Should You Be A Dentist vs. Dental Hygienist? (Teeth Talk Girl chats with Dr. Rubinshtein)

Wondering if you should apply to dental school or dental hygiene school? Dental Hygienist (Whitney) and Dentist (Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein) talk about the differences between the two careers, schooling, work/life balance, etc.
🦷 Want to become a dental hygienist? Watch my free RDH Video Checklist: bit.ly/rdh-video-checklist
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🦷 BACKGROUND MUSIC: artlist.io
🦷 VIDEO CONTENTS:
00:00 - 01:19 - Intro
01:19 - 09:10 - Schooling
09:10 - 11:48 - Career
11:48 - 14:45 - Advice
14:45 - 16:57 - Daily Life
16:57 - 17:19 - Closing
#dentalhygienist #dentist
🦷 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

[@jeisongarrido7376]

It’s amazing to see how both of these professions are very rewarding. On the one hand hygienists prevent teeth from going bad, while dentists fix it once they’re bad. It’s pretty nice!

[@TeethTalk]

we're a good team :) :) :)

[@johnwillis8610]

He kept it 100 about school lol ! He said “ i honestly hated school” and to see both of you be so successful in your career that inspires me to definitely knowing that I can CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN!!! Don’t overthink and just go for it ! Whitney you literally inspired me to become a hygienist ! I really want to be one . Thank you . I’m just nervous to go to college and it’s really expensive 😢. I overthink the TEAS test and I heard the dental hygiene exam is very hard so huh. However I still want to go for it !

[@TeethTalk]

you TOTALLY can do anything you set your mind to. sending all the positive toothy vibes your way :) would love for you to join the toothy community :) :) :) !

[@madre_morte]

It's so cool to listen to a dentist and a dental hygienist talk one-on-one with such respect for one another's professions. I've been an RDH, BSDH for 3 years now, and it's rare to find a dentist who treats hygienists like legitimate providers. Dental hygiene isn't always respected as a profession.

[@luciferin22]

He is respectful in front of the camera. God knows how he treats her when nobody is filming.

[@renataewa5079]

I practice as RDH for 14 years and i absolutely agree with you. Most dentists act like they are superior. I was told that RDH will never be allowed to do anesthesia in their office but they allow you to do it when is convenient for them. I also did dental hygiene program and later I did bachelor in health science. I am thinking seriously about changing carrier. I would rather do nursing and have many more opportunities and benefits.

[@luciferin22]

@@renataewa5079 agree, i work in science and people are horrible

[@flordelis9649]

Same with Surgeons and scrub techs

[@afrakory]

What is BSDH?

[@MzSuzy2698]

I was a hygienist for thirty years. I only went to a two year school. When I retired I was making $78,000. I loved my profession. I would have worked longer but my back was so sore between my shoulders for the last ten years that I practiced. I decided that I wasn’t going to work another ten years. I worked in Southern California.

[@aplozgamer8860]

Sir / Mam I think you have so much knowledge about this field can I Please ask some questions from you

[@Strip4Dreezy]

This was actually so useful and suspiciously timed considering I just started looking at colleges and my two main options are exactly what this video covers but more in-depth

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching!!! wishing you an amazing dental journey!

[@stephenjames6534]

Both proffesions are both very rewarding and must be satisfying seeing someone leaving your surgery free of pain and smiling with their new dental work. Perfect teeth can give you so much self confidence. I had 1 implant fitted and it boosted my confidence not having the gap anymore. We thankyou all for the work all dentist and hygienist do. ❤️😁

[@TeethTalk]

thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! so happy to hear about your implant and wishing you continued dental health :)

[@docchris4004]

I‘m a dentist for nearly 30 years now and I have to admit that I would never choose this job again. Not for any money in the world. This job is so very exhausting und unforgiving. Never would I do it again. But I love your videos and your energy. All my employees watch and love your work. Thank you and greetings from Germany.

[@ladyyyKD]

I've only done hygiene for a yr now and I absolutely would never choose the job again too. I'm actually looking to leave this field and praying to never return. Lol it's exhausting, both physically and mentally.

[@uroojafridi13]

Whyyy

[@uroojafridi13]

I just entered med school and I’m studying dentistry...can you tell me the cons?

