy about their job lol!