How much MONEY I make as an DENTAL ASSISTANT and why I DON’T want to be a DENTAL HYGIENIST

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Cheyenne Buckalew

[@briannamichelle5728]

I’m a hygienist & assistants are definitely not as appreciated as they should be!! The office CANT RUN without assistants! You guys make my life so much easier and do SO MUCH!

[@sharondelapuente9489]

Brianna Michelle 💜 Yes!!

[@kiiakiia8760]

Im currently at school to become a dental assistant. It’s my dream job. I feel so passionately about it and really look up to dentists, would love to be a dentist but I don’t have the brain for it to put it in that way haha. Would love to become a dental hygienist tho.

[@MariTruely]

Kiia Owl I can totally relate to the passion part. I am still on the fence about becoming a hygienist after what she was saying about them. 😄

[@jennr1787]

I'm an assistant in Canada and we are treated the same. However, I don't know if it's the same in the US but hygienists in Ontario Canada where I live can now work without a dentist's order so they can open thier own practices now., so some hygienists are even moonlighting as assistants and assisstants are becoming really hard to find. Therefore, we are actually starting to get better paying jobs, bonuses and even in some instances I've seen advertising for sign up bonuses on some job postings.

[@cecute1]

Brianna Michelle thank you!!

[@sydneybauer9189]

I’m a hygienist and it all depends which path you take for school. If you get an associates degree, you can go through a community college and it’s actually very affordable. I paid out of pocket every semester and graduated with no debt and make 40/hr. It cost around 12,000 for my whole program. It is TOUGH being a hygienist but we couldn’t do it without ASSISTANTS. You guys rock. 😊

[@nikkinicole4990]

I’m 16 and I’ve been thinking about being a hygienist because I want to do something that is helping people and I’m interested in the healthcare field, are there any things you wish you knew before going into it?

[@lifeisgood902]

Wow $12000 that’s so cheap , in Vancouver here the tuition for a hygienist program is around $40000

[@enieozu738]

Hello !! Can you tell me what community college you went?

[@Jesus-td3lf]

Yeah I’m my community college it’s around 17,000

[@night_furyssj4139]

U graduated out of a cartoon college/university here in Florida it cost 40k-72k

[@valerielhw]

I just wish that dentists weren't so disrespectful to us!

[@angelv8101]

Honey you need to draw a line and made them to respect you, otherwise doctor will Walk all over you.

[@briannac882]

Val 8742 AMEN !

[@alfredofake3282]

Be honest was the school part for dental assistants hard ? Like can I as a new grad from Highschool go on to do this and put in the time and will be good ? Like the pay is it alright ?

[@valerielhw]

@@alfredofake3282 If you are a pretty good study, I would say that you can do it. Just make sure that you take an ACCREDITED program only. The pay is good for a nine-month training program, but certainly falls short of careers that take much more college accreditation. The demand for dental assistants is very high right now, so you could be "picky" on what jobs you accept. I work as an assistant for a state government, and we actually have a union. That is the only reason that we actually get breaks! It can be demanding work, but I have done it for 29-years, and will be retiring in a few years.

[@brittanyhaynes8211]

Val 8742 Thankyou!!!

[@MrTurbojet93]

I was a dental assistant for 12 years before starting dental school. I couldn’t agree with you more. Dental assistants have the most important role! The salary you stated is also correct. My first DA (EFDA) job I was paid 10/hr and its Increased to 21/hr. I ultimately decided to attend dental school because I always wanted to be a dentist and eventually own a practice or two. Dental education is very expensive but it doesn’t have to be. I got an NHSC scholarship. Unlike the military I can choose where I want to practice. They pay 100% of my tuition and provide a monthly stipend. If any other DAs read this and are thinking about becoming a dentist, my advice is don’t let the debt scare you. Work hard and apply for scholarships! Great video Cheyenne!!

[@bblngstckngz1169]

Im a hygienist in Florida. Came out of school with only 20k in debt. And started out of college at $30/hr.

[@samanthachristie9607]

Sylvia Jelks what school did u go to

[@Lala-rs2wg]

Really?? I want to go to college for that as well in Florida what school did u go to???

[@bblngstckngz1169]

@@Lala-rs2wg I went to school at Broward college.

[@bblngstckngz1169]

@@samanthachristie9607 Broward College in South Florida

[@Lala-rs2wg]

@@bblngstckngz1169 i didnt know we could take that course there wow i thought valencia was the only one. Thx so much ill look into it now :)

[@Genevi95]

I’m a hygienist in Oregon! Your hygienist friends went to the wrong school. Lol. I don’t think I know any hygienists with that much debt. I just graduated with about 20k in loans making 80k/year. I’ve saved enough to pay half of that in just two months. Prior to hygiene school my thinking was similar to yours. Going to hygiene school quickly taught me otherwise. As a hygienist, we do so much more than just “clean teeth”. We educate and improve oral health. Cleaning teeth is maybe half of what we do. We can also place fillings, do sealants, give local anesthesia, nutritional counseling, etc. We must know different diseases (not just ones relating to the mouth), medications and side effects, and more. I’m happy that you’re happy with your job as an assistant and I’m really appreciative of my assistants (y’all really are the backbone of the office) but each position is important and none should devalue the other. Please don’t give a poor representation of a field you did not go to school for and are not licensed in. With that being said, I have nothing bad to say about assistants and think it’s a great career, but so is hygiene, and so is dentistry!

