Dental Hygiene or Nursing - any advice?

I am a student and just applied to both nursing school and dental hygiene school. I have a Bachelor's degree in Economics but I am in the process of changing careers. I am applying to an entry level Master's program in Nursing (specifically for people with undergraduate degrees in other fields) and to an Associate's level dental hygiene program. I am having a hard time deciding what to do. I feel that I will like the flexibility that dental hygiene offers, but I am concerned about developing carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands. As to nursing, I feel that it will be hard for me to deal with the stress of nursing, but I know that I will have more options as a nurse. People tell me to go for the Master's in Nursing because I already have my bachelor's. Also, having a family in the future is important to me so flexibility is huge for me. So, which one should I choose? Thanks.

Dental Hygiene or Nursing - any advice?
If you're concerned about flexibility, nurses are not limited to only working in hospitals. A lot of plastic surgeons and dermatologists do operations in their offices and if you work for a doctor in his/her office you will have more flexibility with your schedule.


Both careers have their own ups and downs;


Nursing: you're constantly on your feet running around and long working hours can result in rheumatoid arthritis. sometimes you have to deal with tasks such as moving patients around and lifting them and this can lead to backache. Nursing is a bit exhausting and you may have to work long hours but at the end when the patient that you have cared for recovers you'll see how rewarding and satisfying this job is.


Dental hygiene: Compared to nursing, I guess dental hygiene technician is a less stressful job and you can work for a number of dentists at a time! It may take you less time to get your associate degree than an advanced degree in nursing but is not as challenging and rewarding as nursing.


Ultimately you have to see which of these two careers you like the most. It might help talking to a nurse and a dental hygienist and get their point of view.
Reply:Nursing all the way, so much more opportunity. Dental Hygiene looks super boring, and like its bad on your back. Nursing has more to options. I'm going to school for Nursing ; )
Reply:Dental Hygienist is a really boring and dangerous job (diseases).





I would do the Nursing regime. If you have a Masters you can get a management job and you do not have to do floor nursing.
Reply:If you choose nursing you can be assured of getting a job ANYWHERE, and almost name your hours and salary.
Reply:both careers are VERY stressful so dont think DH program is a piece of cake. It is as stressful or even more stressful. I know cause i am a DHY student and I also have a business BS. Both are also hard to get into. As a DH you NEVER have to work overtime (mandatory overtime) because most work in a private practice that is open from 7am to 5pm. Nurses on the other hand are forced to work overtime if another nurse calls in sick or doesnt show up or someone goes home sick/early. So you can be working a lot of 12 hour days since there is a HUGE shortage of nurses. So just read about both careers online by searching. Try the US government job outlook website. Just search for that.
Reply:Nursing will offer you a very flexible carrer. Nursing will also provide you with a reasonable income and many more opportunities for advancement. In addition to all this you can also further you education in the nursing arena.





Good luck