My First Day Working as a Dental Hygienist (Tips For New RDH Grads)

This is a "chit-chat" type video talking about my first day as a dental hygienist. Working in a dental office is a super different setting from the dental hygiene school clinic! I hope this video gives you some tips and tricks as to what you should do prior to starting your first job as a dental hygienist!
🦷 Want to become a dental hygienist? Watch my free RDH Video Checklist: bit.ly/rdh-vide...
🦷 Confidence tips for new RDHs: teethtalkgirl....
🦷 Malpractice insurance: www.berxi.com/T...
🦷 Disability insurance: www.adhainsura...
🦷 WANT MORE TEETH TALK?
▶ NEWSLETTER: bit.ly/ttg-sub...
▶ WEBSITE: teethtalkgirl.com
▶ SHOP: givehappyteeth...
🦷 SUPPORT THIS CONTENT:
▶ PATREON: / teethtalkgirl
▶ KZbin: / @teethtalk
🦷 FOLLOW MY SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶ INSTAGRAM: / teethtalkgirl
▶ TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com...
▶ FACEBOOK: / teethtalkgirl
🦷 BACKGROUND MUSIC: bensound.com
🦷 NOTE: This video does not provide medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or dental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard or seen on social media.
✌ P E A C E ♥ L O V E ☺ T E E T H ☺

[@TeethTalk]

🦷 Want to become a dental hygienist? Watch my free RDH Video Checklist: bit.ly/rdh-video-checklist

[@SoundsCafe]

My first day I was like ... I know everything to do but at the same time idk what to do at all 😂

[@TeethTalk]

can I get an AMEN!!!! totally get you!

[@DailyBread2007]

Lol, that was me three years ago too!

[@Vanessa-nr4pn]

I love you both! My dream is to become a RDH and i look up to you guys 🥰❤️

[@_Talkintacos]

First day as at any job is always the hardest. I’m sure I’ll be shivering my first day as a dentist. It’s not always easy but you certainly look like you been very successful at it! Kudos to you and awesome video!

[@saharel-talla6513]

BAWAMOE my first day was crazy and I could’ve used more guidance but definitely got through it. Anyone can

[@TeethTalk]

Totally! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! Stay well!

[@supercay94]

I relate to your personality too. I hate having to ask for help or questions because I feel like I am bothering people 😂

[@TeethTalk]

Yay! I knew I couldn't be the only one! Lol!

[@parisaha]

Same! 😅

[@jayjbraker6273]

I’m so excited to become a dental hygienist! I’m 17 now and start college next year. I can’t wait to go...then start my career. Maybe even move to a different state

[@TeethTalk]

Sending positive toothy vibes your way :)

[@psychopsycho837]

Me too! Same age aswell

[@memeniall9521]

omg i’m also 17 and cannot wait for this career!

[@angeladaniellar4289]

I relate to your personality

[@Suki022]

Haha! Yes my sister and I totally have the same personality. 🙂🙃

[@swordartonline6719]

Yeah same!!! 😄

[@chrisreynolds6391]

She reminds me of a more jovial version Kate Witcher (Piddleass on youtube).

[@reemsaleh5356]

SAME!!!!

[@TeethTalk]

Also! I'm having a Virtual Grad Party for all new dental grads tomorrow! Everyone is invited!! RSVP here! bit.ly/TTG-Grad-PARTY

[@bora4861]

You make me feel so normal. We have different personalities but I felt the EXACT same way with everything you mentioned. You are so honest. Normally, people just want to always act like they had it all put together from the start.

[@TeethTalk]

THANK YOU for saying that. We are all in this together. Sending positive vibes your way :)

[@bora4861]

Teeth Talk Girl 🤗 you are honestly one of my fav dental youtubers. You helps us feel we can relax a little and that we are not alone. But i also feel like you help us to enjoy our jobs more! 🧡(i am talking about all your videos! I watch all of them! Lol)

[@bora4861]

Teeth Talk Girl so thank you :)

[@QuasarKen009]

Exactly. It seems like they are not comfortable about not knowing everything is.