[@samanthaerin1832]

I'm in Oregon as well and looking into going back to school. What school do you go to?

[@yesenisvalladares]

Like of you a Dental Assistant as well ♥️

[@nikelopez7210]

Yesenis Valladares if you don’t mind me asking how much did it cost to go to school to be a dental assistant

[@usamarafieck1715]

About $15,000.

[@TheDMNDBros]

It’s basically a CNA to an RN you guys really are the backbone!

[@lilsunflower9655]

Right!!!

[@pootc2855]

I like how you actually said how much you make because most DA youtubers always say something like "wELL iM nOt goNna sAy hOw mUcH i mAke bUt mOsT DA's mAkE aRoUnD tHis mUcH tO tHis mUcH"

[@nicolechilders3312]

lmao so true

[@COURTNEYVCK]

Right! Like just say how much lol

[@jenniferbennett173]

I’m in Texas and I went to a dental assisting school 12 years ago. It was a total of 10 Saturday’s and it cost about $2,300. I received my RDA license. I have been in Orthodontics since then, so 12 years. I started off making $12 an hour now I’m up to $23. I work 3 1/2 days a week, I have 4 weeks paid vacation. I really enjoy it.

[@katie-cz7dd]

Jennifer Bennett I’m in Georgia and we have a school that does 9 weeks of classes. Every Saturday and it’s only 2500 and you come out with you certificate

[@kimberlyd800]

katie which school it that

[@COURTNEYVCK]

I’m currently in a 11 week program for $4,500 for Dental Assisting and this makes me hopeful for a great job😊

[@Nicole-se8qz]

This is super late but can you make a good living by that? I want to be a dental assistant Cs that’s what I like but I’m scared :/

[@Bgz01]

What is the school/program name ?

[@TheDivaIsIntheDetails]

I encourage my assistants to get their CDA and the Expanded Functions for Restorative I and II which each make their pay grades higher. The hospital where I work also does a salary study every 3-4 years to adjust salaries for every employee based on area averages. I am a dentist and finished school with $175,000 in debt and chose to work at a health center for the first 3 years of my career and did the federal service program for 2 years which excused $50,000 of that debt. But my quality of life was low so I moved on to a local hospital to make more and pay my loans on my own. 9 years later, I am so happy!

[@paderxiong94]

truly inspirational ✨

[@rozesrblu]

I was married to a dentist. That was bad enough. I can't imagine working for one. Lol

[@CheyenneBuckalew]

😂😂

[@deejaq_]

Lmaoooo

[@unknownt5391]

HAhahahahahaha

[@AlexandraRamosBeauty]

lmao !! 🤣🤣

[@blakechilders2083]

Don't judge all dentist.

[@alissontoledo6804]

I like the way that you're so honest and so realistic about the dental field like the pros and cons in this field. A lot of dental assistants don't get to this side of the field, I really appreciate how honest you were about this. There are so many things that I agree with you about the offices and the ways some dentist are.

[@nshoots141]

In my opinion, you make good money! I totally understand being annoyed with people making rude comments, I’ve dealt with that when I worked as a medical assistant! Love that you are comfortable & enjoy what you’re doing!💕

[@qwilplays1662]

It’s sad how people don’t realize that passionate assistants are just as important as any other professional in a dental office. I’m heading to my first interview this Thursday for dental school and one of my favorite things to think about is how I’ll be able to set a positive work environment in my practice!

[@princenelson6010]

You’re helping so many ppl with these wonderful videos. Thankyou so much for taking the time to talk about this profession. Much love!

[@latina305mami]

Sad thing, we are underpaid and unappreciated.

[@anonymoushuman8443]

Just like every job in America these days.

[@cgotca]

Yes.....

[@shavonaford]

I’m so glad you made this video. I have been an assistant for over 20 years and for a long time I felt a since of inadequacy because of that very comment “ you should go back to school to be a dentist or hygienist “. I know it should be a compliment because I am great at what I do but I really love being an assistant. I do so much more than a hygienist, and the doctor relays heavily on me. I also an orthodontic assistant on the side for extra cash. I am very happy with the career I chose.

[@creoleangel1]

Maybe that is your state. I’m a hygienist in AZ. My student loan debt was $20,000 and I make $40/hr. We are educators, we can teach or do community work. We can also work in many different offices. There are advantages of each dental career. Just want everyone to get a fair assessment.

[@ceciliagurrola1694]

Just a quick question. How much do dental assistant get payed in az?!? I want to go into a dental carrer but can't make up my mind ?..

[@creoleangel1]

Cecilia Gurrola I’m not sure. I know the assistants in my office make in the $20 range. I have some friends start at $16. Not sure how common that is overall.

[@ceciliagurrola1694]

Oo ok thank you very much just wanted to have an idea any before I make up my mind school you recommend for dental assistant and hygiene in Glendale or Phoenix area?

[@creoleangel1]

Cecilia Gurrola I went to Rio Salado for Hygiene because it’s accelerated and you are done in 18months vs 24 months. Phoenix college is good too. I was never an assistant so I’m not sure as far as assistant schooling. I went straight into hygiene from corporate america. It’s an intense program but worth it :)

[@iraqilover91]

Hey Im in arizona too, im a DA right now, but wanna be a DH. Can you tell me how much did it cost you and Rio is a public school right? What are the requirements to get in the program? Is it easy to get a full time job as a DH in az? Thank you

[@Jasmine-qp1gp]

I’m SOOO glad I found your channel! I’m in the process of applying to the DAS program at my school. Definitely subscribed! Thanks for all the videos of GREAT tips!