[@austh7]

Hello, Doctor, can you explain why? It would be interesting

[@gilarytorrespagan5831]

@@ladyyyKD Why???

[@stvnsanders7]

I'm always fascinated to learn how folks get into certain professions. The path that leads to where they are is pretty interesting.

[@israelgudino9079]

I love the passion both of you displayed in this video!!

[@fjp9]

i watch a couple of different channels from the dental community, and it’s always interesting to see the differences between them. some showcase their profession while others their lifestyle, personal, and professional lives.

[@squenneville1]

RDH for 15 years here! 🙋🏻‍♀️ It’s so rewarding but plan for a short career and/or part time hours. This job is torture on the body. I love my patients but I figure I’ve got 3-5 years left. Chronic pain and swelling as well as trigger finger in the suction/mirror hand, carpal tunnel in my scaling hand, tendonitis in my elbow, rotator cuff injury... neck pain... sciatica... the list goes on. Best advice I can give: 1- invest in loupes STAT 2- see a Chiro and RMT regularly 3- CONSISTENTLY do strength training 4- YOGA If I had it to do over again, I’d go for dentistry and work as an associate. All the great patient interaction, diagnosis and treatment, great money, and no stress of running a practice. Best of luck!

[@renataewa5079]

I absolutely agree with you. I work for 14 years and I am in constant pain even though I am working part time. No benefits, no paid vacations. No opportunities to grow professionally like in nursing field.

[@bumblebee_bae]

What is RMT?

[@vicgamesvt9682]

This doesn't sound to bad because I'm someone who would want to downshift to lower hours anyways. If I pursue dental hygeine I would be happy to work full time for 10 years or so and then drop down to working 24-32hours/week until retirement.

[@vicgamesvt9682]

​@@renataewa5079How many hours are you working per week?

[@A_Wolf]

What is pay like?

[@thatkayleegirl50]

I really needed the school pep talk. I take my Dental Hygiene boards in April 🥵Thank you for that!

[@n4ndo25]

Hello, Let me know if you would to review the NBDHE exam, my wife Rosario is going to take the NBDHE in Orlando around june, but she struggles to study by herself. she already has reviewed many of the topics, but she needs to study with someone else and since you are taking this exam I wanted to let you know about this.

[@abudgetingmama517]

Great video! I am still figuring out which route I want to take and this was very helpful. Also LOVE that 2pac painting!

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching :) and yay yes! Dr. Daniel has lots of awesome art in his office :)

[@anyone8477]

I REALLY REALLY needed this ! Thank you!

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching :)

[@bryanbravo563]

Peace love teeth 🦷 I say a dental hygienist. You got to root for the home team. That’s why I love his channel. Your the best

[@WoodandHomeAccents]

Chiming in here as a "guygienist" and I do love it, thank you for the shout out! I am taking the DAT in 15 hours, so I might be in that boat soon too. Thank you for taking time to provide the information you both shared here!

[@TeethTalk]

thank you so much for watching! and sending all the positive toothy vibes on your journey!!!

[@WoodandHomeAccents]

@@TeethTalk thank you! I scored a 20 AA on it today. I'm so greatful to be done with it!

[@tatiyanaRDH]

Just completed my application to take the NBDHE exam in May ! So excited. Bitter sweet to end school but nevertheless I love that I will always continue learning. ✌🏾♥️🦷

[@TeethTalk]

YAY yesssss so excited for your toothy journey :)

[@n4ndo25]

Hello, Let me know if you would to review the NBDHE exam, my wife Rosario is going to take the NBDHE in Orlando around June, but she struggles to study by herself. she already has reviewed many of the topics, but she needs to study with someone else and since you are taking this exam I wanted to let you know about this.

[@Jess_E954]

I just love the background!!!! Also the video was so informative!!!

[@TeethTalk]

Dr. Daniel's office is pretty awesome :) thank yo so much for watching!

[@adjoahossou454]

glad i came across this! I started out wanting to teach and had a slight interest in dentistry as it was suggested to me. I proceeded to become a dental assistant for a short time. I then decided I also had a natural enclination towards the arts history and language so I proceeded to become a history and language teacher for my undergrad and masters. Now I would like to revisit dentistry. I believe I could combine all my skills and passions. I’m now trying to decide if I want to go right into dental school or hygiene and then teach in dentistry down the line. Unfortunately I have to decide before I start prerequisites because they require different ones. My only fear is that i’m not a type personality.