[@musicgirl999]

Confidence is key no matter what field you’re in healthcare or not!

[@Itspeachykeenn]

Exactly! I know what I have to do but don’t know how the office is, where things are etc! This made me feel so much better!

[@chelseafraley4431]

I appreciate this video so much! I’ll be finishing up my last board exams in the next couple of weeks and I am terrified to start searching for jobs. I know school has prepared me, but like you said being in a new environment is scary. This helped ease my mind a bit!

[@TeethTalk]

Yes! I'm so excited for you it's going to be great!!! Sending positive toothy vibes your way :)

[@AngeliaMeow]

how're you doing?! Hope its all going well!!!

[@sydneylorenzen]

I just graduated and I have my first working interview this week! So nervous and I really relate to your personality so hearing you talk about this made me feel a little better 😆 wish me luck!!!

[@TeethTalk]

YAY! You GOT THIS! So excited for you & sending you positive vibes! Thank you for commenting!

[@marinac8552]

I'll pray for you!

[@denisegarza2692]

How did it go for you? A whole year later lol

[@Luminara1981]

My hygienists name is Jane and she is a goddess, I'd never see anyone else, I have chronic bleeding anxiety and she is so good with me, I am an absolute nightmare just a tornado of nervous energy when I rockup, but she's so kind and reassuring, tells me everything she's doing, tells me if and when I'm bleeding and let's me stay until its stopped... she's brilliant.

[@spinniquinones9487]

Wow I love your personality. This was fun. And this is some great general first time office issues and personal challenges information. Haha you're great. Thanks for the video. VERY relatable social anxieties you have.

[@TeethTalk]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I'm so happy we can find comfort in relating to each other! :)

[@PrincePalmUwU]

This is very informative and helpful for many of us, thank you. I remember when I first started Culinary school ((after realizing that I should see myself in a field for the rest of my life vs loving a field, I loved culinary arts but I didn't see myself in it for the rest of life but I loved it. if that makes sense...)) they said I was too slow on cutting and so forth and I was hurt! like dang I just started. 🤣 so I didn't know what to expect but as the days go on I started picking up the paced and it was a piece of cake. I feel that I will still be slow at first but once the day goes through it starts getting easier. I can't wait for a new chapter of DH. it will be super challenging for me but by the end of it all it will be worth getting that degree. thank you so much honestly. this helps boost my confidence.

[@bora4861]

Totally. Even when there are hyg assistance i still like to know where everything is myself because sometimes they are not always around.

[@josh-cq3ju]

Your so relatable it’s crazy, your going to be so helpful to new employees

[@TeethTalk]

that is so very nice of you to say. positive vibes my friend

[@kimberlyselby295]

I have my first working interview today and I'm super nervous so thank you for the great tips 😀

[@TeethTalk]

you got this! sending all the positive toothy vibes your way :)

[@lexigrant5465]

I love your personalityyy. Very relatable!!

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for your kind comment! positive vibes!

[@g24792]

You are so stinkin cute! I’ve been in the dental field for 20 years started in DC as a dental assistant and moved to Ortho, currently lead at an office in Charleston SC and I so enjoy your videos! Keep up the great content and hope our paths cross one day!

[@TeethTalk]

Thank you SO much for this kind comment! Sending you so many positive vibes!!!

[@caitie3988]

I graduated from hygiene school this past Sunday and accepted a position on Monday. I’m excited but terrified 😂

[@TeethTalk]

congrats!!! so excited for you!

[@InnerRise]

How did it go? I start tomorrow and am crying.

[@caitie3988]

@@InnerRise Good luck!! I'm waiting on my license so just assisting the hygienists/getting familiar with the office right now. I'm definitely going to cry the night before I start seeing patients too!