[@redhead27mon]

Yes girl! I love being a CDA!! I've been graduated from my program and working for 12 years now and it's the best job ever!! We do so much and keep the office running and care for our patients with so much love and compassion. I agree 100% with everything said in this video. Such and under appreciated job, but I love it anyway 😊❤️

[@oldschooldental2210]

Hi Cheyenne! Ohio dentist here. Well said and thought out video! Very impressive. I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. I’ve always said that your position is THE most undervalued yet important in the dental office. The dental office can’t run without you guys. Lord knows I don’t know what I’d do without my assistants. Well done!

[@jacquelinelopez8059]

Thank you so much for this video! This is the first video that I watched of yours and I subscribed right away! I'm starting dental assisting school this fall and I'm so excited. I hope to watch more of your dental assistant videos soon!

[@DanielaTorres-jz1hk]

Im a dental assistant and honestly i dont like it. It is a lot a lot of work for the worthless pay. Dentist are jerks and you have to be super fast in order to succeed. Unless you work for a private /small practice where there is only one dentist it will be better pay and your effort more appreciate it.

[@gjsidgegy]

True

[@madelyncompoc4326]

True.

[@sixteen.candles.4644]

Hmm. Thanks for telling me

[@FireFallinAlone]

Exactly! Honestly it wasn’t worth it to me, 20k for literally nothing 🙄 assistants make 35k a year, I make more at my call center job than I would at an office 🤷‍♀️

[@DanielaTorres-jz1hk]

FireFallinAlone 35k ?? I made under 22 k

[@morganbertelson2952]

Wow! This video gave me a LOT of reassurance. Im currently working through DA school, and I’ve been contemplating my decision to go to DA school over hygiene. But, I’m glad I did! Thank you :)

[@Alicia_Grows]

I'm a hygiene student trained by a dentist for assisting... Let me tell you, assistants are very unappreciated. That is hard work being a dentist's right hand man. I've worked with many dentists at this point and they all like different things. Dentists expect so much from you. I'm in school for hygiene and let me tell you how much stress was on me while I trained. I'm personally grateful that I'm aware of what goes into procedures now so I can educate my patients. Thanks for your video 😊

[@jackelineremigio6459]

Thanks for being so open about your pay and how much you make! not a lot of people are open to it. !

[@KEOSHAANEILIA]

I am a Dental Hygienist and I totally respect all my DA's! You guys run the office and keep everything together. You bridge things for Patients and Providers. Thank you for all that you do!

[@alexarexach2384]

Omg you’re great ! I had so many questions about this and wasn’t getting to many answers. Thank you !!

[@emilygreen4974]

Just found your channel and I've really been enjoying your videos! I also went to school for assisting and just started my dental assisting career. I aspire to have as much knowledge as you one day!

[@ashantimccray8479]

I love you!!!! I love your energy about dental assistants! I’m starting dental assistant school in May and your videos have been a big help and encouragement to me! Thank you!!!

[@maddisonhall427]

I’m going to school to become and dental assistant right now and I find your videos extremely helpful! Thank you!!💘

[@triciaespinoza8176]

I got tired of dentist becoming millionaires and they don't share their profits with their staff. Dentist just care about themselves.

[@elizabethplessinger864]

I am also in Oregon! Going to school for Dental Hygiene (at the most expensive school) and will be around 50-60k when done, and most people in my class have financial aid. Although, I have to COMPLETELY disagree that we "only clean teeth". I am doing restorative (fillings), we are for prevention/ education/ I am also able to diagnose and prescribe (preventive) . Also will be able to become an expanded functions hygienist and have the opportunity for my own practice if I wanted. Every job opportunity I have seen recently was minimum $38-40 an hour. Thus in the long run, completely worth the debt (if you love the field) Love how passionate you are for assisting, and offices couldn't run without them (I previously was a RDA), but also think there needs to be more accurate information on dental hygienists.

[@yourbudgetsister9638]

For me, I went to a community college and I spent around $25K. Not much and I’m not in debt thank God! I started with $47 an hour and now I’m making more. We don’t just clean teeth, we can also diagnose periodontal diseases and decay and just make our dentist job more easier. I love improving my patients’ oral health. Our job is not just “clean teeth” it has more than that. But dental assistants are just amazing!

[@tamarahenderson8859]

Do you have any tips on registering?I have to take two test before I can even apply I don't know what those test are can you tell me what they are?

[@pankajpanwar9446]

Which school you went may i know?

[@kristina68554]

I was a dental assistant for about 4 years and I absolutely hated it. The money was horrible yes but I really wasn't mad about that because I knew what dental assistants made before I decided to go for my degree. My problem was that I never got any respect and always felt like a nobody. I assisted the dentist, the hygienist and helped out at the front desk. I was always tossed around. I switched 3 dental offices hoping to find a place where they didn't judge you by your position. But sadly they were all the same. I love being in the dental filed so I decided to go and get my dental hygiene license and honestly it was the best decision I have ever made!! I love spending time with my patients, getting to know them and not have anyone screaming at me face every 5 minutes.