[@addieseegmiller8888]

Thank you for this video!!

[@selinasmith2068]

I'll be starting the dental hygienist program in Augest after a 3 year waiting list! I love your advice, they even showed your "what to do before starting DHP" video at our 1st oreintation.

[@TeethTalk]

!!!! this makes me so happy! thank you so much for watching and congrats on starting DH school soon!!!! so excited for you to join the toothy community :)

[@adi44771]

Why was the wait so long 😢

[@krisyallowega5487]

"You always want to educate yourself and be a better version of YOURSELF!" Such a true statement for life, almost Biblical.

[@Grit09]

I have no desire to work in dentistry and have been working in social services for years. Still, I love this channel and video. It’s so entertaining and informative. Keep up the great work. 🙂

[@TeethTalk]

thank you so much for being here! that makes me so happy! wishing you continued dental health!

[@imanibryant9560]

So glad I came across this video because I originally started out wanted to pursue DMD but I honestly have been more interested in hygiene lately… both are great. I just really hate school

[@imanibryant9560]

Another thing I am torn about is whether hygienist can work in pediatrics? I’ve always dreamed of being a pediatric dentist but I am also still interested in hygiene too because I like that also

[@TeethTalk]

yessssss there are pediatric hygienists as well :) wishing you an amazing toothy career!!!! positive vibes :)

[@imanibryant9560]

@@TeethTalk thank you!

[@user-lk8pu5zz8m]

You will probably never see this, because I'm late to the party, but you can be a dental software trainer, or can be a dental biller, or patient advocate - we can thank covid for expanding the remote space for employment. I stumbled onto your channel a bit accidentally, but subscribed right away after your vid on tooth sensitivity. I am a home-grown "dentalphobe"... by father had to be put under just for a filling and so I grew up so afraid of dentistry. And a recent bad experience with a provider I used to really like has thrown me for a loop. My nightmares about my teeth falling out have returned and I have become interested in advocating for myself. Your channel has brought me a lot of comfort, but also a feeling of power over my own dental health, which I take very seriously! And I love this dentist who gives respect to the hygientists who are so important to any dental practice!

[@JeffriesAnitra]

This video was great!!!! But can we take a moment to appreciate the Tupac painting in the back!!!!!! Absolutely love it!!!

[@michd3296]

I started out as a trained chef when I left school 😃then decided to train at Guys Hospital in London as a nurse - saw the dental hygienists at work and that was it 🤩I qualified in 1995 at Guys Hospital and spent 25 years being blessed in a jib I live every day 🦷🤩

[@bridgetscotney8837]

Fellow graduate hygienist from Guy's in 1995 too and still going!

[@tarakauffman4905]

I love love love this. I have been a hygienist for 31 years this May!! I have never been more passionate about oral health and changing the mindset of patients that oral health impacts your whole body!! Yay!! Dental Hygiene is the best career for me ever!! I am my own boss and I can work as much as want and work with the highest standard of care providers. I absolutely love where the temperature of dental health is today!!! I am so incredibly blessed to love this field. 🦷🪥😁

[@DrDanielRubinshtein]

Great Convo!

[@TeethTalk]

yessss! loved chatting with you Dr. Daniel :)

[@lisaspachuk486]

Best job is a nurse, you can work in so many areas, never bored!

[@MegaTelenovela]

💖 so much chemistry here!

[@OzoneMe03]

When he said, “neither”, I felt that.

[@msve3730]

Loving the Pac poster. Im in school now for Dental Hygienist. But my family keep telling me to just be a dentist. That's a 10 yr commitment.

[@melaniep6719]

I can tell you’re very passionate about dentistry! I am curious do you regret not going to dental school? I’m currently an assistant and I want to grow in the field but I’m stuck on going the hygiene route or doctor route. Love your videos! ❤

[@TeethTalk]

:) yay! nope I never looked back! I love the prevention aspect! here's a video of mine that explains -- hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npu8nYeAd6-lgcU and then the differences in applying to the different schools: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m33FdHpoYtRqopI

[@googleuser9073]

This was an awesome video

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching!!! we just did one on Dr. Daniel's channel as well :) here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2TQmZauhauZrbM

[@vasescloths4893]

Can you do a video on xylitol? And also the best salt to use in a mouthrinse when treating gingivitis and periodontitis? Tnks & great videos!