[@hannataylor2254]

You are awesome. I always see the same hygienist every time I go to the dentist the hygienist I see is awesome with me and knows my anxiety and autism

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching and commenting kind :) so happy to hear you have an awesome hygienist that you're comfortable with :)

[@hannataylor2254]

@@TeethTalk the person I see is seriously awesome. She always asks me if I’m doing ok when she’s doing everything and says she always gets excited when she sees my name in the schedule she knows how to make me feel comfortable knows I don’t like the tv in the room on let’s me play music on my phone without headphones dosnt get annoyed if I look at my phone to switch songs. I actually had a cleaning appointment on December 16 2020 but I have to go back on December 30 2020 because it’s been almost 2 year since I had been to dentist and I get lots of build up on my teeth so sometimes it takes 2 appointment to finish

[@anushridabli6059]

Hi there ..I m in 10 th now..and was just scrolling few unique profession..so I got to know about dental hygienist..and after seeing your videos..it's making me more motivated towards this profession..Thank you so much..☺️☺️

[@TeethTalk]

wishing you the best on your career journey!!! thank you for watching :)

[@anushridabli6059]

☺️.. Thank you so much:)

[@Daniel-zr7ll]

My biggest fear once I graduate is getting a new patient who needs a FMX 😅

[@_Talkintacos]

Daniel5679 trust me man you’ll get the hang of it sooner than you think

[@TeethTalk]

Totally! I have a video on tips and tricks to make your first day smooth (including how to prepare for an FMX): teethtalkgirl.com/videos/new-grad-tips?rq=new%20rdh

[@genbabez]

The dreaded FMX.....lol I feel that to my core. I’m in hygiene school too.

[@InnerRise]

💀💀💀

[@bailee7325]

My first day, I had to take 3 FMX on new patients 🤣

[@thatkayleegirl50]

Im going to watch this over and over again next spring before I graduate 🤣

[@RaeLynn1310]

Hi! I loved this video. A lot of what I think about. I’m in my second semester of hygiene school, so sometimes when you say “you know what I mean” I don’t know what you mean and it would be cool to pick your brain and get some more in depth info! Don’t be afraid to elaborate. We appreciate your opinion and insight!!

[@ROGSYT]

Here in Mexico there is no DH , I mean you are either a dentist or an assisntant. But no one goes to school to be an assistant here. Here a dentist does everything, the assistant just assists the dr washing material, even working as a receptionist at the same time too for the same salary, it’s crazy I know but an assistant here gets it tough.

[@vanessazapata7593]

Loved this video!!!! Thank you for your thoughts and advice! Shadowing ahead of time sounds like an awesome idea!!!

[@TeethTalk]

Thank you so much for watching! So glad you enjoyed!!!

[@mariamasciovecchio4926]

Do any other hygienist when they are first starting out feel like they don't know what they are doing or are just not confident in their skills? I'm a recent graduate and have only been working like 2 months and don't feel confident yet.

[@ginaplopper-norton8839]

I totally feel like that tooo

[@kat_liw]

Maria Masciovecchio it will come, it took me about 6 months to feel confident in my skills. I have been practicing for about a year now and I sometimes still have some harder days where I doubt my skills, but it will pass. You got this!

[@_Talkintacos]

Maria Masciovecchio it’ll definitely come. My first couple of SRPs I was shaking lol

[@marievoltaire580]

@@ginaplopper-norton8839 take a deep breath u got this.

[@marievoltaire580]

@@kat_liw take a deep breath and don't over. Cause, you got this

[@nothanks237]

Dude your so underrated!

[@gabryellenunes2715]

im in washington state also! about to start the program, loved your video, thank you

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching! so excited for your DH journey! sending positive toothy vibes your way :)

[@kyliebester7595]

i just started working. and it’s not what i expected. i’m not enjoying it. i’m worried that this career isn’t for me, especially since i just spent so much time and money on schooling.

