08/27/2024
How many hygienists can relate to the Broken Smile.
A Broken Smile
Hannah Rodriguez had always dreamed of making a positive impact in the dental field. As a passionate dental hygienist, she was dedicated to helping patients maintain their oral health and comfort. Her journey began with enthusiasm, but over time, the reality of working in the dental industry became more disheartening.
Hannah started her career at a well-regarded dental practice in the city. Initially, she was hired as a temp to cover for a hygienist on maternity leave. Despite the temporary nature of her position, she gave her all to provide excellent care. However, Emily soon discovered that temping in this office came with its own set of frustrations. Payments for her work were frequently delayed, and on several occasions, she received empty envelopes instead of her hard-earned paycheck. Each time she followed up with the office manager, she was met with excuses and vague promises.
When a permanent position became available, Hannah hoped that stability would replace the challenges of temp work. Unfortunately, her optimism was short-lived. The office was rife with drama and cliques, and some staff members seemed more interested in currying favor with the dentist than working collaboratively. Hannah found herself increasingly frustrated as she witnessed coworkers engaging in manipulative behavior to secure promotions or gain favor.
The situation took a darker turn when Hannah discovered that some dentists were involved in unethical practices. It came to light that certain dentists had been siphoning off a portion of the commissions intended for the hygienists, using the money to cover personal real estate deals and other expenses. This deceit left the staff feeling cheated and undervalued.
Compounding these issues was the lack of benefits and professional growth opportunities. The practice offered minimal support for its employees—no comprehensive health benefits or retirement plans, and no investment in new technologies or continuing education. Hannah began to feel trapped in a stagnant environment where her potential for growth was limited.
Adding to her frustration was the realization that the practice had been sold to other associates. The new owners brought their own set of challenges, including a shift in office politics and an environment that made it difficult to advance or even feel secure. Emily felt the sting of being blackballed, where her attempts to address these issues were met with resistance and subtle exclusion.
Determined to break free from this toxic cycle, Hannah decided it was time for a major change. She started exploring ways to leverage her skills and knowledge in dental hygiene while expanding her career options. She decided to go back to college, and address merging her expertise with other fields and degree paths to create new opportunities. The research is there for expansion and innovation in dental hygiene. It seemed to be met with resistance from her dental peers. The research and changes point for change. Hannah learned that many hygienists are having a lot of the same issues and that hygienists need other opportunities for work and merge into other fields.
