How Hard Is Dental Hygiene School? My Experiences

How hard is dental hygiene school, really? As someone who has been through it (I took my program TWICE!) and now teaches dental hygiene students, I understand the curiosity and the concerns that come with embarking on this journey.

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty and give you a realistic view of what to expect. In my opinion, anytime you are about to learn something, it's going to be hard right? Learning to ride a bike, you didn't master it that minute did you? Nope...

I remember my first day at dental hygiene school, I was SO excited but also super nervous. Being a dental hygienist was what I wanted to do since I was probably 10 years old - I always loved going to see the hygienists for my teeth cleaning (I know, I was a little weird) and I was always 'lucky' to have good, strong teeth. I didn't have any bad experiences so this probably shaped my way in loving all things dental. But, having all of that said, dental hygiene school nearly through me into a bout of depression. I felt I was always working, studying, trying to do better, failing something, etc...

In the photo below we all look so happy! But don't let this fool you, we were stressed to the max :)

First off, let's not sugarcoat it: Dental hygiene school is challenging. It requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for oral health care. You'll be diving deep into subjects like anatomy, microbiology, dental procedures, and more. The coursework is rigorous, and you'll need to stay on top of your studies to succeed. I remember how hard it was for me, and I now have a 'Dentalelle Student Academy' where I support you fully through school, take a look here if this may interest you.

Probably one of the hardest parts is, you don't need a mere 50% to pass, it's usually 70% or higher in your subjects. Dental hygiene school isn't for the weak.

But think about it, would you want a dental hygienist scaling your teeth with sharp instruments who barely passed 50% of his/her material in school? Probably not. There are high expectations for a reason, we're in healthcare after all.

But here's the thing: While it's challenging, it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll be learning skills that will not only shape your career but also impact the lives of your future patients. From mastering the art of teeth cleaning to understanding the complexities of oral health, every lesson and every assignment brings you one step closer to becoming a skilled dental hygienist. So, hang in there!

I had to take my dental hygiene program TWICE, did you know that?

My 'first' school went bankrupt 4 weeks from graduating. I didn't finish for that reason. And because I didn't finish, it meant I couldn't take the board exam, which meant I couldn't become a dental hygienist. I couldn't have my dream job! SO, what did I do? I took the ENTIRE program again at another school. 4 years later and I was finally done. Worth every penny and worth all that time. I love my job, I love my teaching career, and I love helping students find the passion in all the same dental things.

One of the biggest challenges of dental hygiene school is finding a balance. You'll need to juggle classes, clinical work, and studying, all while managing your personal life. Time management and prioritization become your best friends during this time. It's not easy, but it's definitely doable with the right mindset and support system. If you have to work in the evenings, this will make it even harder! I had to work at least 5x a week (to afford school) and this made things exhausting...but I did it! If I can do it, so can you.

Remember, school is not forever.

Another aspect to consider is the clinical component of dental hygiene school. This is where you'll apply what you've learned in a real-world setting, working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced professionals. It can be intimidating at first, but it's also where you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience and build your confidence as a dental hygienist. This is where I probably failed every clinical at least once, well, we all did! It wasn't that I was 'stupid' but the teachers had very high expectations of us. I was a student who never failed anything, but clinicals, man o man those were tough. Fast forward 18 years in the dental profession, and I am a pro let me tell you :). You will get there too so hang in there!

So, how hard is dental hygiene school? It's hard enough to challenge you, but not so hard that it's impossible. With dedication, perseverance, and a passion for oral health care, you can conquer the challenges and emerge as a skilled and compassionate dental hygienist ready to make a difference in the world of dentistry. You can do it! If I can do it, if others can do it, so can you.

You know you can always follow me on my social media accounts and I can help you navigate and support you in your dental professional journey along the way! This is what I'm here for :).

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