[@latorianiccole1317]

I’m haven’t done my first day yet at my office. I got my license the day the world shut down. I’ve been a dental assistant since 2005 so I have questions on pay, benefits, insurance, bonuses incentives. What is ok and ideal ?

[@dylanmcbride8801]

You should look on Glassdoor to find out how much people got paid for your position in your city!! It even will have past employee reviews on the employer! (I swear I don’t work for glassdoor, it’s just super helpful ahahahah)

[@daniellewarren465]

Oh lord I am the same way about asking questions.

[@Dallashygienist]

Such good advise. Shadow Current RDH. A few patients. I'm rdh 31 yrs and will shadow.

[@TeethTalk]

yes!!! totally!!! thank you for watching!

[@patrycjasurma9817]

My first day is this upcoming Monday and I’m so nervous!

[@TeethTalk]

you got this!!!!! congrats on your new job!!!

[@alejagq7876]

Thank you for your videos, they have help me a lot. I just have a question, what are the moments in which you should ask the dentist to do an examination?Just after we do a new patient prophy and a recall patient prophy ? And is there any other moments where you need the dentist to come and check your patient ? Like, before you start a SRP or after doing any of their procedure? I would really appreciate if you give me some information about this 🙏🏻

[@ginaplopper-norton8839]

Did learning the insurance stuff feel daunting to you at first?

[@TeethTalk]

Totally! But, like most things, it comes over time!!! And luckily - if you have a solid work team - you all help one another out! Thank you again for watching!

[@yanli5143]

Hi, thank you for your video, it really helps. May I ask for any suggestions regarding greeting the patients. What to say and what to ask, both general and professional topics and also to obtain the information we , as a hygienist, need to know, before starting the treatment. Thanks in advance!

[@vanessadesantiago7417]

If this is the first time in the dental field, Would you suggest being a dental assistant first for a few years. Or going straight to the dental hygienist program?

[@TeethTalk]

great question! it totally depends! everyone is different! but I do have a video about it hope this helps: teethtalkgirl.com/rdh/dental-assistant-before-hygiene-school?rq=dental%20assistant%20dental%20hygiene

[@rubabreza8640]

Hi, beautiful video! When do you do your chart notes if time is limited? I get super nervous and stressed

[@TeethTalk]

SAME! still working on that myself!

[@kordyniec]

Hey Teeth Talk Girl, I'm a future graduate in Ontario (Supposed to complete my program in August). How did you get used to working with new dental software programs? I've only been exposed to Dentrix.

[@TeethTalk]

Hey there! So excited for you to complete your schooling and join this awesome career :) We only had paper charts in school - so learning software was totally new for me - but practice makes perfect! You'll be surprised how quick you learn!

[@amyyang2366]

Can you please do a video on tips and tricks for clinic sessions? I'm current in my third semester and it's so hard to keep up with time trying to complete patients and at the same time complete evaluations/program requirements. I feel so slow and I don't think I'm going to pass this semester 😢

[@msve3730]

Thats so me. Im intresres in a field where you have to be a people person but I don't like talking to people. Omg what do I do 😳. The part I like is the hands on. That's IT.

[@preciousreese2625]

I’ve always wanted to become a dental hygienist I’m going to start the dental assisting program this fall then when I’m done I’m going to go back for dental hygiene I’m excited!

[@TeethTalk]

so so so awesome and great :) wishing you the best!!!

[@dariaharruff7025]

good luck

[@karlo9649]

Watching this because I graduated from uni a month ago and I'm starting working in dental office in two weeks😅😅

[@TeethTalk]

congrats! so excited for you! wishing you the best!

[@medicodentcity1799]

Loves it 💜

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

TeethTalkGirl... Is it OK to use a metal made tongue scraper that is NOT stainless steel? You see, stainless steel 304 grade is none-magnetic. The tongue scraper I have just purchased on eBay UK is magnetic. It is not stainless steel 304 grade, though the seller claims it is. (UK)

[@rashikamudaliar3977]

Can I just ask. I am really anxious about. Do you get carpal tunnel syndrome because dental therapists always use their hands, all the time

[@TeethTalk]

I personally haven't had any problems - here is my ergonomics video - hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnyTp6ukn7iNkM0

[@mimi02201992]

Hey, Do you have a video about working interviews? This is one of the things I'm most nervous about....

