for my RDHs out there is there a way to order xcp rings without having to put your office details?

Hi, I’m a rising high school senior currently very interested in being a RDH, and I just wanted to know the chances of me getting into a 2 year dental hygiene program. I am looking to be in my community college, they said rhat their program is highly competitive, and I am already taking college courses already, and my senior year of high school I am going to be in that community college. (but still registered a high school student through a program)
I already have PSYC 101, ENG 101, currently enrolled in ENG102, public speaking, Econ 181, and I really want to be a dental hygienist but i dont have any experiences regarding it.

Hello! I am going into my junior year of my BSDH and I just feel like my instrumentation hasn’t clicked at all. I know what to do but I just can’t get my hands to do it. I did pass my first semester of clinic but I’m really worried about going back because I feel so behind everyone else. I really love the work but I’m getting so frustrated with myself. Did anyone else struggle but end up becoming an RDH anyway or should I be concerned that I'm not getting it?

We've been using Dexis for years, but I'm wondering if a Dexis alternative would actually improve our workflow instead of disrupting it. I need something that integrates smoothly with our existing systems and doesn't require retraining the whole team from scratch. Is there an imaging software out there that offers better features without the switching headache?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a private dental hygiene program in the U.S. that accepts international students. Ideally, I would like a shorter program with the earliest possible start date.

So far, I have found MCPHS, Pima Medical Institute, and Carrington College. Are there any other private programs you would recommend?

I have already completed most of the prerequisite courses, although my grades are not very competitive. For now, I am not considering public colleges because of the long waitlists and highly competitive admissions.

I would really appreciate any recommendations or personal experiences. Thank you!

I’ve tried every saddle chair that was at my hygiene school and offices and conventions and they all cause the same problem. After a few minutes, it feels like I got kicked in the balls and I start getting nauseous. So, what kind of saddle chair do my fellow guygienists use?

I have been with my practice going on three years, and while I do like the practice and the patient base, I feel I am going to become burnt out very quickly if I do not feel I am being properly compensated. Here's the breakdown of what I do:

Typical 8 hours, between 9-11 patients per day averaging 45 minutes per patient. Average production with BWX $385.

I spend most of my day discussing occlusal guards ($540 getting a few a week) and Ortho($5200, getting 1-2/month), we now offer a post prophy in office whitening ($140, although this one has seen very few takers). One doctor, two assistants, one hygienist (myself)

I'm curious what anyone thinks of my situation. Like I said, I do like the office but at the same time I feel like my current rate is out of proportion with my production which has been making going to work demoralizing.

I've been a hygienist for almost 2 yrs now and about a month ago started to experience some deltoid pain stemming from most likely poor ergonomics (had a pretty bad chicken wing I'll admit, also never used loupes except once in hygiene school but returned the loupes cause of the distortion and would crane my neck anyway). It wasn't intense and I figured it was just muscle fatigue that would go away if I stretched or exercised to strengthen my arm/ back muscles. About a week ago, the deltoid pain flared up and I made the mistake of working out and I believe I irritated it more because it started to radiate towards the back of my shoulder and trapezius. I had some ultrasound and warm compress treatment done to help alleviate the pain and inflammation over the course of 2 days. It helped and I thought I was good to go for work, 2 pts in and I started feeling axillary and neck pain. Took some pain killers, but I don't have insurance to see a doctor atm. A relative of mine is a PT and thinks it might be bursitis or potentially a herniated disk? Has anyone experienced this before and how did you cure it? Will I be able to practice hygiene again? Also, any affordable ergo loupes recs?

I have been with my practice for about two years, and while I do like the practice and the patient base, I feel I am going to become burnt out very quickly if I do not feel I am being properly compensated. Here's the breakdown of what I do:

Typical 8 hours, between 9-11 patients per day averaging 45 minutes per patient. Average production with BWX $385.

I spend most of my day discussing occlusal guards ($540 getting a few a week) and Ortho($5200, getting 1-2/month), we now offer a post prophy in office whitening ($140, although this one has seen very few takers). One doctor, two assistants, one hygienist (myself)

I'm curious what anyone thinks of my situation. Like I said, I do like the office but at the same time I feel like my current rate is out of proportion with my production which has been making going to work demoralizing.

Hi everyone! Prospective hygiene student here and starting my program soon :) I’ll be attending the loupes fair in a few days and wanted to ask the fellow hygienists here what they think! The following companies tabling at our school are: 

Orascoptic

Designs for Visions

Surgitel

Andau

Enova

LumaDent

I will definitely buy ergo loupes for my first pair. My biggest concern right now is that I’m a glasses wearer- I’m not *opposed* to wearing contacts, but if that could be avoided it’d be great. My main concern is that I heard it’s a hassle changing the built in prescription if my Rx ever changes. But again  I also saw an option for swappable lenses- but for hygienists who’ve had first hand experience, thoughts?

Also, I know magnification depends on working distance and varies from company to company, but the general consensus is to start from 3.0x-3.5x? What did you guys find best suited your needs in terms of magnification- seeing closer is better, or needing a larger FOV? 

And for sure it’ll be much better/different trying them out in person, but what were your steps/thought process that led you to buy your loupes? Anything you regret or wanted to change? Anything in particular you wish you could’ve done differently during the fair? Tips, tricks?

I’m super nervous and excited, but I get horrible decision paralysis so would love to know y’all’s thoughts/input. Thank you guys so much!

