How easy was it to find work as a Dental Hygienist after getting your degree?

Also, how hard is the job and how well does it pay? I live in South Florida and I'm planning to start the 2 year Associate of Science program at the local community college. Just wondering if this was a good choice from actual experience. Online research and local newspaper advise it's a great field with projected growth of 43% and salary range of $40k - $63K. I'm a 31yo single mother of two and I don't have the time or money to waste on a degree that won't pay off.

How easy was it to find work as a Dental Hygienist after getting your degree?
I honestly don't know about your area, but in my area many of the girls start before they graduate. The colleges they go to have placement options and I've never heard of any of them not getting a job. They do complain about being at the bottom of the barrel in terms of respect, but I feel that comes with most jobs. I know 5 Dental Hygienists. 1 girl didn't use the placement services because she was inspired to go to college from a dentist and kept in touch with him. After she graduated she went to work for that Dentist.
Reply:I come from a family of Dental Hygenists and the best way to get a job is get out there and go door to door to dental offices and let them see you in person and turn in your resume in person. They remember you that way. You can also check the job boards at your college in the dental department. Honestly, this is a great career path, great money and great for if you have kids.