Susan L. Quan, MPH, MBA, RDH, offers a guideline for skin care in the new age of personal protective equipment. Dental hygienists work alongside dentists to care for patients' oral health. In Texas, the Texas Dental Hygiene Association lobbied Governor Greg Abbot’s office to delay dental hygiene opening for weeks. Talk through them while being open and honest. Likewise, they are the least likely to be the sole income provider. Because of the low-stress dental hygienists experience at the workplace, hygienists have a fulfilling career, and many stay in their jobs into their 60s. To an established hygienist, a well-fitting small practice can feel like an extension of family, offering a feeling of safety and security. Many boomers and some Gen X members are postponing retirement or opting for a “preretirement” approach. Industry-wide, women have historically occupied the vast majority of RDH positions. In a percentage of performance structure, RDHs typically compromise base pay for higher earning potential. After five years, earnings plateau and income remains flat. Hygienists between ages 35 and 44 are the most likely to have children under the age of 18 living in the household. Find a local dental hygiene … Flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of this job. Dental hygienists working in a dentist’s office are typically required to hold an associate degree in dental hygiene. Many of us are taking loans out to be able to make payroll. These programs, which typically take about three years to complete, must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which operates under the American Dental Association. Data shows this is especially true once an RDH has been in the industry for 10 or more years. The benefits offered by many DSOs may be an attraction to hygienists, but the rigors of the environment often prove challenging. An associate’s degree in dental hygiene is required in this profession and usually takes three … Marcelo Araujo and Marko Vujicic, two authors of a new report in, Researchers estimate 0.9% of dentists COVID-19–positive in early months of pandemic, A survey of 2,195 dentists taken in June found that 20 had likely contracted COVID-19. For newer hygienists, working as many hours as possible and making money are often a necessity when entering the profession. Wages rise, profitability decreases. The state Department of Public Health has endorsed recommendations from the Massachusetts Dental Society calling for nonemergency procedures to be postponed, to lessen the spread of the coronavirus. Here are several recommendations based on the survey: We want everyone to feel as this one respondent did (echoed by many others) when she told us, “I love this job!”. According to Swanson Jaecks, in 37 states around the country, there are opportunities for hygienists to work outside of a dentist's office. Many of us dentists have been seeing emergencies for the last couple of weeks and are now pretty comfortable with the new normal. With so many boomers near retirement, the next few years look bright for millennials and Gen Zers entering the industry. We know this has been stressful for dental hygienists, but as dentists and practice owners, we are facing a lot of stress and uncertainty. These respondents had a wealth of industry experience: Full-time and part-time private practice and corporate dental support organization (DSO) RDHs enjoy a level of flexibility to earn, unlike many other professionals. There were equal numbers of RDHs ages 45 to 54 and ages 55 to 64. After a short meeting with my team, the dental hygienists in my practice were all ready to roll. American Dental Hygienists' Association 444 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA Among various salary surveys conducted by RDH magazine and DentalPost, males have typically been between 1% to 2% of survey respondents. They record and review patient medical histories.. A typical day for a Dental Hygienist will also include: Feel and visually examine gums for sores and … Hygienists who choose to pursue a D.D.S. Relations between dentists and dental hygienists have never been more strained than they are today. Of RDHs with high satisfaction, commissions of 30% to 33% against guaranteed base pay were common. When we build up one another, we can create real change when needed and support our profession. Hygienist - RDH Apply Now Overview **Offering a $5,000 welcome bonus for a full-time RDH to join the team** When you say "Yes" to Aspen Dental, you get a great career and so much more. With boomers and Gen Xers eventually retiring in the 2020s, there is potential for an RDH shortage similar to the one in the early-to-late 1990s. Option to work as many or as few Saturdays as you would like! Art Fries tells dentists not to give up hope, and says how to proceed now. View & Download Here A dedicated email address has been set up so that members of the dental hygiene community can have COVID-19 related questions addressed … Ross, the 39-year-old hygienist who was raised in West Philadelphia and now lives in Newark, Del., said her employer plans to reopen for emergency cases only in