The average “hygiene burnout” would occur about 10 years into our careers, one of my instructors told us when I was in dental hygiene school (which, let’s face it, was so long ago I don’t even want to mention the year). Most of us appeared to be expected to stick around for about ten years before gradually abandoning the lessons we had come to learn.
It wasn’t that it didn’t pay well; regardless of where you live, working as a dental hygienist guarantees a respectable income. Particularly for someone like me, who was 21 years old and graduating from hygiene school Why would someone turn down such a good salary, especially when you can sometimes enter the field with only an Associate’s degree?
Fortunately, dental hygienists have a variety of job options and opportunities. I serve as an example; even though I “work” in dentistry 40 hours per week, I haven’t performed any dental procedures on anyone (aside from my kids for impromptu orthodontic repairs) in more than five years. Finding a career (and income) alternative to dental hygiene is actually possible if you’re inventive and think outside the box.
14 alternative jobs for dental hygienists
Here are 14 alternative career pathways for dental hygienists:
Primary responsibilities: A health educator raises awareness of the value of dental examinations, oral hygiene, and cavity prevention. Many health educators are employed by community organizations and healthcare providers who prioritize underserved communities. Working one-on-one with patients as well as creating and delivering oral hygiene information to large groups are health educators.
Pharmacy technicians’ main responsibilities include educating patients about their medications and any potential side effects, keeping patient information private, and preparing solutions, creams, or ointments. Pharmacy technicians share the same interpersonal, organizational, and attention to detail skills as dental hygienists. Dental hygienists who want to work as pharmacy technicians may need to complete a certification or training program, depending on the state.
Primary responsibilities: Veterinary assistants assist veterinarians in caring for animals by taking vital signs from patients, sanitizing tools and equipment, and keeping up with medical supplies. Similar to dental hygienists, veterinary assistants are committed to the well-being of their patients and have excellent time management and interpersonal skills. Some aspiring veterinary assistants decide to earn an optional certification to advance their knowledge and possibly improve their employment prospects.
Dental treatment coordinators’ main responsibilities include confirming patients’ insurance coverage and collaborating with insurance providers to resolve unresolved insurance claims. Additionally, they help patients set up payment plans, schedule appointments, and explain insurance benefits.
The following are a personal trainer’s main responsibilities: creating workout plans and providing one-on-one instruction to help clients achieve their fitness and health goals. Personal trainers, like hygienists, enjoy working closely with clients, have strong knowledge of healthy habits, and can manage their time well. In order to prepare for their jobs, personal trainers often receive on-the-job training, but optional certifications or education in kinesiology or exercise science may be useful.
Primary responsibilities: Addressing customer feedback on behalf of an organization is the responsibility of customer service representatives. They are frequently in charge of assisting with problem-solving or giving more information regarding a good or service. Strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help others make dental hygienists candidates for this position.
A medical coder’s main responsibilities are to manage patient data, submit insurance claims, post payments, and handle claim denials. In order to help customers, a medical coder may also interact with them on the phone or in person. Medical coding-specific training or education is frequently required for this position, but these qualifications come with flexible scheduling options.
A dental office manager’s main responsibilities are managing the day-to-day activities of a dental office. Office managers organize on-site training, create work schedules, and conduct staff evaluations. Additionally, managers oversee financial matters, keep track of patient treatment plans, and maintain office supplies.
A clinical instructor’s main responsibilities include teaching the laboratory and clinical components of a dental hygiene certification program. A clinical instructor creates the curriculum, gives practical instruction, assesses student progress, offers correction when required, and keeps track of students’ records. Clinical instructors frequently take part in professional dental associations or community outreach programs.
A dental assistant’s main responsibilities include assisting dentists in treating patients. Dental assistants may order supplies, set up equipment for dental procedures, prepare patients for treatment, sterilize dental tools, and give post-treatment instructions. They could also keep track of patients’ medical histories, stock dental supplies, and help the dentist during challenging procedures.
A dental sales representative’s main responsibilities include demonstrating, promoting, and selling dental products to dentists and other dental professionals. Additionally, they conduct cold calls to potential clients, maintain client relationships, create sales reports, and address client issues.
A surgical assistant’s main responsibilities include interviewing patients prior to surgery, explaining surgical procedures to patients and their families, and setting up the necessary equipment in the operating room. Similar to dental hygienists, surgical assistants frequently interact closely with patients, are well-organized, and collaborate with doctors. This role also requires a surgical assisting certificate.
Principal responsibilities: A dental consultant works with clients to increase productivity, client satisfaction, and profits in a dental office. They could also review prior authorization for dental procedures, act as subject matter experts, or handle insurance appeals.
A medical writer’s main responsibilities are to conduct research, write articles about medical technology or procedures, and ensure the content is accurate. Additionally, they could edit educational materials, write grants, and approve marketing materials.
Types of jobs for dental hygienists
Your dental hygienist skills are useful in many industries. Here are a few alternatives to take into account as you look for work:
Tips for successfully moving into an alternative career
Here are some pointers for leaving a career in dental hygiene:
Emphasize your current skill set
As a successful dental hygienist, you have valuable transferrable skills. These can include:
Consider additional schooling or certifications
Some careers may require additional education and specialized certifications. Choose the area of study you want to pursue, then look into the courses and training opportunities available. There are numerous programs that let you keep working while finishing a degree or certification program.
Network with others in your field
Professional organizations offer priceless chances to network with others in the dental industry. By going to dental conferences, you can network with other professionals and consider your career options. You might benefit from subscribing to specialized periodicals or journals to stay informed about job opportunities.
Dental Hygiene and an Alternative Career?
FAQ
What are some similar occupations to a dental hygienist?
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.
- Dental Assistants.
- Medical Assistants.
- Radiologic Technologists.
- Pharmacy Technicians.
- Surgical Technologists.
- Dentists.
- Occupational Therapist Assistants.
How do you transition from dental hygiene?
Consider careers in sales, administration, education, research, and public health if you are a dental hygienist looking for a change of scenery in your professional life. An alternative dental role may also be fulfilling if you love dentistry but need a change from your current position.
What can dental hygienists not do?
- Alaska — $115,050.
- California — $109,970.
- Washington — $95,450.
- Nevada — $89,360.
- New Jersey — $88,150.
