Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Reviews - Page 8

Ask anything and everything! Even if it seems common practice! Pay rate, are there annual reviews/raises, do you clock in/out or is there just a "set time that he will pay you for",how exactly (if there is) do you and when do you start accumulating vacation time....! I could go on and on. Get it in writing! I have been taken advantage of, under paid and under appreciated for far to many years. Your patients become part of your "away" family. And it makes it hard to leave. I love what I do! Just make sure you get all the details!

Even though you only work 4 days a week there are no health insurance benefits and very little room for growth or income advance. I would do something different if I could start over.

Ask for written requirements for your daily duties. If you don't have required experience and have to accept the lower salary range, accept it, get the experience from that job. When it's time for an annual review, ask for the salary you deem appropriate for your job. But do your research beforehand and apply for other hygiene jobs before your annual review -- to see how marketable you are. Stay in your current position until you find another job. Consider the "perks" of your job at the current salary. If they are not sufficient to continue with the company, still -- stay there until you find another job unless you are independently wealthy. Still not happy? Begin studying to acquire skills for another career. On or a little before 40 years of age -- if you've been in the business for at least 20 years, begin your studies for a different career( you may not wish to commute to a job at the age of 55 or 60). Stay abreast of medical information -- even though you are a dental professional.

Continue your education, get your Bachelors degree and Masters degree if possible. Its important to continue learning otherwise you will start making good money but will be making the same salary 10 years from now. It is also important to discuss salary and benefits up front.

Continue your education, get your Bachelors degree and Masters degree if possible. Its important to continue learning otherwise you will start making good money but will be making the same salary 10 years from now. It is also important to discuss salary and benefits up front.

Treating patients can lead to injuries, trauma and repetitive strain injuries.

If you are a new RDH and plan on working in a civilian practice, that is awesome! Being an Air Force hygienist is very stressful due to our main commitment is completing the mission. I am compared to as a glorified dental assistant and I am the only hygienist responsible for over 300 patients. I love being a hygienist, just not in the military.