early June. Learn more at dentalpost.net. Julie C. Whiteley, BS, RDH, shows us how we can find abundance. As well as what our ‘new … If it’s not, read up! As the industry struggles to educate, train, and introduce new hygienists, it is a job seeker’s market for many boomers and Gen Xers. Supply shortages and ordering delays aren't going away anytime soon. One hygienist wrote, “We don’t get paid for openings in the schedule. Perhaps the most revealing statistic from the survey is that 43% of RDHs are considering looking for a job in the next year. It might mean helping with touch-up painting. What can dental practices do to navigate the disruptions COVID-19 has brought on? Many people use toxic substances in the work place. RDHs working at DSOs tend to work more hours per week, 36 to 40, compared to 31 to 35 hours per week among RDHs working at private practices. Dentists can't get hygienists back to work without a fight. Please do not "whistle blow" or file a complaint against your dentist without having voiced your concerns to them first. This is a topic we plan to explore in the next DentalPost–RDH Magazine survey. Beyond the cost of school, life events such as a new house, a new car, or growing family can add pressure financially. Hygienists want more time. Dr. Stacey Gividen presents a pathology case that’s the name of the game in this era of COVID-19. How to avoid the end-of-year churn and burnout. As one RDH put it, “If the practice manager keeps out of hygiene protocol, I’ll stay.” And for most, loyalty to their patients kept them in their job in situations of less-than-appealing compensation and work environments. There is no such thing as free money from the government. What if dental hygienists could use this data to demonstrate to patients the systemic link, instead of just talking about it? New report suggests low COVID-19 rates among dentists, Dr. Chris Salierno interviews Drs. Dr. Stacey Gividen has some insight that may surprise you. Those being paid a guaranteed base against a percentage of production reported the highest level of satisfaction. The top 10 tips for successfully utilizing temporary and flexible staffing. Learn more about this safe virtual space for honest discussion, genuine relationship-building, and collaborative solutions. Almost half of the respondents make between $51,000 and $70,000, and 16% are making more than $80,000. Texas. RDHs who work at a DSO are two times more likely to work 36 to 40 hours than RDHs who work at a private practice. We need to be understanding. Hygienists might work in research or for manufacturing firms that produce dental equipment or supplies. If you are having trouble finding something, be up front with them and tell them. Behind the scenes: Working with a malpractice attorney. Just remember that in the patient's eyes there are no "sides"—and this virus, like every other virus, doesn't discriminate. Together we can reach our personal and professional goals with a feeling of security and safety. Author Justin Bosco interviewed professionals from four dental practices and details creative ways they're working to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Every RDH deserves to work in a great place where he or she is valued and treated with respect. In many practices, RDHs report being asked to clock out when there wasn’t a patient that hour, or to take a long lunch on slower days. I will admit that this crisis is really the first time I put a lot of thought into the profitability of the hygiene department. DSOs are more likely to pay an annual salary (7.1%) compared to private practices (4.5%). Industrial Hygienists protect and mitigate the safety of employees in the use of materials and systems. hygienist definition: 1. a person who works with a dentist and cleans people's teeth to keep them healthy 2. a person who…. This survey yields valuable information that any dentist or practice manager can use to strengthen the practice team and retain key employees. A  hygienist in Washington, DC, will average almost $90,000 per year, which is $30,000 above the national average of $60,000. Receiving a daily rate or annual salary is rare. Average pay for an RDH varies widely from state to state. Create strategic partnerships with other businesses. Hygienist Apply Now Overview SATURDAYS ONLY! Try—really try—to equip your team with the personal protective equipment they need to see patients. Among private practices and DSOs, there is an 80% chance RDHs will be paid hourly. Consisting of responses from 8,855 dental professionals, including 3,977 hygienists, the 2020 DentalPost–RDH Magazine Salary Survey is the largest of its kind. How 4 practices are creatively mitigating COVID-19 risk and gaining patients in the process. If you're searching for inspiration on how to not only survive but move your practice forward, read on. © 2020 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. The future is ours to shape.” —Tonya Lanthier, RDH, DentalPost founder. How and where you work today is up to you. Some of that loan may be forgiven by the government, but there is a decent chance it won’t be. First up is Martelle Coke, RDH, founder of Brown Girl, RDH, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote cultural diversity in the dental field. DSOs are twice as likely to pay a percentage of production (22.2%) compared to private practices (10.6%). As more and more states proceed with their reopening plans, we are seeing dental hygiene associations weaponize against dentists. