DENTAL HYGIENE Q/A PT 1 : TIPS FOR NEW DENTAL HYGIENISTS, HOW I AFFORD MY LIFESTYLE , AGE LIMIT?

[@valisa3874]

I have been a Dental assistant for almost 8 years, I still can’t believe it as I type this message. Here’s the deal…if you’re looking to make money in this field go straight for Dental Hygiene. Being a Dental assistant is very demanding, you are the backbone of the office/practice and you are the most under paid, I may sound like a disgruntled employee, but I’m honestly just stating facts!!! As a dental Hygienist, you work independently apart from the Dentist coming in for periodic checks after the patient has their cleaning. The patients are the best part of my job, they are the ones that show the most appreciation for the role I play in the dental office. To get the experience, try Dental Assisting, ask to shadow at your Dental office where you get your oral hygiene care, it wouldn’t hurt, at least you will have an idea of what “typically” goes on and the different roles throughout the day.

[@tatiyanaRDH]

Facts! There is no lie told here ! Dental assistants are over worked and underpaid the majority of the time unfortunately. I was a dental assistant for 6 years before I decided to go back to school for prerequisites. I applied to Dental Hygiene spring 2020 and got accepted 💪🏽 Literally 2 semesters away from graduating and taking the boards .

[@valisa3874]

@@tatiyanaRDH Congratulations to you!!!! That is awesome news!! I wish you all the best in your new career. Nope!!! It’s not easy, even dentists I hear say that assistants have the hardest job 😳 We have to be there for someone who constantly needs something, ok you recognize this, how about compensating us! I know…I know it’s not about the money, but at the same time we need to make a living and a life as well. We are away from our families and spend the most time at the office, just saying 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@denisegwilliams8614]

I am an dental assistant also I love my job but i love lecturing to people how to take care of their teeth so I am switching to dental hygiene and you are so right we the assistant has all the work to do and highly under paid😩 but as I am upgrading to an hygienist it would give me an extra edge than someone that knows nothing about dentistry

[@tatiyanaRDH]

@@valisa3874 thank you ! I agree with you 100% . I was dedicated to being the best assistant I could be . I helped front office even! Nevertheless, I was given the opportunity to assist with outpatient oral surgery at CHOA and travel for dental conventions ( prior to COVID) . So it can be rewarding as well. I appreciate the experience. I will be empathetic towards any assistant when I am licensed for sure 👍🏾

[@tatiyanaRDH]

@@denisegwilliams8614 good for you ! As a current hygiene student with now 10 years of assistant experience, Hygiene is a whole new world to say the least . Assisting skills will help with X-rays , tooth numbering and services as well as knowing equipment. But Periodontology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry!!!! Humbled me lol 😆

[@simplytaffi]

You make balancing KZbin and a full-time job look so easy lol. Goals.

[@Kayla_Nicole]

She does! Love to see it

[@AnotherDayWithBre]

Yes!

[@karlatoledo2069]

That’s what I’m saying and she is sooo fun to watch I love her 😍

[@justqueen4771]

Im glad you said something i had to go check out your channel. 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@simplytaffi]

@@justqueen4771 ❤️❤️❤️

[@Heyjulesss]

When you touched on people in their 30’s with 2 kids studying hygiene, I felt seen & heard lol. I stumbled across your channel about a year ago when I debated on going back to school and I’ve been tuned in ever since. I applied for a college after I moved to FL and I will be starting this fall at 32 with a 12 & 7 year old. It’s never too late and I thank you so much for the inspiration and motivation!!!

[@flowetry]

Hey Tajah!! I just want to start off by saying I LOVE your channel! I’ve always wrote about how much you have inspired me as an aspiring hygienist. Throughout my time in hygiene school I always watched your videos for motivation to push through. And I’m highly blessed & favored to tell you that I AM NOW OFFICIALLY A DENTAL HYGIENIST! I got the good news this morning and I just had to share it with you! I’m a 23 year old Haitian immigrant and I just want to share my success with you and others ! It was a long journey but I made it. & I pray that everybody reading this makes it ! 🙏🏾❣️

[@Nastassjaferjuste]

Omg babeee ! Congratulations, I am so happy you achieved that, you should be so proud, I feel like Ive been following your journey through you commenting and this made me really happy. 🤍

[@Jamyaevans7]

Hi! I missed my registration period so I can’t apply until next year, but I have a question. How hard is it overall?

