My name is Dory and I work as a dental hygienist in
a thriving community dental practice. I am back in school in an effort to
transition from an RDH to BSDH. I love
my job and the daily interaction with patients, but private practice dentistry
is only one aspect of the career I have envisioned for myself. I hope to
eventually hold a position in a DH program as an educator and researcher. I
also am interested in the prospect of holding a clinical DH position in a
hospital setting.
As far as hobbies go I am pretty simple. I love
music of all genres and decades, and I have become adept at making the perfect
playlist for any situation. I love to read but nothing too serious. I just
purchased my first house, and I am slowly realizing that I am NOT very good at
the whole decorating thing.
In this class, I hope to increase my cultural
competence in order to become a more effective clinician.
Hi, Dori! I find it interesting that you are a Dental Hygienist because I have been having conflicts with whether I want to be a dental hygienist or Nurse. Are you already in the program here at TWU? The patient interaction is also something that I think I am going to like. Good luck with your studies!
ReplyDeleteHey Janecia, I was kind of the same way before I went to dental hygiene school. I was really trying to figure out if nursing would be a better fit. What really helped me decide was my past dental assisting experience. I have always had fun with the patients I see in the dental office. Other than cleaning teeth, the majority of my day is spent "hanging out" with patients/friends. MOST of the time the dental office is pretty lighthearted and I am the type of person that thrives in that type of environment. (I tend to be a little on the awkward side when things get serious) Also, financially speaking, a DH makes a comparable salary to an RN. The downside of the profession is that most of the time DHs are employed in smaller privately owned practices and you typically do not get much in the way of fringe benefits (retirement or health ins.).
Delete...and yes I am currently in the RDH-BSDH program at TWU :)
Hello Dori,
ReplyDeleteI am currently trying to obtain my own RDH license at TWU in Denton. I have applied for the fall class of 2012 and am nervously awaiting their response to my application. I currently work as a registered dental assistant at a pediatric dental office, so I know how much fun the dental field can be! I chose to get my bachelors of Dental Hygiene because I am interested in holding a teaching position further on down the road like you. I like that the dental hygiene degree offers so many different types of positions and I can't wait to start on my own degree!
Best of luck to you on your own studies and goals!
-Laura Browne
Hey Laura,
DeleteI hope you get in!! I was beyond nervous when I applied to DH school too. I was a dental assistant before starting the program as well. That past experience will make things a little easier on you. DH school was the craziest,hardest, and most fun thing I have ever done. I miss it a little. :) email me if you ever need any advice.
-Dory