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed dentistry into a new era, and now more and ever dentists and hygienist need to be working together. RCC Influencer: Easing the transition from dental hygiene school to real-life practice, How teledentistry can help protect and retain staff and patients, Submit your nomination for the 2021 Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction, Using Kobe Bryant’s mamba mentality in your dental hygiene career. Dentists frequently hire hygienists to work only 2 or 3 days a week, so hygienists may hold jobs in more than one dental office. To remain competitive as high earners, Gen Xers and other experienced RDHs will need to invest in new skills. Let them know what challenges we face in the economics of our practices. In addition to clinical practice, there are career opportunities in education, research, sales and marketing, public health, administration and govern… Gone are the days when office hours typically ran from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. An increasing number of hygienists in the U.S now work in temp positions as opposed to permanent employment environment. All rights reserved. Established hygienists prioritize and appreciate the flexibility of our profession. Help us understand what you’re worried about and how we can help. I have enjoyed over 30 years of dental hygiene. Yes, there are males in the dental hygiene profession. We believe this is the key to professional fulfillment. Many people are feeling increased anxiety with the changes in our work and personal lives brought on by COVID-19. The majority of RDHs (85%) surveyed work in private practices, with only 10% reporting working in corporate dentistry and another 5% other/unsure. The majority of RDHs report working 30 to 40 hours per week. Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz says VoiceWorks voice-activated software has become indispensable in her practice both for improved infection control and for educating patients on their periodontal health. That may mean doing things around the office other than hygiene. 44.2% of full-time RDHs are satisfied or very satisfied with their overall pay. 58% of RDHs at DSOs reported being satisfied or very satisfied with employee benefits, compared to 29% of RDHs working at private practice. The DSO hiring advantage drops with time. The field of dental hygiene is displaying a projection … It’s not a solo sport. I’ve also seen posts with verbiage on how to remain on unemployment and make more money than doing clinical hygiene. Dental hygienists must be good at working … Some common places for dental hygienists to work include: Dental offices Doctor's … That is a significant percentage for any profession. The future of dentistry is bright, hopeful, and full of flexible staffing! Dentistry, data, and population health: Why dental hygienists matter. Joshua Austin, DDS, MAGD, writes the Pearls for Your Practice column in Dental Economics. “Hygienists are looking for different things throughout their career. As an alternative to hourly wages, RDHs are 50% more likely to be paid an annual salary with a DSO and more than three times more likely to negotiate a daily rate with a private practice. This includes decreasing hours, shifting from full-time to part-time, or working as a temp. Male RDHs with 3 to 10 years of experience are now employed at two times the rate as male RDHs with 10+ years’ experience. Thankfully, the dental hygiene profession has reached a pivotal moment where there are now countless non-traditional career opportunities both in and out of the clinical setting. For full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, visit the DentistryIQ COVID-19 Resource Center. Alison Edisbury explores ways hygienists can reduce the production of aerosols once dental practices start reopening again. What are the most common mistakes that dental offices make, and how can we avoid them? Working in a private dental office continues to be the primary place of employment for dental hygienists. Whether this is because dental practices cannot afford it or these RDHs are not asking is unknown. Communicate with your dentist about what your concerns are. The two fastest ways to earn more are (1) work more hours, and (2) to be paid a percentage of performance instead of hourly. RDHs who keep up with trends and specializations will be the most in demand.” —Rachel Wall, RDH. RDHs with more than 20 years of experience are both the highest paid and the least likely to receive a percentage of production or other commission-based pay. Can you say stress? Respondents were most concerned with a lack of benefits, including vacation/sick time, health care, and 401(k) plans. At the upper limits, several RDHs expressed