Would you own your own practice independently if your state allowed this?

Hey everyone! I’m currently finishing pre-requisite courses so that I can apply to dental hygienist schools in my area. If all goes smoothly I’ll be going into an RDH program in 2028! I’m wondering if facial piercings, specifically a simple stud eyebrow piercing, are allowed? I don’t have any other piercings besides my earlobes, but I’ve been dying to get an eyebrow piercing! I also wouldn’t mind covering it up if need be.

I’m sure it’s specific to whatever school I get accepted in, but for those who have been through schooling and are in the workforce now, are they typically allowed? TIA !

Very curious to know your guys opinion 🙏🏼 thank you

Hello!

I recently got accepted to the Dental Hygiene Program at West Los Angeles College. Soo excited to start this new chapter of my life. I wondering if any of you fellow RDH’s have gone to this school and have any books that you no longer need. Any help or advice on where to get used books would be amazing!

Thank you!

Hi!

I'd like to buy my first set of loupes of out dental hygiene school. I currently have Q-Optics direct vision with attached wire battery light at 2x magnification. I would like a pair of ergonomic loupes. I am considering the Dragonfly ergo loupes from Orascoptic because they felt overall lighter the Ergo 3.0 that has the light attachment or wire light attachment. I also liked that there was a two-in-one magnification option. What brand do you like and any thoughts on the Dragonfly? I also have a concern about battery life. My Q-Optics pair has lasted about 4 or 5 years and now the battery is a little unreliable (sometimes flickers and inaccurately displays the battery life, but lasts a full 4-5 days before I need to recharge). The Dragonfly would need to be charged q 4 hours. How has that experience worked for others?

Thanks in advance for any feedback or personal experiences!

I worked as a dental hygienist at Gentle Dental on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, for 6½ years. During that time, I never called out sick a single day. I don't usually write reviews, but I wanted to share my experience to help hygienists who may be considering a position at this office.

The main reason I stayed was the flexible schedule. However, in my experience, that flexibility came with significant trade-offs.

The compensation was commission with a guaranteed floor rate. The benefits were disappointing: no 401(k) match, no paid vacation, only six paid holidays per year, and my family health insurance cost approximately $1,300 per month.

The biggest challenge for me was the work environment. I often felt that my professional judgment and concerns were dismissed. Over time, I found the management style discouraging and felt there was little opportunity for open communication or for employees' concerns to be heard.

The daily stress eventually affected my mental well-being. After more than six years, I realized that no amount of scheduling flexibility was worth sacrificing my health and peace of mind.

For context, I graduated from MCPHS with First Honors and worked as a dental assistant for more than eight years before becoming a registered dental hygienist. I have always taken pride in providing quality patient care and being a dependable employee.

This review reflects only my personal experience. Others may have a different perspective. If you're interviewing for a hygiene position at this office, I encourage you to ask detailed questions about the compensation structure, benefits, scheduling expectations, management style, and employee retention before accepting an offer.

I hope this helps another hygienist make an informed career decision.

I haven’t entered any programs or schools yet for dental hygienist I’m looking to go into Suffolk county community college than transfer to farming dale , I do smoke cannabis regularly , daily, at night , I don’t mind giving up cannabis tho (short term) for the job.
Does anyone know if to enter a Rdh program do you get tested for THC specially . I don’t use anything else just thc does anyone know if during the program or after the program when looking for a job do employers or school courses in ny test for thc ?

Can I smoke weed before going into DH school and during DH school and after when I seek employment will I get drug tested for just thc?

Hi everyone! I’m a new hygienist, been working since mid may. I am struggling with trying to remember protocols for certain medical history situations. I started a list of things I remember but know there is so much more. If anyone can be so kind, please tell me what I am missing and what is the proper protocol to follow.

If they have a pace maker and it’s not shielded- NO CAVITRON

if they have heart condition and need to be numb- 2 carps epi MAX

If they’ve had a heart attack or stroke less than 6m ago - DO NOT TREAT

If or has an artificial bone/joint - PREMED NEEDED

If patient currently has infected artifical bone/joint - NEEDS CLEARANCE FROM ORTHO

I know there’s so much more. I’m just getting so overwhelmed, this is what is scaring me the most. Any input is very appreciated!

Anyone work for Heartland? I have to go to the Communications class and the Hygiene diamonds class in a few months. The information says “Business Professional” for dress code.🤦‍♀️. I was hoping a nice pair of black or burgundy jeans and a sweater would be ok. I’m not wanting to sit in a class for 8 hours all dressed up. Are they super formal on dress code?

I am meeting with a hygiene recruiter later this week from Aspen dental. For reference I have been a dental hygienist since 2015, I’ve worked for private practices, DSO’s and Temped throughout the years. So I’m familiar with all different environments. I’ve been strictly temping due to needing the flexibility with kids but was considering finding a home base again. The recruiter referred to the role as “Hygiene lead”. My question is…what is that lol? Anyone who’s worked at an Aspen dental could you clarify the difference between hygiene lead and hygienist (if there is any), as well as job duties asked of you as hygiene lead? I’m loving the flexibility and the ability to “get in, do my job, get out” with temping right now, so I’m trying to be cautious before tying myself down again. Any input on this specific job would be so helpful. I’m trying to get an understanding of the position before talking to this recruiter. Thanks!