[@flowetry]

@@Jamyaevans7 overall, the hygiene program was very difficult. Nothing easy about it lol but I believe if you study (A LOT) you should be alright!

[@belenverduzcoperez2364]

YOU ARE LITERALLY LIVING MY DREAM LIFEEEEEE!!!! PERIODDDTTT I WANT TO BE LIKE YOUUUUU

[@realgoodenergy5223]

Im manifesting this life for you and also meee😩😩❤️❤️

[@belenverduzcoperez2364]

@@realgoodenergy5223 THANK YOUUUUUU💗

[@annellerodriguez8239]

I always say this!

[@justjarod7440]

sameeeeeee

[@adoseofj]

I needed this.. I'm 25 and I'm supposed to start school in January, I feel like I wasted so much time playing games.. But you're right. Time will pass by either way so I can either spend it doing something I love or regret not doing it sooner. Thank you for this 🙏🏽

[@animebarbie7680]

Yeah I won’t be able to apply to dental hygiene program until Spring 2023 & I’m 21 years old and just started taking classes seriously I played in the beginning so I will be graduating a year late than I’d like to and I was worried about that but yeah I’d rather get it done than never. God bless you and your journey ! 💓

[@slac25]

I’m a dental assistant and am 25 and just barely decided to go after dental school! We’re not behind, simply on a different path! Always better late than never! Congrats on your decision to go after what you want :)

[@ireneha6067]

Tajah!! I got into the dental hygiene program!! I start this fall!! You were my biggest motivation thank you so much♡

[@pearlieevans315]

Congratulations Irene!!!

[@iamkeria9027]

Congratulations!!🍾

[@ireneha6067]

@@pearlieevans315 thank you so much❤❤

[@ireneha6067]

@@iamkeria9027 thank you thank you💜💜

[@meowk5812]

Congrats!!!!!!

[@TheHummingBirdJaiye]

Responding to the quote provided in the video: In March, I visited the four year college I'm doing the dental hygiene program at. I had a small tour of the building and within that tour, there was this little old lady (about 70+) in the program. I asked her what made her decide to do dental hygiene ...? She laughed and said that she spent her whole life wanting to do things and always using her age as a barrier to keep from doing it. So basically she decided dental hygiene because she had always wanted to do it. Even though she's over 70, it wasn't impossible and now she's working on something that she loves. Go for it. Don't make excuses and don't use your age thinking it's too late. I started working at 14. I'm 24 and just decided for dental hygiene. Hopefully I get in the program by 2022, but overall, who cares? Stay safe guys and follow your DAMN dreams ❤😘

[@Philanazoie]

I’ve been watching you for about a year now, during this time I got my associates and I got accepted into a dental hygiene program starting this fall. I’m a single mom and I don’t know why I was so scared to start. Your videos give me so much inspiration

[@asiahoke6510]

I’m a third Semester DH student. I’ve been feeling so burnt out with school, I needed to see this. I’ve been a Taj Supporter since you were in school 💜

[@BarbieDawl.__]

I agree with you 110% I decided to become a dental assistant and I will never forget a doctor told me you don’t need to start anywhere they will show you she said she had no dental background all that she actually went to school to do something else and she started over so you can do it don’t give up on yourself I want to anybody who wants to start hygiene school let’s look at her as an inspiration she’s a black woman and she did it and she’s beautiful

[@ohsoyoujazz0915]

I’ve been watching you ever since I started DH school and to think that I’m 2/3 of the way towards being a RDH is mine blowing to me. I take my final test, the NBDHE in about a week and this video is just what I needed❤️❤️. Thanks sis, keep on grinding, you’re inspiring to so many people!

[@j4hnaya]

yaasss I’m currently taking pre-reqs so that I can apply for the dental hygiene program at my school :) although my journey is just beginning , I’m excited!! Good luck girl ✨✨

[@ohsoyoujazz0915]

@@j4hnaya awwwww that’s amazing!! Good luck to you as well sis….don’t give up, things may get hard, but it’s definitely going to be worth it❤️

[@denisee8885]

it’s been a year , are you now a RDH ?