[@hayman122]

Being able to do that much school is amazing. Oh, i setup a dentist appointment this month havent been for years and im 20. Front gums are kinda red i floss multiple times a day need to brush more but i think part of the gums my two front teeth are permenant fake as i badly chipped them and had them shaved down

[@sharhondahamilton7865]

This sounds like my world

[@Beautifullyaberrant]

Were the different offices in the same area? I wasn’t expecting this many comments about being belittled and disrespected 😓

[@bumblebee_bae]

That was my issue, I was a sterilizer and I was training to become a dental assistant and I felt that 2 of the 3 doctors there, did not respect me as a person. I was also frustrated sometimes, because since I could, according to them, “clean rooms faster” they would keep me later and send my other coworkers home since I could get the job done quicker. So that’s when I decided to pursue becoming a dental hygienist!

[@josamauricevalentin6617]

Same here I hate to be a dental assistant very disrespectful you dentist .

[@irlenisamartinez8440]

you me inspired to go for dental assistant ! I was backing up from it and second guessing my self but now i know this is what i want to do ❤️

[@MrsKay-um4jo]

I'm an ortho rda in California, i work 40 hours a week and make 30 dollars an hour.

[@dressesandmesses3795]

Aj_evreything Jaxson Did your dental assistant program require you to have a degree?

[@yudelleanlisatajirikenyana4519]

Aj_evreything Jaxson how do you get treated though?

[@MrsKay-um4jo]

Fine? I don't have an issue

[@randomperson-ze4bp]

Dresses And Messes not all of them , sometimes it takes around 14 months to complete the program and you’re set

[@randomperson-ze4bp]

Dresses And Messes I’m gonna start a program in January and that’ll be it , and I just graduated from high school

[@heathervalentin4679]

I’ve been considering going to school for assisting. Thank you sooo so much for posting this!

[@angelinaperea6253]

It looks like you really love being an assistant! I've been an RDA fir 12 years; let's just say that I wish my experience made me as happy as you.

[@tanyakitchen2897]

LOVE this video! I'm a dental assistant (we're called dental nurses here in England) and I always say that the assistants are under appreciated but I love my job and hate it when people put me down and assume i'm doing it as a stepping stone to get somewhere else.

[@xochitlgarcia1126]

How is it over there? I am from California, what are your requirements to transfer RDA

[@Mm-oq6xn]

im also happy being a dental assistant! i work as assistant for 2 places in sydney, i make about $5000 each month after tax and one place pay me $23 weekdays & $33 weekends and the another place pay me $27 weekdays and $40 weekends. its good money and very enjoyable!!

[@Domogirl506]

Yooo where tf do you live ?! Crazy good money

[@Tisidus]

Thank you for this video! I’m still interested in becoming a hygienist but I will go the assistant route first

[@kaitlinbuchanan737]

Just found your channel and I'm so excited I did. I start school to become a Dental Assistant next week!!

[@makaylaphelps7277]

im finishing up my dental assistant program and im so happy i found you and your channel for all the advice!

[@COURTNEYVCK]

Makayla Phelps hows it going now?

[@heyitsbinx5452]

I loved the variety with dental assisting. One hour I’m fabricating a temporary crown, the next hour I’m actively assisting in a delicate root canal. The things you get to see and do as the Dentist’s right hand is incredible. I got some experience in a dental OR and that was a dream (aside from the office lmao i walked away from that job due to abusive behaviors from the dentists). Assistants are the unseen and often unrecognized force of the office. So much of the daily ins and outs rely solely on the Assistant. Now...why I left. The pay is poor and jumping from $12/hr to $24/hr that quickly is rare (i did it as well, but the doctor i worked for right out of school was the absolute best. He was a saint and i regret every day that i had to leave). Hygienists often work WAY less hours than an Assistant and still make an astronomical amount more. I could not do 60 hours a week for dirt pay in office that made me miserable. Especially considering the duties an Assistant has. You’re often the first one to show up at the office and the last one to leave. You get burnt out. My best piece of advice for any Dental Assistant, and I’m sure any DA would agree, if you land in an office that jives well with you. The doctor(s) are kind, appreciate what you do, acknowledge what you do and reward you for that (monthly bonuses, paid lunches, amazing benefits, trips, whatever the case may be...) DO NOT LEAVE. If you can help it, STAY PUT. Finding doctors like that are extremely rare.

[@aprileigsti3662]

I really appreciate your channel so much. It really helps my anxiety with school.

[@marienichelson2450]

You literally spoke my mind!!! Holy cow!! I feel the exact same way!! I am going to school this fall to become a dental assistant and people are like confused why I don't want to be a hygienist, and I am like well I don't want to just clean people's teeth the rest of my life, I want to be apart of more and bigger things! Lol finally someone who gets me.

[@4eb590]

I really like this video because I’m bout to go to be a medical assistant and a lot of people keep telling either not to, it doesn’t make enough money or you mind as well be a nurse” I personally don’t want to be because of money and more responsibilities at the job. And I may start off low but know I can work my up in making money for myself. So I really appreciated this video and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying being a assistant. ❤️❤️❤️

[@haleywishon8029]

Dental assistants rock! Love being an assistant as well in Oregon 😍 love watching your videos cheyenne, you crack me up! 😂

[@CheyenneBuckalew]

Hahaha Lindsay sent me a text last night! I didn’t know you were pimping me out on Facebook! Lol I appreciate it!

[@lilylee9694]

@Haley May I please ask you, I have certificate in DA but in the US, can be qualified in OR? Or I need to have certificate here?