[@TeethTalk]

yay yessss!!! I actually just filmed a xylitol video! it's coming out in a few weeks :) as for salt - table salt is fine to mix with warm salt water :)

[@muhammadusmanburhan3789]

Great video👍🏻

[@TeethTalk]

thank you for watching!

[@swecretplushie]

Hey Whitney, I’ve always struggled with going to the dentist and with covid I’ve not been in ages. A part of my filling just came out and I don’t know what to do. I know your supposed to go straight to your dentist but that isn’t possible for me as I’ve had this terrible dizzyness which has stuck me in the house since 2020

[@EldePHX]

Can’t wait to graduate from Dental Hygiene school in a year lol. 🙏🏻 📜

[@armandocortez2291]

Great vid. That Tupac canvas is excellent.

[@mamitushikur5918]

Where is this dentist. I want to work for him. Love the energy.

[@kkkkk3367]

In a way, hygienists remove the work of dentist (restoration) by preventing decay

[@ladyyyKD]

Is it really possible to truly loveeeee and be that passionate about hygiene? Lol One year in and I'm already burnt out. 😪

[@Erin-pr9ev]

It’s terrible. 6 years in myself and more miserable by the day.

[@TeethTalk]

it's totally possible! truly - I feel like sometimes it's the environment - not the career - that burns people out! sometimes but not always! I have a video more about this coming soon! sending all the positive toothy vibes your way!

[@helenbrown6341]

How did you go about getting your pre requisites?

[@marypatrick6667]

Love your energy. DENTIST if you want big box....

[@dentoradiology3212]

I say go after your dreams and become who you want. REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE A DERAM GOD HAD PUT IT IN YOUR HEAD IN THE FIRST PLACE! because you are A MASTER PEACE :) Peace Love Teeth

[@TeethTalk]

couldn't have said it better! yay! 100% !

[@Josephp1983]

This is why hygienists should have more schooling so they can become providers and co-owners within the dental practice. There’s no reason why we should rely on a dentist to be able to practice soft tissue management.

[@J_Brian]

stannous fluoride vs sodium monofluorophosphate is one better than the other?

[@soothingmusic8369]

Can you make a video on how to be a dental hygienist after dental assistant…. Plz make a video include everything how long does it take etc etc

[@TeethTalk]

here is my RDH hub that includes everything from dental assisting to dental hygiene :) hope this helps: teethtalkgirl.com/rdh

[@SlobberMocoslv]

Im a junior right now in HS and i wanna become a dental hygienist but i do not know where to start whether , theres any programs or anything i can do right now too make hygiene school easier.

[@vicgamesvt9682]

For the program I looked into it required grade 11 or 12 biology and chemistry as well as grade 12 math. All of your courses can be college level if your not interested in going to university. Also you want to have atleast a 75% in those 3 courses.

[@bobbyknight3589]

From a debt to income ratio dental hygienist is better

[@jadaj.8275]

I love the Tupac painting!!

[@denisegarza2692]

I love your scrubs Whitney! What brand are they? 🥰

[@TeethTalk]

thank you! these ones are figs!

[@michaeljcarneyjr.6187]

I have no problem with people flirting but on a podcast!

[@arriisimmer5204]

Bro she irking my soul 💀

[@MKF30]

They're the youngest dentist and hygienist I've ever seen. When I first found teeth girl I was like wow is this chick like 20? 😲 Great video!

[@TeethTalk]

why thank you! definitely will take these compliments!! sending positive vibes your way!

[@MKF30]

@@TeethTalk Oh why thank you and yes compliments for sure 👍 😊 Your videos are very helpful. 😃

[@michellepaul8514]

They look like they’re in their 30s.