[@michellebaez8277]

I applied to dental hygienist school last semester didn’t get in cause of my gpa so I decided to go into dental assisting for the mean time till i take more prerequisites and reapply , never giving up on my dream of being a hygienist that’s all I wanted to be growing up thank you for being so motivational ❤️

[@bryannaamariee]

Thank you for that I’m looking at the comments and it makes me nervous because I just applied for spring semester to start my prerequisites for dh and I was so nervous about like after getting into dental school but your message helped me ease up ! I wish you nothing but the best in your journey 🤍

[@stkbloc9717]

What was your gpa

[@amandachili9218]

Been one for 5 years now ❤️ I enjoy how I work on my own schedule it takes away that feeling of feeling confined.

[@janellelabossiere5650]

girl, I've been an rda for 5 years and I just came across your channel about a month ago and binged watched all your videos on dh and I'm proud to tell you I am registered at my community college to do prerequisites for dh! I'm so scared but I'm not gonna let that stop me! YOU'VE INSPIRED ME and I thank you!

[@yollymilien3572]

I’m an economist/ hospitality manager and I’m still watching the whole video 🤣 love you girl 🇭🇹

[@mishcavadriana]

Same! I’m in property management 🤣 we Stan!

[@thespacecowgirl6]

I graduate hygiene this December and your videos keep me motivated! I'm going to be 30 and I have two small children, so it IS NOT easy by any means...especially with the 12+ hr clinic days. Thanks for keeping my head above water, Tajah!

[@daisyalcantar8033]

I remember watching u when I was thinking about dental hygiene. Now I take the National boards tomorrow 😄

[@ashleyr7346]

What was your gpa when you got in and did you have any experience in the dental field? Good luck 🥳

[@madysenrae9635]

Thank you for posting this! I’m TERRIFIED to even start prerequisites and be able to afford life. Not to mention the dental program and try to work at the same time 😫

[@daphenewoods5617]

I start my job as a hygienist Thursday and baby I am ready for it!!!!🥳

[@TheHummingBirdJaiye]

Yes ! Save them smiles!

[@val9170]

Congratulations go girl! I got some questions

[@kristanslife]

How did it go!!

[@BioncaDawn]

I swear I love that U have a job and still do KZbin you are great! Strong black queen for that! The sky is the limit! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Livi4Jesus]

I love your videos! Im 21 and Im graduating dental hygiene school next week! I passed my final licensing exams and Im so excited to start this career. Jesus has been my Rock throughout school and life. Im so thankful to Him🙏❤️ anyone can do it! Have faith and believe!

[@avaelmore9230]

congratulations!! if you don’t mind me asking, what pre reqs did you take to get into dental hygeine school? and how much did your whole program cost?

[@tiffanyrebirth]

“You can do it all my love” a word!! 💗

[@jaidgilbert6779]

Please make a part two! I am finishing up my third semester in dental hygiene school and have been watching you for forever! Love hearing all your hygiene advice. :)

[@xp1105]

I was losing my motivation in school until you posted this thank you girl 🙏🙏

[@beingclaire_.]

You got this and will make it!

[@anitaa6266]

How’s it going?

[@AlexandriaB374]

We have the same life gf and I love it! RDH + influencer+ popping off our own busibess ! I love you 🖤

[@destineetheecreator9504]

I’ve been wanting to be a dental hygienist since middle school and have graduated college recently, should be registering for a dental hygienist program very soon! Your channel is really an inspiration, love your DH talks 😌💕

[@aunikkameeks1195]

part 2!! love you tajah, i start my DH program this fall! I love your videos about DH, thats how i found you a few years back!

[@luverinn_]

I start dental assisting school tomorrow i'm sooo excited after that I want to get into orthodontics after i'm finish with school

[@starjmac]

Best of luck!

[@aunikkameeks1195]

ortho is really rewarding, ive worked as an ortho assistant since 2018 and the patients you treat are what makes the job so great. Seeing them pretty often and seeing their smile and confidence transform is worth every bad day/difficult pt. good luck!