[@lilylee9694]

**not in the US

[@kiwimoore3158]

I love this video! Yes, dental assistants for sure deserve to be treated with so much more RESPECT! Yes, we went to school and got an education to do what we do! I wish I was paid more because I feel as if I'm deserving of it. I'm also a expanded functions in Kentucky. Not yet in the 20's but hope to get there soon. I love what I do. I love helping and educating my patients. If I go back to school it will be just because I need more money.

[@arlenemaldonado5218]

Came across this video & it was such a breath of fresh air. Everything you said start to finish i can relate to. Ive been a DA for 15yrs! Straight outta high school! Im 34 now, & we do alot! & although it took alot of work, i’m glad im in an office (10yrs now) that i feel appreciated! Like literally if im not there the office os close to non functional. Its crazy. & patients and their comments, its just never gonna end. I didn’t even go to school ,only for radiology for more $ & in NJ its mandatory . But yes we r the backbone,Amen sister! Xoxo

[@HannahTsc]

i’m thinking about doing dental assistanting, but finding the right place to be trained on the job, so that i don’t need to worry about school debts and those things in general

[@Jenniinavarro]

Sometimes you have to find the right office that will offer to cross train you and pay for your exams and certification to avoid that debt. I also have an associates and had to pay that myself which isn’t too much but I’m very very thankful for finding a dental office that will give me that opportunity to grow!

[@priscilaherteg9243]

I am so feeling this!!!!! We do such a hard work 😓

[@tarapickering832]

Thank you for this I’m currently in school for dental assisting and a lot of people don’t understand why i dont want to do hygiene

[@nika_v_187]

I let my first office mistreat me so much and the doctor was bias and didn’t like me from the very beginning and used me cuz I’m a very nice person and honestly learned my lesson

[@anidania12sal]

nika _v_18 girl that was me 3years ago

[@XsGreen22]

I am a male dental assistant and love it! I started out at 12 and now make 19.50. I will continue to learn and make more money. I have been in the field for 6 years and at the same office. I know if I go to another office I will make more money. FYI zero student loan debt!

[@the509dentist]

You are definitely right. It’s really informative and so true. Keep doing the good work 🤗✌🏾

[@FriskyEZ]

Was the schooling for dental assisting hard or difficult. I’m fresh out of highschool and i kinda want to do both but i honestly don’t know what to expect. I’ve watched tons of videos and articles about the school and salary.

[@amberlevias5140]

Not every hygienist has that much student debt! I just graduated hygiene school and hygienist don’t only just “clean teeth” all day! I don’t want to be under the dentist all day and love being able to work without a dentist over my shoulder all day lol I use to be an Assistant I hate it and was under paid! Glad you like being an assistant 😊

[@moniquegarcia6252]

Amber Levias I feel the same way. Did your DA credits go towards your hygentist schooling?

[@stanpoatan]

Hello! Everything is cool, Im a international trained dentist looking to do Hygiene in Canada USA so, for real, lets be very real, do we male Hygienists face discrimination in jobs search or Paygrade?

[@amberlevias5140]

Milind R. No there isn’t a pay difference based on gender it’s based on experience. Patients don’t really care if it’s a male or female hygienist they just want someone who is informative, gentle and make them comfortable during the appt. most people hate the dentist and just want it over with! Lol

[@stanpoatan]

Ma'am what is more preferable for a high earninh job as DH? Bachelors DH or Postgraduate Diploma? What Should I go for?

[@amberlevias5140]

Milind R. Bachelors degree! That’s what I have and there is so much room for growth in this field

[@DrewSkii10]

As a male dental assistant I know I love it! Definitely staying in school but I enjoy it. 😊

[@Planet-Everything]

You’re so sweet!!! Starting DA school next week! You just made me more excited :]

[@denisse010188]

This was a good video. I'll just add my 2 cents that everyone has a different experience when it comes to the dental field. I've been a DA for 5 years and make under 20 bucks an hr. The hygenist in my work make from 40-50 bucks and hr. My student loan was 18 grand and they went to hygiene school for under 30 thousand. Now living in California it's a no brainer that you should make a jump from DA to RDH if youre in it for the money. If you make anything under 25 in California it's so hard to get by. So to me you have to look at the big picture according to your wants and needs. If you like assisting then that's fantastic if you're getting by ok. But assisting is hard work and you're underpaid. Needless to say I'm going back to school for hygiene 🤷🏽‍♀️ best of luck to you!

[@thatkayleegirl50]

I have no idea where in the world it cost $100,000 to get an associates in dental hygiene! If you are paying that much it’s insane!

[@angelamarie6490]

Really! My dental hygiene program is in a state university and is $3500 per semester for 4 semesters.

[@haleighdeskins7402]

For profit schools. I know a girl who had over $60,000 because she went to a for profit schools. Also, most programs have so many pre-reqs that they have to take basics for 1-2 years before getting accepted into a DH program

[@Vociferoustart]

I have a Bachelor's Degree and graduated with around $55K. I can be a hygienist with an associate's degree, but having a Bachelor's was something I wanted so I was willing to take on more debt.

