Full Careers
Dental Hygiene as a second career?
I'm just wondering if there is anybody who has trained to become a dental hygienist as a second career and what it was like for them. I am 37 and I already have a B.S. in business - I know totally unrelated to health care - but I've always been interested in biology. I also crave a real career, which I currently do not have.
Public Comments
- I don't know about dental hygienist programs, but I'll tell you that respiratory therapy has been a great second career for a lot of people. It's my first, so I'm partial to it, but it's a really interesting and rewarding field. Hopefully someone can actually answer the question you asked, but I thought I'd put my plug in for RT.... :) Good luck!
- I am currently studying biochemistry to go into dental school but I do know people going into dental hygiene. It is a great career and only requires a few years of school. Average pay for a hygienest is about 30 dollars an hour and the weeks are not long.
- Dental Hygiene is a great paying,respectable, and flexible schedule career choice. And yes, you are always in demand. I have a Bachelors Degree in Dental Hygiene and I love my job. It not only pays well,but I feel good knowing that I am doing something to improve another persons health. It is not just "teeth cleaning". We are seen as preventative oral therapists. We educate our patients about oral health as well as provide valuable services in a clinical setting. Some hygienists even serve on forensics teams,educate in universities,and some serve as public speakers. I think if you really are thinking about a career in this field,you should contact your local colleges that offer these programs. This is what I did and I was surprised when I realized that I had already taken(most) of the prerequisites. The rest is history:)God bless and good luck!!!! P.S. Some people in my class were in their fifty's. You are still quite young.