[@MKF30]

Yeah or late 20s etc

[@chilipowder5900]

excuse me, Ma'am, I want to get into the dental field, and I plan on starting as an assistant to see if it's right for me, then go to school to be a hygienist... would I, as a hygienist, be able to go to further schooling to become a dentist should I so choose? is that wise? love your videos by the way, you and I seem to have a similar obsession with teeth 😅

[@TeethTalk]

yep! you would just need to take all of the prerequisites and finish the admission requirements before applying to dental school :) here's a video of mine that explains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m33FdHpoYtRqopI good luck with your toothy journey :)

[@chilipowder5900]

​@@TeethTalk thank you so much for the reply! I will absolutely be watching that video soon, since I'll be graduating high school soon ❤❤

[@dertmert6767]

Is that a really a life sized poster of my cousin in the background?? What's really up, teethgirl??😉

[@luciamachova5920]

Hi. Your's video is amazing. I'm studying dental hygienist but always I want to be a dentist. I'm getting stuck between to become a hygienist or a dentist.

[@SashaVyphuis]

Same here. But I think I'll stick with the hygienist because of time😊

[@muhammadusmanburhan3789]

i wish to work with you Ma'am, i am a dental technologist.

[@susana5052]

I wonder what drives a BAD dentist..? I’ve had really bad things happen to my teeth with a bad dentist.😢💔😢

[@Colt-ii4qn]

Money 💰

[@Farz-ana_fathih]

I too wishes to come there and work as a dental hygienist 😍

[@alanaandleiashadow1636]

Can you do a video of Daniel cleaning your teeth or you cleaning his teeth 🦷?

[@TeethTalk]

you know it :) already filmed! editing it now! :) :) coming soon!

[@nathanoneil5748]

Can you talk about the discrimination guygeniests face in the workplace? From patients and coworkers?

[@TeethTalk]

here's my video on male hygienists: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXXMmYdrZrSVerc

[@RivercityRPty]

Hey Mate did you recently do a Collab with With a guy named Nick

[@TeethTalk]

lol yessss

[@RivercityRPty]

😅

[@adventurewithAngel]

Tupac?!😂 Super informative video!

[@nonhlanhlandolo561]

If I'm a dental assistant, can I study to become a Hygienist?

[@TeethTalk]

yep! here's my RDH portal with options on how to become a dental hygienist - hope this helps: teethtalkgirl.com/rdh

[@n4ndo25]

Good morning, my name is Fernando and my wife Rosario is planning to take the NBDHE sometime in June. I was wondering if anyone here is planning to take it soon and if you are up for a "study buddy" approach... she has a hard time studying by herself as well as motivation.. i wonder if any of you is experiencing something similar... I will really like to help her, but my expertise is nothing related to health sciences... please if anyone is up for something like this let me know here or send me a PM, this will not only help my wife but also you to prepare for that dreaded exam. sincerely Fernando

[@n4ndo25]

the type of approach i meant is via zoom, skype or discord, that way my wife can get motivated to prepare herself and be at her 100%. thank you!

[@martinyoung12690]

After seeing this vid. I use to think do you have to become a hygienist before becoming a dentist

[@TeethTalk]

nope! you can become a dentist without being a dental hygienist first! here's a video of mine that explains the differences in schooling -- hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m33FdHpoYtRqopI

[@akashrajpar8318]

Beautiful

[@Blackjesus3]

Tupaccccc

[@waterdillon]

Doesn't seem like the type of video that would have a huge Tupac painting in the background.

[@universeusa]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍🌹

[@vasescloths4893]

Oh another video idea: safe amalgam filling removal

[@TeethTalk]

YESSS! just filmed a video about silver fillings! editing it and it will be out soon :)

[@firefly4716]

Tbh, if you feel and believe you’re a person who really want to make an impact while working then please stay away from dentistry - be it hygiene or dentist !! The job is very mundane and there is no exercise to the brain .... u literally just do the same shit over and over and over again until you start questioning your life!!

[@dadjokeschannel]

What time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.

[@TeethTalk]

LOL my favorite :)

[@dadjokeschannel]

@@TeethTalk 🤣

[@mickefy682]

Tupac had amazing teeth.

[@meimeijiang353]

I can’t work with this dentist …he is too hot lol I won’t be able to focus …🤣

[@ba2138]

Dentistry student in Sweden here. Dental hygienist is a very very monotone profession imo. They are just removing tartar all the time.

[@jocelyne0397]

*me interested in pursuing hygienist* Everyone in the comments saying they hate the job 🥲😅

[@caseystone1454]

lol same