[@dontleaveamessage]

Kaylee Miller it’s 5k in Miami lolololo

[@Abby-pb7ud]

Right?! I’m In dental hygiene school right now and my financial aid covers every dime of my schooling. The only thing I paid out of pocket is for my uniform. just a 2 year program in NC

[@NW-cy4ev]

I am in hygiene school right now. There are expensive programs out there. The most expensive I've seen in my state is $75,000. I took my prerequisite courses at a community college, for a total of $10,900. Once I got into the Dental Hygiene program the total cost, including books, tuition, uniform, loops, and boards was $19,000. I started out at $12/hour as a dental assistant and over 5 years got to $16. It took me 3 years to complete my prereqs (I was working full time) and it will take me 2 years to complete the program. My schools have always made me pay by semester so I've never had to take out a loan at all! $30,000 for a dental hygiene degree is no bad in my opinion and I have had no government assistance or support from parents.

[@mikejackson7881]

Way to go...I pay out of pocket for my schooling as well takes away the stress of student loans and interest. It is taking a while longer than others but I am getting there....😊

[@NW-cy4ev]

@@mikejackson7881 That's awesome! I totally agree with you. Good luck with the rest of your journey!

[@makaylaphelps7277]

not to mention youre freakin pretty! my new fav channel!

[@casingadreamw.nuecases1293]

Thank you for your time , using this time to review I graduated in 2013 and haven’t worked in the field since 2014 & I want to go back to work so bad

[@havenbright1747]

I have a really hard time understanding where they went to have 100k in debt. My dental hygiene program was 15k and I have no student debt?? Also not sure where the impression that hygienists "only clean teeth" came into play. We do a whole heck of a lot more than that in my office. It just be state to state because there's a lot assistants can't do in NC at least that hygienists can. Don't get me wrong, hygienists do SO MUCH for us and I'm SO appreciative, but I feel this is similar to A CNA explaining why they're on a better career path than an RN. Everybody is equally as important, they each have their own role in a dental office. We need more hygienists, I hope this doesn't deter people from choosing this career path!

[@kerryperez1993]

I don't want to be a hygienist or dentist either, I've gone from temp dental Assistant, to a Certified dental assistant, to a Supervisor Certified Dental Assistant so basically $19.50 to $25, in 4yrs and hopefully a Manager in the future, so you can move up without needing to go back to school and get into more debt.

[@dorathiejo2150]

Kerry Perez ...Wow I’m proud of you! I NEVER knew you could move up in dental assisting ...I was trying to move up to hygiene but your post encouraged me

[@sharhondahamilton7865]

I don’t think that position exists in my practice

[@kerryperez1993]

@@sharhondahamilton7865 alot of practices also have lead dental assistant positions, but even if they don't alot of Assistants have also become managers, just by learning front desk and having the initiative to learn how the clinic runs

[@sharhondahamilton7865]

Kerry Perez yea I work at a small private family owned practice with only 2 assistants and the other assistant is the lead she has been there for 7 yrs and I’m about to make a yr

[@amandagonzalez00]

Kerry Perez starting out hygienist hourly is avg. $40 so not the same.

[@jenthehermit72]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and information about dental assisting and dental hygienists!

[@tasiamoore1823]

You go girl! I’m gonna attend dental assistant school very soon 👌🏽 i tried school for dental hygiene 🙅🏽‍♀️ i don’t like it .. thanks for the encouragement 🥰

[@yonairis2368]

I’m going to do my associates in August! Thank you for your videos, very informative and inspiring 🙌🏻

[@dolphinlove98]

I don't want this to be taken the wrong way but I do not want people to get the wrong impression of Dental Hygienists. I am a Dental Hygiene student and I know many students that are in the program with me that did not make this much. I also know about 5 girls outside of my program that have been a Dental Assistant for years and make about $12-14 and hour. $28 an hour is extremely rare and to be honest most dentists are cheap and will not pay a Assistant as much or close to what they would pay their Hygienists. Also, I get what she is saying about not wanting to be in debt if you have no help to pay for college, because I am getting my Bachelors in Dental Hygiene on my own with no help. However, I go to university and I am NOT "$100,000" in debt. When I graduate I believe I will be about $30,000 in debt, which honestly, with the income you will have being a Dental Hygienist and maybe you'll even have a significant other helping to pay off your loans too, it will not take that long to pay them off. Dental Hygiene is also NOT just cleaning teeth. The goal if the Hygienist is to disturb and remove all of the organized bacteria in the mouth, do a through examination to bring attention to the dentist so that you can figure out a treatment plan of what they need, as well as educating the patient of what they need to have done, concerns, what they need to improve on, etc. I know a lot of people have the impression that Dental Hygiene is "boring" and is a "routine," but in my eyes I don't agree. Every patient will present different things and need different treatments. However, having a Bachelors in Dental Hygiene can allow you to explore other fields besides just being a clinician. Such as teaching, research, sales, acting as an advocate, and working in the public health community. Also, Dental Assistants are EXTREMELY important and I realize this and I believe 100% that a successful dental office works together and every employee is important. However, in my opinion the Dental Hygienists are the backbone of the office and there is a reason why they go through EXTENSIVE training as well as get paid more. The Dental Hygienist is the one that is really examining the patient, educating the patient, building a relationship with the patient, and continuously removing the build-up to prevent disease and inflammation throughout the body so it does not go to the rest of the body. They Dentist will really only see most patient for a few minutes unless they need a filling, root canal, etc. but as far as preventing disease from occurring in general or prevention of the disease to worsen, that is up to the Hygienist. Meanwhile, the Dental Assistant will sometimes help the Hygienist but will mostly help the Dentist because the mouth is a small area so you need an extra set of hands! I respect Assistants and I do agree they should be paid more because they do work hard but I do not want anyone to think that being a Dental Hygienist is a bad career because its not!

