Planning for the future with an advanced dental hygiene degree a smart move for hygienists

With 16 years of experience, I’m considered a “seasoned” RDH. I earned my Applied Associate of Science degree in 2008 from Florence-Darlington Technical College. I’ve gained knowledge in dental hygiene in my employment settings, consisting of private practice, public health, and a pediatric office. My dental hygiene background has broadened my perspectives and given me insight, which has allowed me to become versatile in many roles.

I’ve loved serving my community and believe I’ve excelled at providing routine care in different clinical hygiene settings. However, I realized that clinical components are strenuous on my body. After practicing for several years, I began to ache and have continuous discomfort. But as training is required and practices change hands, employment of long-term hygienists can be affected. I realized that at any point, job security could influence my retirement.

I took action to keep my career moving forward

I focused on the next steps in my career and reflected on my long-term goals. I attended several dental conferences, scheduled trainings from dental hygiene sales reps, and read numerous peer-reviewed dental magazines and journals authored by influential dental hygienists who have earned their bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.

I became increasingly intrigued, and I researched dental hygiene colleges where I could apply for my bachelor’s degree. I knew I must expand my education to achieve the same opportunities as these amazing and inspirational hygienists.

I took a leap of faith and enrolled at the University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene bachelor’s program. I continued my self-reflection and asked, what truly brought me here? My desire was to become a dental hygiene clinical instructor, and I was thrilled to learn there’s a huge need for new dental hygiene clinical instructors.¹ As the founder of the nonprofit Melanin Health United for Minorities in Healthcare, I have a passion to expand diversity in education.

One of my goals is to assist the next generation stepping into this rewarding profession. As they grow and develop, I hope to make an impact on their education. I understand the challenges students face, and the complexity of any dental hygiene program. I want to encourage, inspire, and motivate students, and give back what was given to me that led to my success in the field.

As I navigate the bachelor’s program at the University of Bridgeport, I’m discovering a variety of opportunities available after graduation. I’m grateful for the doors my advanced degree will open for me. Along with educational interests, while staying true to my passion, I want to assist with the success of others in the realm of dental hygiene.¹

My courses allow me to review trends and advancements regarding oral health. I’m also refreshing my memory of the core hygiene content I learned in the past. Applying my new knowledge and critical thinking with current literature allows me to answer patient questions, thus enhancing oral health conversations during patient care.

Feedback from my instructors made me realize how my insight and input in discussions helped the more recent hygienists to explore my point of view in case study scenarios. One lesson stated the more diverse the classroom, the more room for effective collaboration.1

Other takeaways from my courses consist of learning instructional skills and teaching methods by observing my own instructors. I reflect on how they communicate with students to reach certain learning goals and objectives. I’m absorbing and formulating my own perspectives and what improvements could be made.

Consider your career future

As a seasoned hygienist, I’ve watched the profession grow from a clinician’s point of view. Performing routine patient care can be rewarding as we watch patients improve their oral health. However, we face packed schedules that keep us moving constantly. We face defiant and noncompliant patients. We face the burnout we hear about from colleagues.

With no other options, our careers can wear us down physically and mentally. Hygienists must prepare for their futures. Furthering my education later in life allowed me to adapt to the current generation and new technology. I’ve learned a great deal from my younger peers about how they relate to the assignments, and this has benefited me.

I recommend hygienists develop a game plan for the next phase of their career and consider an advanced degree in dental hygiene. Implement the value of your years of clinical experience to step into a new role, which will assist with your mental and physical health. The flexibility with online distance learning allows working clinicians to take courses while maintaining their career. It’s time we prepare ourselves early!

Reference

1. Pondolfino KL. Seeking the professional roles of the dental hygienist. Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides. University of Bridgeport. October 14, 2024. https://bridgeport.instructure.com/courses/2046226