[@luverinn_]

@@aunikkameeks1195 thank you💗

[@luverinn_]

@@starjmac thank you💗

[@TheHummingBirdJaiye]

I LOVE my orthodontist assistant. She's freaking amazing. You'll love it! Good luck!

[@maegannope9140]

“you can do it all my love” so warming and encouraging

[@slighttouchwithebony5911]

This is so crazy! Love your content but I definitely glad I ran across this video. I’m 28 with 2 toddlers and leaving the army (9 years) pursuing dental hygiene. 👏🏽 Definitely needed that quote/ reality check!!!

[@lbenner97]

i was JUST watching your old hygiene Q&As today since I’m starting the interview process this month!

[@gracewilliams793]

Thank you for this video, girl!! 💖 I’m a dental assistant currently and just found out I got accepted into a Dental Hygiene program two weeks ago! I’m so nervous and excited!

[@senaydarose8453]

I’m a dental assistant now i love it . I want to go to school to become a hygienist

[@ashleygoodman7110]

I am not planning on becoming a dental hygienist by no means but I seen your channel on my recommendations and I love your confidence and how you hold yourself ☺️☺️ I’m about to start as a pharmacy technician once my license mails out to me but I am honestly excited for this opportunity but I’m glad that I came across your channel because it makes me confident in myself and knowing my worth☺️☺️!!!

[@sorasgirl0]

I'm a recent DH school graduate. Just took my last board exam (waiting on results!). Will be buying decent scrubs and putting in applications soon. I'm extremely anxious to start working in the real world, but looking forward to it! This video has perfect timing. Thank you!

[@GetBasedSon]

Im literally about to sign up for prerequisites rn. I’m glad you posted this

[@Angela-uc5nq]

I’m in school rn in my last year. I’m so glad to hear that you take their blood pressure. I never had my BP taken at a dentist and I know that it should be now that I’ve learnt it in school. Loved how u touch on multitasking I’m gonna take that with me today. Love you girl! You’ve inspired me so much! So happy how everything has worked out for you and that you were able to find an office that 100% got your back 🥰🥰 god bless

[@bb_xobritt5405]

Yesss Tajah please bring this series back, I need the inspiration to pick me back up during these prereqs. You’ve motivated me sooo much ilym ❤️

[@jazziejeffbarham7451]

Mann your like always right on time lol in school now here for a the knowledge I can get yesss👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@mariecrousseau283]

I love Hellofresh. There meals are so easy to make and healthy. I highly recommend them as well. Today’s outfit is 🔥. Love it 😍 !

[@shuntaeveyasdennis6781]

Yesss, because of you I ordered hello fresh and that penne pasta was so bomb

[@sisinickal]

Thank You Tajah for this video, please make Part 2!!! I plan on going to school for RDH in the new year :)

[@therealmissimani]

You are so inspiring. I’ve been a dental assistant going on two years and working with the doctor I always wanted to work when we had a deep cleaning . When going to school I never realize how much your oral health is important . And I have been subscribed to your page and I watch your journey on becoming a hygienist. And I just knew becoming a hygienist was something that I want to do because I want to clean people teeth and explain to them the importance of your oral health. I love teeth . I love flossing lol .

[@lesilevargas4056]

I love you girl you motivate me even more to come a hygienist !

[@vrutapatel1968]

Let me just tell you that you are looking gorgeous. Thank you for doing a transparent video about dental hygiene.

[@diamondtiara3915]

Just love your vibe. Starting the hygiene program in the fall! So ready.

[@zainub1236]

Hi Tajah! I got into the DH program in my college. Please do a part 2 for this video. Thank you!

