calling all dental hygienists

[chicka]

Hi.

I am looking into dental hygiene programs and would love any input I could get from students or practicing dental hygienists...

My background is in liberal arts...I graduated almost 20 years ago...and have been home and working part time in various low-paying jobs for 10 years or so.

I have lots of interests but none of them will get me the pay I'm hoping for and when I go back to work I want it to be "worth" it. I'm looking to do something procedure based, helping people, with good pay and benefits (I have zero retirement) and to be able to start saving for my kids' futures...
Otoh, I'm worried that I won't "fit in" in a dental office. That I'll be the oldest one there, I'll be out of step etc. More worrisome -- can I handle the grossness factor (I plan to sit in and do some shadowing before I apply to programs.

I want to hear from you if you love your career choice! (Or not.) I don't need to love it every minute. It just needs to pay the bills and I need to not hate it! (I'm trying to be practical now that I"m in my 40's!!)

Thanks so much...

[ashleyhaugh]

ive been thinking about this too lately, or being a dental assistant. im interested in what people have to say about it

[dentmom]

I'm a dentist-can I help?