In short, it’s about quantity and complexity. While smaller practices may be able to handle those claims in-house, once claim volume increases or denials begin to be received for modifiers and DME coordination, outsourcing may make more sense. Typically, these are the practices that are utilizing orthopedics billing services with regular…

Read more

In addition to the great advice already given, find a hygiene “tribe”. Fellow classmates that you keep in touch with after graduation. Join the ADHA and go to your state or local component meetings. Recent graduates get 35% off the annual membership. Keep learning! Don’t do the required state continuing education to get it done–attend…

Read more

Yes for sure get loupes!! It’s helps so much and saves your neck and back! Don’t work too much , take breaks and good posture is key.

Hi I’ve been a RDh for 21 years. I work in general and perio now. I have worked in Pedo also. I love helping patients with recommendations on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. I just also got my RDHAP as well and can do mobile dental hygiene on the side for homebound patients. I just generally love Teeth!! 🦷🌺🦷

Welcome, Kamryn! We’re so glad you’re here. What part of becoming a dental hygienist are you most excited about? Is there anything you are especially looking forward to learning or experiencing?

Welcome Kamryn!

Excited to have you join the discussion! Let us know if you have any questions. 🦷💜

Hi everyone! My name is Kamryn, and I’m really excited to be here and have the opportunity to learn more about dental hygiene. I’m someone who enjoys working with people, learning new things, and helping others feel comfortable and supported. I’m interested in dental hygiene because I love the combination of healthcare, hands-on work, and…

Read more

Welcome, Xochitl! We’re so excited to have you here. What inspired you to pursue dental hygiene, and what are you most looking forward to as you begin the program at Mohave College?

Hi everyone,

My name is Xochitl and I am a first generation dental hygiene student at Mohave College. I am so excited to start this new journey, learn and grow, become the best dental hygienist and version of myself I can be.

Warmest wishes to all new and future dental hygiene students!

Thank you so much! I’ll check out your website and let you know if I have other questions.

Hi Ashley! I actually have some free resources on my website, HomeSweetHygiene.com, that you’re welcome to use! I’ve found token boards to be especially helpful, along with a pre-visit questionnaire that helps you learn more about a person’s sensory preferences, communication, and what may help them feel more comfortable.

Please feel free to…

Read more

Hi Lindsey! I am a dental hygiene student in Denver Colorado. Your post caught my eye because we are just starting a unit on patients with special needs. Do you have any great resources you would recommend for how to communicate with patients with special needs or modification ideas that I could pass on to my patients to improve their oral health?

Hello everyone! My name is Evora. I’m a Registered Dental Hygienist from Florida and I run an oral health education page called Sonrisas Saludables. Happy to join this community and connect with all of you!

Stay curious, never stop learning, and build strong patient relationships! Good communication and compassion go a long way in this profession. Also, don’t be afraid to explore different career paths in dental hygiene—there are so many opportunities beyond the op!

Hi everyone! I’m Lindsey Vizcay, BSDH, RDHAP, RDH, RDAEF2. I’m a mobile dental hygienist and the owner of Home Sweet Hygiene, where I provide dental care to underserved communities, including children in schools, individuals with special needs, and homebound patients. I’m passionate about expanding access to care and am currently developing an…

Read more

You wont be perfect and thats okay. I remember feeling like I had to get every speck of calculus, ace every exam, and impress every instructor. The reality? You will miss calculus. You will struggle with instrumentation. And you will have moments where you feel like you’re not good enough. But guess what? Everyone does. Growth happens when you…

Read more

Take care of yourself the way you take care of your patients! Prioritize ergonomics, set boundaries, and don’t forget to recharge. A healthy hygienist provides the best care!

Hey there everyone!! My name is Afton and I have been a practicing dental hygienist for 10 years in the state of Missouri!! Some of my passions within the dental hygiene realm include: Oral Pathology, Product testing and Ergonomics!! I am currently in school with Wichita State University (GO SHOCKERS!!) for my Master’s in Education to…

Read more

Invest in yourself and your career! Ergo Loupes are the greatest thing I ever invested in. A bonus is you could get student pricing if you’re in school. Other things I suggest are regular chiropractor visits, monthly massages, saddle stools, daily exercise and stretching. I wish someone would have told me about the importance of ergonomics while…

Read more

Totally agree! This is all GREAT advice!! I’d also like to add this little nugget…..get involved! Dental hygiene can be tough. It is so rewarding and worth every bit of your efforts, but especially in today’s world, it’s not always easy!! Join the ADHA, become an ambassador for dimensions of dental hygiene, attend community events, look at…

Read more

Hi everyone! I am an ambassador for dimensions of dental hygiene! I am SO excited for all of you to enter our field. What an amazing career you have chosen, one with endless possibilities and the chance to really make a difference. I am a clinical hygienist a few days per week. I also practice virtual orofacial myofunctional therapy at Indy Myo.…

Read more

Invest in your self! Buy the ergo loupes, the saddle chair, all the things! NETWORK!! Grow your community outside the walls of your work!!! Go to the conference and events – meet people and connect!!

Hi everyone:

My name is Lisset and I’m excited to join as a new ambassador of the Dimensions of Dental Hygiene team! Looking forward to an exciting year!

Hi! My name is Andrea, I am from the Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz area in CA. I graduated from Cabrillo College in 2019. I’ve been in the dental field for over 16 years, working from admin to surgical assisting. I enjoy what I do and am excited about the future of hygiene in terms of the technology and research becoming available.

Take care of your body. Eat healthy, exercise and stretch, invest in loupes. And when in doubt, remember ergonomics.

Great advice!

Hello! I am a dental hygiene student at Jackson College in Jackson, Michigan. I am graduating in 2025 and am interested in learning more each day! I have worked as a dental assistant for around 3 years. Outside of school I like to spend time with family, cuddle with my dogs and read books! I would love to know how to study for boards and what…

Read more

Take care of your body. Invest in loupes. Do yoga. Get massages regularly. Taking care of yourself will extend your career.

Welcome Raychene! We are so happy to have you here and I am sure the students will be just as intrigued with your knowledge of AI as I am! Can’t wait to hear more about it!

Hello! I have worked in dental hygiene for over 40 years, in perio for most of those years, as an educator for the last 10. Today, I have an interest in AI and how it will change our profession as well as the world. I think students need to have an awareness now and need help to be prepared for those changes. Mostly to be a part of them…

Read more

Kimberly!

It is! Come visit! 🙂 Nice to meet you!

Welcome, Tracee! I’ve never been to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho but hear it’s beautiful there!

Hello everyone!

I am an adjunct clinical instructor for the North Idaho College School of Dental Hygiene in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in dental hygiene in 2008 and my Master’s degree in 2012, both from Old Dominion University. My research interests include trends in dental hygiene and improving access to dental care…

Read more

Do you have advice to give future dental hygienists? Leave it here!

We are always looking for ways to help you in your journey towards becoming a dental hygienist. Feel free to use this thread to give suggestions or explain what might better help you in school.