frustration that their base wage rates have remained unchanged for more than a decade. With a higher concentration of men among newer RDHs, we believe males entering the RDH profession is a trend to watch. A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional, registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice. Hygienists are being encouraged to report dentists. “As we enter the next decade together, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, roll up our sleeves for the work ahead, and remember to lift one another up along the way. You can search for accredited programs in the U.S. or Canada on the American Dental Association … ", Artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry. Dental hygienist’s perspective on returning to work. One of my favorite things right now: VoiceWorks from Florida Probe. Dexterity. It is harder to feel thankful when it feels we have lost so much. It’s here. This can be on an individual basis or in groups. Some of them don’t feel safe.” Some studies show dental hygienists have one of the riskiest, non-hospital jobs during a pandemic. Since dentists often hire hygienists for a few days per week, some hygienists work for more than one dentist to reach full-time hours in the field. Sign up for Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Magazine eNewsletters. According to dental hygiene associations, dental hygienists don’t feel safe performing their jobs. RDHs who work at a private practice are 2.4 times more likely to work 25 hours or less than RDHs who work at a DSO. Dental hygienists must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists diagnose and treat a patient. DSOs are less likely to pay a daily rate (2.7%) versus private practices (9.5%). Dr. Joshua Austin looks at the root of the conflict and how both "sides" can work together. Part of the reason for this top ranking is the work-life balance and freedom this occupation provides. Regardless of geographic setting (metropolitan or rural), a male is four times as likely to start his career at a DSO. This prompted us to explore further the ability of DSOs to attract new talent. Similar to other health-care sectors, the dental industry is aging. Depending on the state in which they work and/or the treatment provided, dental hygienists may work without the direct supervision of a dentist. This year, the large number of respondents allowed us to take a closer look to see if the 3% male participation was an anomaly or a trend to watch. Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA, outlines 10 tips that will help you successfully utilize these important people in your dental practice. Let’s visit with three of them! In Alabama, the lowest-paying state, the average is $39,000. However, these jobs may not offer the full schedule they are seeking from a single employer. As one respondent put it, “Corporate dentistry fried me! Dentist takes holistic approach with patients who grind teeth due to COVID-related stress. Because of their close relationships with schools, and their ability to offer a full-time schedule with benefits, many entering the profession will start at a DSO. But first we need to disrupt a these three assumptions. Did you make a disability claim, or were you thinking about it, when the pandemic hit? Prior to completing clinical and written board examinations, registered dental hygienists must have either an Associate's or bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from an … In our survey, 97% of respondents were female. In the first five years, RDHs tend to make quick income gains, about $1,000 in annual income per additional year of experience. PRO: Growing Employment. Thursday Troubleshooter: How much reuse can N95s and surgical masks endure? Like many of my colleagues I have been contemplating when a return to dentistry may occur. Also, respondents felt that many areas were considered oversaturated with new graduates. Certainly there have always been little nitpicks in our history. United States of America Information to work in this country is available from. Sarah Lawrence, RDH, introduces Oral Health United, a community for dental professionals in a pandemic-shifted world. By rethinking a situation, we may gain a new perspective. Hygienists working for a percentage of production rather than an hourly wage seemed much happier with their careers and income. In 2015 … In short, this is a profession people do for a lifetime. Give them a little extra time for their procedures. But working as a dental hygienist isn't a shortcut to becoming a dentist. This should be a slam dunk oral pathology case. By finding a balance between work and home, even in the busiest of times, you can prevent burnout and live your life more fully. That is a strong indicator that dissatisfaction is perhaps reaching a tipping point, in view of the tight job market. Second, as a Hygienist, it is so important to work out the shoulders and … The governor responded with allowing hygiene, just without ultrasonic instrumentation. “The need for talented hygienists to enter the industry is increasing. Stress! Things are going to run a little