[@mariamedina8677]

GIRL YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION

[@kristanslife]

Canadian dental hygienist here! The school I went to did look at my math grade, only my biology, English, and chemistry grades ☺️

[@junitetilus5652]

They told us the same thing when we were in dental hygiene school. Forget about anything you know as a dental assistant

[@lisasvictoriousliving5825]

Love it! Very encouraging for me concerning my career choice. On top of that honey I love your recipes and your go getter attitude. Keep up the good work. Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ. ❤️

[@Lauren_Whitney]

Dentistry brought me to your channel, Tajah, and I'm so glad it did. I love your content. You gave great advice in this video. I agree with the straight to hygiene school tip. I became an assistant to "strengthen my hygiene school application" and it ultimately hindered me moving forward. Life comes at you fast. Never pursue plan B before plan A.❤

[@ashleyr7346]

I’ve gotten a lot of people telling me to be an assistant to strengthen my application as well, but I don’t want to😭

[@Lauren_Whitney]

@@ashleyr7346 Don't do it without applying for hygiene first. I did it because I got rejected from hygiene school twice. It wasn't the idea that was bad, it was me slacking on my follow up. I should have maybe re-taken classes where my grades weren't as competitive as the other applicants WHILE working as an assistant. And I definitely should have applied to hygiene school again, after I got about 3 - 6 months of assisting experience under my belt, but I didn't. If you do go that route, follow up is key 🔑. And it should only be done as a last resort. Take the necessary prerequisites for hygiene and apply to the program first. Your application could be strong enough on its own .💪🏾❤

[@dananicole6624]

Whoop whoop! You posted right in time 😊

[@NachelleKayy]

Hey Tajah! I originally found one of your dental videos on tik tok. And I was like okayyyyy Sis! I seen that you had a YT channel and came straight here & too see if there were any videos about Dental Hygienist / Assistant . & babyyyy there was ! Glad I watched this video ! I actually am planning to start dental assistant school in January. So I’m excited for that & who knows if I will move up to be a hygienist but I at least want to test the waters & become an assistant. Just talk to god and things will flow correctly . He will put me on the right path when it comes to the dental field .

[@rebeccaelizabeth3407]

Yes part two girl 💕💕

[@dialdelaney5343]

BLESSINGS TO THE HAITIAN'S IT'S A LOT GOING ON IN THE COUNTRY. SINCERELY, MS. DIAL-DETROIT, MICHIGAN HOME OF THE LATE ROSA PARKS AND ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@abigaillafleurr]

i love this! yess make a part 2, this is pushing me to finish i’m in my last year!

[@itsjustjanice2986]

I’m in the legal field but I still enjoyed the Q&A 💕

[@denisegwilliams8614]

Girl I just wish I had hello fresh in my neck of the woods 😩 I would of spoil myself rotten 😋 thanks for this inspiring vlog can't wait for part two 💃💃 keep these wonderful amazing vlogs coming 😘😘

[@dianaom2193]

I got accepted into the DH program and start this fall! I remember watching your vids before starting my prerequisite classes to see if this was the program for me :) thank u so much for being a huge inspiration 🤍

[@apinder53]

To tac on to the subject of starting Dental Assisting before hygiene, if you don't get into hygiene the first time around it is a good idea to start with assisting because you can start your classes. So now that I'm starting hygiene this year I already have half my classes taken, but you should definitely check with your school to see if those credits transfer.

[@maliyahf2012]

So beautiful, so confident, YES MA'AM ABSOLUTELY!! Bomb!!!!

[@Briii9696]

You’re such an inspiration to me & so many others 🥺❤️‍🔥 ilysm babe

[@brizaniiman]

You can have it all - Tajah 🙏🏽 thank you for that ! 💖

[@allthingsdej2615]

Thank you so much! I am currently taking my pre reqs at the moment and just didn’t know what to expect once I get into the program.❤️

[@chris-tinav4852]

I know I’m totally capable to being an RDH but studying for these boards, got me like 🥴😤

[@jaymsleedan]

Dental hygiene=time management 💯

[@mattieruth2171]

I just want to take the time to send vibes of peace and love to the Haitian community🇭🇹 Everyone should keep them in their prayers 💜

[@jayleenpena6002]

Yes for part 2!!!!! Also, thank you for answering my question 😩🥺❤️🙌🏾🦷✨

[@elisependley35]

i love these videos! you’re so inspiring❤️❤️

[@adventuresofdiam7106]

So inspiring ma’am! 💕 Rn I’m a sophomore majoring in biology. Thanks for this!💕

[@MelloneeKecia]

Definitely enjoyed this and great video as always 👍🏾👏🏾🤗🙌🏾

[@SassySimon]

Hey girl hey 💕💕💕 Thanks for the information. Thanks for encouraging others to follow their passion. God bless and enjoy your day!!!!