[@phillipscrossstitchtherapy4068]

Is it possible to get a cleaning with you if I ever get to visit Chicago in the future? Haha ...you seem great at what you do

[@bracebook1965]

Quite interesting thanks.

[@TeethTalk]

Thanks for watching :)

[@karamancini1403]

Hey girl!!! Where did you go to hygiene school???

[@brittany9959]

Did you know that this was the career path you wanted to take? Please do answer. I’m 21 years old and I’m kinda confused on what path to take with my life

[@TeethTalk]

here's my video all about how and why I chose dental hygiene - hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npu8nYeAd6-lgcU wishing you the best!

[@DamnKP11b]

So I just got enrolled into a local community College to start the journey for associates in dental hygiene, is the course for the associates different than the hygiene school? Like would I get my associates and THEN have to apply for the school? Or is it all in one?

[@jessicahenderson6732]

Hey I was wondering if you could give some tips on using HVE? I have avoided using it because I’m not great with it but when I go back to work I know I need to. I would really appreciate it.

[@TeethTalk]

Totally! Planning to make that video soon once it's safe to get back in the office :)

[@theepicalpaca2274]

Sorry if this is a weird question but do dental hygienists clean eachother’s teeth or do they go see a separate practice?

[@TeethTalk]

totally not a weird question! it depends! sometimes we do and sometimes we don't! just depends on everyone's situation!

[@dariaharruff7025]

awesome video

[@paulabotello3605]

I know nothing about dental hygiene , I’m thinking about becoming a dental hygienist . Is it a smart thing to do 😭

[@marinac8552]

God blessed you!

[@lionheart31000]

Thanks a lot for video..im dentist from Egypt..i want to know if i can apply for ndaeb exam without attending programs at college.

[@leeleeS611]

RDH means registered Dental Hygienist, so is there CDH Certified Dental Hygienists? I’m a CDA but I haven’t worked in the field for about 2 yrs now, and kinda forgot things. A big question of mine is, do the certified ones expire? I looked it up but it didn’t give a clear answer. I want to go back for hygiene but trying to research first

[@doolz4life]

Great video

[@doolz4life]

Chair looks super comfortable

[@niakaproductions2020ukus]

25th April 10005 4:30 PM (recorded)

[@marissacuster4055]

How often do dental hygentist give needles

[@ilenenunez6943]

We literally have the same personality lol

[@Missemilie97]

How many patients do you see on a normal working day? ☺

[@TeethTalk]

Totally depends on the day! Adult patients vs child patients have different lengths of time scheduled for their appointments. Other appointments that will have different lengths are new patients, sealants, etc. So, it just depends who is scheduled that day and how many hours you work!

[@mjay23zepeto40]

Can hygienist travel similar to travel nursing?

[@TeethTalk]

Yes! I've heard of traveling hygiene programs! I don't know too much about them, however. Great video idea....I will start researching :)

[@marinac8552]

God got this!!

[@larassari1068]

Keren kakak the modern everything i look everything beautiful thanks you for information

[@xocheenahox]

did you get paid to shadow? and did you do a full day?

[@TeethTalk]

I didn't! And I only did a half day! It was SO helpful though!

[@xocheenahox]

thank you!@@TeethTalk . I have a working interview tuesday! so nervous lol. I feel like you when you first started. I hate small talk but i love the dental world so i know i need to be more talkative but i get social anxiety =x any tips for that?

[@Amjthoughts330]

Helo iam an indian dentist Could you please guide me int any jobs related to dentistry for survivel?

[@richardsmith6271]

did you get a hair cute