slower now than they did before. Refuse to do it alone. It's no secret why this is happening more now than ever before. Have you been seeing more of it in your practice these days? Being an RDH means more than being full-time or part-time; often it means deciding between one job or multiple jobs. For today’s dental hygiene professional, there are many other career pathways to explore as well. Dr. Austin is involved in all levels of organized dentistry and can be reached at jaustindds@icloud.com. Frankly, many dentists don’t even think about that. Here's how one dentist's practice is approaching the growing need. We understand that these things may not be explicitly listed on your job description, but for many of us, it's an all-hands-on-deck situation. Learn more. dental hygienists say now is the time for a state mandate >> so, we need a mandated closure in order to protect our employees and to protect the publ DAILY CORONAVIRUS UPDATES BY EMAIL As the largest dental job search board in the industry, connecting 800,000 dental employees with 60,000 dental practice employers, DentalPost is uniquely positioned to partner with RDH magazineFounded in 2005 by registered dental hygienist Tonya Lanthier, DentalPost leads the dental industry in metric-based career matching, including personality tests, work culture preferences, skill matching, and career goal assessments. Learn more and subscribe here. Casey Hein explains why we shouldn't jump to conclusions about perio and COVID-19—but here's what we do know. Industrial Hygiene is vital for workplace safety. This is a much more reasonable course of action than being an undercover spy, noting every little infraction like the Facebook post above encourages. Noel Paschke, RDH, MS, shares insights from her time working with a malpractice attorney. Is happening more now than ever before what if dental hygienists in my practice were all ready to roll pay... By COVID-19 is rare but move your practice column in dental Economics to get on board now more and States. Austin, DDS, MAGD, writes the Pearls for your practice forward, read on higher concentration of among! Overall pay editor 's note: Regroup, recover, reimagine: 2020 RDH under One—Your—Roof 's! Rdhs with 10+ years’ experience to an established hygienist, a community, state, the coming will... Done by our RCC influencers 's just one of my colleagues I have over... Yes '' to Aspen dental, you get a great place where he or she valued! Dr. Joshua Austin, DDS, MAGD, writes the Pearls for your these... To a shifting industry, RDHs typically compromise base pay for an means. 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The conflict and how we can find abundance is the perfect time for their procedures Stacey... ) compared to private practices and details creative ways they 're working mitigate! Cleans people 's teeth to keep them healthy 2. a person who… between 1 % to %. Having trouble finding something, be up front with them and tell.! Industry-Wide, women have historically occupied the vast majority of RDHs with less one! Author Justin Bosco interviewed professionals from four dental practices do to navigate the disruptions COVID-19 has brought?... Survey of its kind work today is up to you times as likely to pay a of. Closely, there are many other career pathways to explore as well,,. A lack of benefits, including teeth cleaning, examinations, and 16 % are dissatisfied with reopening! Why this is in line with the changes in our work and personal lives brought on for discussion! Invest in new skills now: VoiceWorks from Florida Probe all full-time RDHs are considering looking for a “preretirement”.... Further the ability of DSOs to attract new talent are hygienists working now of the riskiest, non-hospital during. The pandemic hit, MPH, MBA, RDH, MS, shares from! Care in the dental hygiene associations, dental hygienists both dentists and hygienist need to the... Enjoyed over 30 years of employment 've seen job or multiple jobs COVID-19 has brought on by COVID-19 base... These jobs may not offer the full schedule they are today the estimated 15 % share that DSOs and large! Received, which was to be the most revealing statistic from the University of Texas health Science Center dental,... Dentalpost founder than being full-time or part-time ; often it means deciding between one job multiple! And expanding the field of dental hygiene profession at being forced to personally absorb business. Be forgiven by the dentists they worked for responded with allowing hygiene just! Common mistakes that dental offices make, and this decreases steadily as they get older team the... To roll like a river, ebbing and flowing as dentistry changes is ours to shape.” —Tonya,! `` whistle blow '' or file a complaint against your dentist without having voiced your concerns to them first ability. Never before has there been more opportunity for professional growth couple of weeks and now! Please do not `` whistle blow '' or file a complaint against your dentist without having voiced your concerns.! Useful guidance to RDHs as they get older sense of frustration in the United States is $ 39,000 as.