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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to consider retraining as a Dental Hygienist?!

80 replies

NellesVilla · 05/05/2022 17:49

Posting for more traffic, thanks:-

Hello,

I’ve been interested in retraining as a Dental Hygienist for yonks, now, but am still none the wiser on how to go about it, in layman’s terms.

I’ve heard of 2 and 3 year degrees and diplomas, but would like the quickest route possible. I’m a mature student and a graduate in a non-related subject (art) and an ex-teacher, neither of which I wish to work in ever again. Does anyone know if I could do a 2 year training, please?

For full disclosure, I have no experience in this industry, and have mainly teaching, tutoring and plenty of care experience which may be better than nothing at all, when it comes to dealing with patients and showing I have experience with bodily functions and am not as squeamish as some (I am actually quite squeamish really, tbh!).

Financially, only a 2 year training would work for me, so I’d love to know if it were possible. I am a good student- love learning and studying- (and also family-free), so the commitment and level of study would not be an issue for me.

I am aware I may need more A-levels as well (science obviously), so would get to work on that ASAP, with hopes of applying for entry for late 2023 or 2024, if possible.

Thanks for reading, and for any advice, even realistic, sobering words!

OP posts:
earsup · 07/05/2022 18:52

go for it if you really want to...my dentist charges £39 for 30 mins....its a new practice.

MrsDoraDumble · 07/05/2022 20:32

Have pm’d you

Choppies · 08/05/2022 12:36

@unhappyhygienist exactly! I am a dentist who did 5 years at university and never got less than an A in an exam in my life and patients get so mad that im earning more than mimimum wage! Although I’m an NHS associate in a rough area so it’s barely more than minimum wage these days haha!

Badbadbunny · 08/05/2022 14:17

earsup · 07/05/2022 18:52

go for it if you really want to...my dentist charges £39 for 30 mins....its a new practice.

How much of that is taken for the practice overheads, i.e. staffing, premises, admin, equipment, etc etc? In reality the hygienist will see a lot less and not get holiday pay, sick pay, pensions, etc. What you pay is a hell of a lot more than what the hygienist gets after all expenses/deductions/provisions, etc.

unhappyhygienist · 10/06/2025 19:15

@NellesVilla randomly remembered this thread today, if you’re still around would love to know if you went for it.

(Sorry everyone for dragging up a zombie thread!)

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