According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average career span of a dental hygienist is 16 years;1 however, anecdotal evidence suggests it may now range between 5 and 7 years. As I enter my 19th year in this profession, I can’t help but feel saddened by this statistic. I have heard many reasons from dental hygienists for leaving or wanting to leave the profession, including physical pain, feelings of not being appreciated, poor work-life balance, limited schedule flexibility, and mental burnout. Seasoned hygienists who no longer feel fulfilled providing preventative periodontal therapies in the operatory but still have a passion for oral health may find a renewed love for their career choice in another aspect of dental hygiene.
In this issue, I would like to draw attention to some of these other areas that dental hygienists may want to consider if they are seeking a refreshing new opportunity. However, it does not stop there. I encourage dental hygienists who feel “stuck” to reach out to a mentor in a role they might want to pursue and make the connection to ask questions about where to start. Education, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and coaching are all great options to stay in the field of dental hygiene, just not in the operatory. Another consideration might be enrolling in some continuing education programs or courses that would lead to specialization in orthodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, or restorative dental hygiene, which are other engaging opportunities to research and explore.
I hope the following articles, written by dental hygienists who currently work in orthodontics, as practice owners, myofunctional therapists, educators, and entrepreneurs, inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone and pursue your next adventure. 
References
- Bureau of Labour Statistics References: www.bls.gov
About the author
Liisa is a registered dental hygienist with almost 20 years of experience specializing in orthodontics. Her extensive knowledge led her to become the Orthodontic Curriculum lead at RDHU. She is a published author with articles in Oral Hygiene and OH Canada Magazines, earning her a Reader’s Choice Award nomination. Outside the operatory, she is a Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates Mat instructor, and Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach. Although Liisa loves to travel, she is a true homebody who enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and her dog.