[@cassiemiles9246]

Olivia Evans thank you!!! I 100% agree with you! I have been a dental assistant and I’m currently in Hygiene school now.🦷❤️

[@dolphinlove98]

@@cassiemiles9246 They are both hardworking and really do help the flow of the office better! Dental Hygiene is a great field and I didn't want someone to be discouraged from going after their passion!

[@aprilnicole8096]

She never said it was a bad career! She’s simply giving her opinion and that she rather be a assistant ! It’s not one size fits all! 🙄

[@annlowry9841]

I came out $30,000 in debt from school to become and RDA in California...the most I made was $19.50 If you can become a RDH for $30,000 do it!!!

[@dolphinlove98]

@@aprilnicole8096 I get that! I just didn't want someone who is passionate about Dental Hygiene to not pursue it because of other people's views!

[@mackenziehenderson4168]

what part of Oregon do you live in? im about to take my RHS exam and i love your videos. thank you so much!!

[@kait3656]

How did you get your EFDA ? I’m a dental assistant and started at $16/hr. I quit when we moved duty stations and I’m a stay at home mom until we move to our next duty station. When I get back in the field I was considering ortho. But if you have any info I’d love to know how !

[@portuguesehydrangea4818]

I’m an RDA and I love it. Hygiene is boring, doing the same thing over and over. Assisting is fun and the key is finding a great dentist to work for. I’m fortunate to have worked for good ones and then with the same dentist for nearly 20 yrs! Yearly pay raise, a retirement plan that he matches what I put in, set hours, great patient base. The only negative is that most private dental offices may not offer medical insurance. I’m lucky my husband has them from his employer.

[@saadiamohammed2983]

I am a junior in high school and i have been considering a dental assistant for the longest now and this video definitely did it for me. I definitely wanna give it a shot and move forward with it depending on how long I’m expected to stay in school

[@GoldenMermaid]

DA course is only a year ! It's a tough year but so worth it ! I did it right out of high-school and it's a great start whether you decide to stay or continue your education elsewhere

[@Dollface101ize]

I’ve been on the fence about the two programs and after doing research and your video I’m doing the dental assistant program!!! 🙌 🙌 I wanna be able to walk around and do other things lol 😝 I can’t sit all day! And don’t need all that debt 💸 Thanx girl!!

[@jenniferamato1915]

I’m a CDA/RDA and I make good money, I’ve been doing it for over 20 years. I thought about going back to school for hygiene but right now I can’t afford it and I have kids, so this works for me. Dental assistants rock, we really keep the office running smooth and the dentist happy. ♥️

[@miaohan4639]

I really love how open you are that sharing everything you know. I am currently in dental hygiene program, but my program at community college will cost around 12500, not anywhere near 100000 or 75000! I am not sure where your friends went for dental hygiene, 100000 is A LOT for dental hygiene.

[@alanarosenthal6295]

I just graduated dental assisting school last month and just got a job in oral surgery! And I 100% agree with you, I rather make less and enjoy what I do more.

[@mutharasip9667]

Hi

[@freethinkerpodcast1798]

Hi! Did your school adequately prepare you for the RDA Exam? Is the Exam still 3 hours and 150 multiple choice questions?

[@aricemayaj5947]

hi i have one more question. So in what cases will a orthodontist only put on the top or bottom braces instead of both at one time ?

[@maewilliams3932]

I live in Houston,Texas you just gave me so much hope!!!. Yes, dental assistants are at the bottom we do soooo much work. I work at a Medicaid office so u can image the stress level, I've been a dental assistant for over 8 yrs and I'm at $18 hourly .I would like a rise forsure!!!😍😍😍

[@aprilnicole8096]

yes the Medicaid office is always busy.....

[@kaylahb6941]

I just finished dental assistant school and was looking to move to Houston but every office I see on indeed wants you to be bilingual

[@aprilnicole8096]

K.Saddity not all offices.... it’s also because it’s a lot of Hispanics there......😁😁. Im a dental manager

[@kelsey2944]

i'm in dh school, while working as an assistant and I'm sad to say that dental assisting is way more fun then hygiene ..but now that I'm halfway through DH school I feel compelled to continue going !! honestly frustrating that dental assisting is viewed as a stepping stone to DH ..and not valued as its own career to the public is so so so frustrating.

[@1120forevrr]

I love your vids ! I stopped watching but I’m back & currently in school for EFDA 😌. If you haven’t I’ll look lol but can you make a video general vs pediatric if you have any experience plzzz

[@Savannahyoutunedin]

😍😍😍 And I love It 🤸🏾‍♀️

[@NellieB.__94]

I’m an dental assistant working my way to RDA. I’m being paid $20 at my regular office & my other office that I work 2 days per week I get paid $23 per hour. I wish it was other way around lol but in the Bay Area it depends on Experience and or if you work for a specialist

[@nicholassolntzeff9232]

I’m thinking of becoming a dental assistant. Thanks for the information

[@awndrediaz9723]

Idk where ur getting the debt estimates from I live in California and it only cost me 13,000 for my local community college dental hygiene program

[@jenp6109]

Im just starting my dental assistant program in Oregon ❤️ so excited!

