Dental Hygenists please answer?

I just finished my associates degree and was planning on getting into teaching. Now, I'm second guessing and wondering if getting a degree to be a dental hygenist would be better. If you do this job can you help me decide if I should get into it or stick with the teaching. How much money do you make? Do you get good benefits? Does the job suck? Is the schooling really hard? How long does the schooling take if you have an associates degree already? And last...How do you find a school that offers that program? I know thats alot of questions but I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Dental Hygenists please answer?
That's funny, I am a dental hygienist of 15 years that just got my bachelor's in hygiene so that I am able to teach! If you are thinking about a degree in hygiene you probably would need to do at least another 2 years to get your hygiene degree since you need so many hours of clinical practice prior to graduation. I love what I do as it is flexible (especially if you have a family someday), it pays well ($35.00 per hour for me), and most importantly I have a connection and positive impact on my patients lives. If you like working with people than you might enjoy it. As for benefits, I get paid days off and retirement (and I work 1 day a week) but this is not always the case, it really just depends on your employer. The program is tough and may be difficult to get into (my school had 200 applicants for 22 positions this year), but it is well worth it and goes by quickly. I would try this site to check for programs close to you - http://www.adha.org/careerinfo/dir_educa...


Please feel free to contact me for more information and good luck!


JAMRDH - a dental hygienist