[@claudettejohnson9972]

This q/a session was very helpful.

[@anaiarandall3430]

Hey girl hey! Definitely want a part 2!

[@alyiakimone]

Hey Girl Hey! Informative video. You inspire me so much. Keeping shining like the diamond you are gworl.

[@ritachioma7895]

Keep it up girl You inspire me alot.

[@ddesir123]

Literally made the same pasta from hello fresh it’s too good

[@yvettenicolee2455]

Needed this!!!!🙌🏽💗

[@moetguy3]

I start next month 🤘🏾😝 I hope I stay this excited🥲

[@simplyshanna5021]

I’m praying to get into a hygiene program next year.. my gpa is so horrible right now but I’m going back to school to try to increase it. Y’all pray for me

[@feedusafetus2903]

I am going into Dental Hygiene to support my family and NOT have two jobs or a side hustle.

[@Pixi613]

I heard you mention that you invest. Can you do a video explaining your investment process? Maybe not in full detail but something to help a sis out😌

[@Ahyesha1]

Yes give us that part two!!! Do you think ATL will be your permanent home?

[@jeanellreynolds7291]

This was so encouraging. ❤

[@jaihrayoung6075]

Very informative! Thanks Tajah! Please do a part 2! Xoxo! ✨❤️

[@jillybean18]

You talking about not settling makes me sad for myself. I’m stuck where I’m at at least for 6 months just due to things going on in my life and I want something different. I just got out of school and don’t want to hate my job already.

[@emilycortez9020]

I would’ve just jumped into hygiene but it’s hard to get into the hygiene program so I had to do the DA program to get more points to get accepted

[@xolizii]

I had straight A's and one B during all my prereq classes and still didn't get in (that given alot of dental assistants went into the hygiene program soo bonus pts) :,) now im debating whether to go into the DA program or just redo the class I had a B in and get a better score on my ACT

[@steph7115]

@@xolizii Yes girl! Just redo the class, you can do it!! You will regret becoming an Assistant 😬

[@xolizii]

@@steph7115 thank you girl!! I definitely will :) i was debating it so much too but im gonna take your word

[@patriciajoyner9871]

Lordy my daughter has been full time for 8 months. School was intense stress. Out of state tuition crazy. Hard to find a job in Alabama. She went through hurricane Michael lost her apartment and trashed the college. . Crazy

[@shonybxo]

This was very inspiring… thank you❤️🥰

[@gloriannramosgarcia8776]

Sis I love your vibe.

[@aggiefran361]

Your inspiration to everyone is amazing God bless

[@zariaa.x0]

Thank you so much for clearing up the age limit thing bcuz i am 22 (turning 23 next week) im doing the two year course and im completed a year so now im just about to enter the program and I just kept feeling like it was too late for me there looking for fresh new faces and ima be 24 or 25 when im done idk my friends keep saying im too hard on myself 😅 and how do you feel about retirement do you have a plan ? Love you btw!! 🥰❤️

[@tsjourney5390]

Girl u are right on time. You are never too late. I started uni at that age. I am done now. You can make it.

[@meowk5812]

Absolutely not old at all. We have people on their late thirties in our class. Previous class had some in their forties. Its never too late

[@BreionneOconnor]

Living the dream! 💕 🦷

[@iamkeria9027]

How did you manage working and going to school? Like how often did you work?

[@victoryc9602]

I’ll also be attending FTCC! I shadowed Carmen at O2 dental. I’m just worried about how I can afford an apartment while in dental hygiene school.

[@journeytothemosthigh5021]

Very informative! Loving the inspiration!

[@kerbyrock5035]

Ots pretty different in Canada because we actually need our math and science to be accepted in college to be and dental hygienist. It’s actually a 3 year’s program.

[@Nicole-sb2fg]

Girl do you have any tips for shaky hands?😭 I start in the fall!😅❤️