[@krisbattle5716]

Lol, where are they going that they're $100K in debt??? This hygienist wants to know. This must be a state to state thing, lol. I get get asked if I'm the dentist or the dental assistant, lmao, then I end up giving a mini lecture on roles of dentists, hygienists and assistants. And yes assistants are the backbone of the dental office. I love our assistants,❤❤❤❤. I saw an assistant make a temporary crown so pretty the patient didn't even want her permanent crown ,lol...This was a while ago tho.

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

I was trained on the job 😂 I have been an asst for 16 yrs, $22/hr and no student loan ☺️

[@busymeowser]

Yea but are you certified? NO... Are you licensed? NOPE....Goodluck if you ever quit that job 🤑

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

I can take the DANB anytime but why? Im getting a raise again at the end of the year. In state of Fl no one looks for a certification, if one have a piece of paper does not mean one can do the job better.

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

Kitty crack corn and Idc - i already had 8 different bosses in 16 yrs 🤔

[@ximenalopez5023]

Kitty crack corn and Idc I was trained on the job and I am licensed and loan free ... lol .. it’s possible

[@FashionKraz411]

I just got a job offer to be a dentist assistant and they will train me and I'll get my certification through them sooo. I say we took the cheapest way in lol.

[@destinimata6038]

This is amazing! I loved your video. I am also a dental assistant. Well finishing my internships right now. I can’t believe your program was 10,000 dollars! I’m in florida and mine wasn’t near that much 😭. But I’m happy to hear that you almost have your debt paid off that is amazing.

[@sabrinascreation743]

I’m I. Florida too . How is your career do you have a job now

[@Kyzen1017]

I don't know why I keep seeing so many comments that says (I don't know where someone is going to be in $100k in debt) You all know where. It's the same universities that get pushed into young kids faces all the time as they are growing up. UT which is a mildly prestigious school is like 5k for tuition fees, 5k for Room and Board, 3k for Miscellaneous. you add that up and that's 13k a semester for Texas (assuming they mean austin) residents. Non residents the prices are exponentially higher. 17k-20k for tuition, same 5k for room and boarding and 3k for miscellaneous. $28K a semester. if an associates is 2 years and you are also adding interest because (cough cough) STUDENT LOANS. Then you are easily in 100k in debt. Stop acting like you people aren't manipulated into going this route. Be mindful that you chose a smarter path but be empathetic towards people who don't get great insight on schooling. Because it's a pretty common thing.

[@mikejackson7881]

Thank you....all these dang people no understanding the math behind these fancy universities....how do you think they pay top dollar for all the amenities that bring in young up in comers whether it be sports acting etc.....HIGH TUITION AND HIDDEN FEES! Not everywhere offeres programs for 10,000 for associates degree....🤦‍♂️🤷‍♀️

[@diamorales4974]

Well said!👏👏

[@NellieB.__94]

NOTE: Depending what state, county/city you’re working at. For example I’m a DA(dental assistant) RDA( registered dental assistant) here I work the lowest and highest pay along with consideration of “your experience”. Starting $18-$32 an hour. DH(dental hygienists) $50-$57 per hour.

[@gEnIoOhAzEl]

I've been at my current job 6 yrs. They denied me my request for a raise of $22. Until i get my CDA, best believe when i get my CDA im getting a new job. :)

[@naomiaharon780]

I hear you on all of this. I’m a certified dental assistant in Vancouver, Canada. It’s such a hard job but so rewarding. I wouldn’t want to be a hygienist. The work is just different. I like the challenges of being an assistant. So much to learn

[@aliakaddoum358]

what school did you go to? i’m looking into cdi because vcc has a waitlist but i’ve been hearing some bad things about cdi even though my experience with admin has been pretty good so far

[@naomiaharon780]

@@aliakaddoum358 I went to VCC. I waited a year! There is also a drop out list but you will have missed about a week of classes. In my history with working there were a lot of offices I either worked in or worked in as a temporary employee where if we received a resume with CDI as the education the resume would be in the garbage! …. I don’t know if that is the case now with the shortage of Certified dental assistants now! CDI also charges a lot more money for their program! More than double VCC’s cost!

[@aliakaddoum358]

@@naomiaharon780 oh wow that’s interesting.. my dental assistant got her diploma from cdi and said she loved it- is there a specific reason why they’re not favoured? because they’re accredited and the program is longer so i expected to not have an issue with finding a job especially since at the end of the day everyone takes the same exam and gets the same licensing. i reallly don’t want to wait an extra year for vcc!

[@naomiaharon780]

@@aliakaddoum358 They are actually not an accredited program. You have to do all the accreditation assessments at the end of the program at VCC or UBC I believe. The only thing I had to do was my board exam at UBC at the end! When I asked my employer why the resume was in the garbage she just said it was because in her experience the assistants coming out of CDI didn’t seem to know as much 🤷‍♀️ I really don’t know! The girls I’ve trained from CDI I’ve found they take more time but they pick it up so?

[@aliakaddoum358]

@@naomiaharon780 wait they’re not accredited? it says burnaby and surrey is accredited on their website along with the CDABC and CDSBC websites.. i’m a little confused 😅

[@abbysantana2085]

I live in Oregon and I was thinking about doing this for a career, do you still live in Oregon?

[@jlajackson7123]

Hey I’m thinking about being a dental assistant I was wondering how much a hour would u say is good enough to be financially stable . And do you think this job is a financially stable one .