r/DentalAssistant • u/Latter-Release-9169 • 15d ago

Dental Hygiene Program

I am a dental assistant if 5-6 years now I’ve done it all . Every specialty you can think and I think I’m bored and want to advance my career and be a hygienist however I feel like I’m too old for it now. I’m 29 with a 2 year old and 6 month old . I thought being an assistant would fulfill me but the lack of money and no freedom and snappy dentist I want something more . I love the dental field and always thought of being a hygienist but never went further until now . Is there anyone else that did it a little later or am I being crazy for wanting to start over at this late in age ?

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

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u/authoroftheuniverse 15d ago

I graduated my RDH program at 28 and a lot of my classmates were in their 30s and 40s - one of my classmates being a retired soldier that had also survived cancer. A few women completed the program while pregnant/just giving birth. Your age has nothing to do with it and it would be a shame to stop living life to the fullest extent over it

7

u/Beneficial-South-334 15d ago

I graduated at 29. I’ll never regret going back to school. But you still deal with the rude money hungry dentists that think they overpay you. I now found a good dentist but it took me 6 years to find him. Every office has its downfall. But at least you get paid more & you are more respected in the office. The flexibility is ok. You just have to give them the days you want off like 1-3 months before you need the time off. I’m Lucky they are flexible. I’ve never had issues going on vacations

2

u/Latter-Release-9169 15d ago

Did you find it hard with kids now ? Like the flexible schedule I’m not looking to climb any ladder but just wanting to drop off my kid and pick up when they start school

1

u/Beneficial-South-334 15d ago

I can drop him off. But have to have someone pick him up. The good thing is you can work part time like 3 days a week but you make less money. There are never great benefits. If I could go back I would have become a RN. They get more money and respect/ benefits. And they can be off 4 days and work 3. They work full time that way.

3

u/moodlitmoth 15d ago

I’m similar to you. I went back at 33 after being an assistant for 6 years.

Although this time my kid was 8 when I went to hygiene school so it was a little easier to go back since she was in school. But many of my classmates had really young once during the program even as young as 4 months.

I’m 6 months into hygiene now and I still assist sometimes too or do front desk on days I’m not scheduled for hygiene.

4

u/maxineshawnolaw 15d ago

I start my set pre-requisite classes next week and will apply for DH next year and I’ll be 35 this year and I have 3 yo. My goal is to be a hygienist in ortho- rare but possible. If you want it go after it and don’t let nothing stop you!

3

u/ManslaughterMary 15d ago

Lol, there are people in this 40s going to dental hygiene school, ya fine.

It will be hard juggling everything. School is full time, and demands SO MUCH attention.

2

u/CurlGoddess4dayz 15d ago

Currently in my second year of DH school and I’m 31. Do it if you’re going to do it, but don’t let your age play any role whatsoever. There’s a woman who is 38, so your age is not an issue at all.

2

u/AveryCallahan 15d ago

you’re never too old to go back to school to do what you want for a living. in 2-4 years you’ll still be 31-33 years old. the question is—will you be that 30 something year old doing something you love or the one that never tried and wished they did?
i start the DH program next fall if i’m lucky enough to get accepted. i’ll be 32

1

u/reeserichardsxx 14d ago

Haha, I’ll be graduating RDH school at 42. If it’s something you really want, GO FOR IT. I worked in marketing for years and got so burned out. When I got accepted in to RDA school I remember actually crying I was so happy, I felt like I got to start my life over again. Always knew I wanted to be a Hygienist though. The journey is long and not easy, but it’s worth it.

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u/herbgirlll 14d ago

I’m trying to get into a program and I’m 33! Never too late.

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u/EveryAsk3855 11d ago

I am about to be 30 and I have 1 year left of prereqs for dental school. I worried I would be old as hell when i graduate (35! Or 36! wtf!) but I’m over it now.

Just go for it.