This got you talking: Would you consider getting a doctorate in dental hygiene if it were available?

If there’s one thing hygienists are exceptionally good at, it’s doing the math; especially when it comes to time, debt, autonomy, and return on investment. So when we asked whether you’d consider earning a doctorate in dental hygiene if it were available, the answers weren’t dreamy or theoretical—they were grounded, pragmatic, and in some cases, quite blunt. From questions about scope of practice and independence to very real concerns about debt, pay, and being “over-qualified,” this conversation quickly moved beyond prestige and into power, mobility, and whether higher education would actually change anything day to day. Here’s how you weighed it.

It would be a "clinical doctorate," similar to the doctorates needed now for physical therapists and pharmacists. (I like the convenience of a pharmacist being able to administer vaccines.) However, for me, relating to dental hygiene, moving vertically to attain a doctorate would be less beneficial that attaining an additional skill. I am an RDH and also an RN; best to have two marketable degrees.—Carol M.

I won't accrue debt for a degree that won't do anything. I'm a 37-year-old hygienist and my boss is a 20-something office manager with zero college education. I know I make more than she does, I still answer to her when needed. With my last boss, I had total control over my column and made my own clinical decisions. He retired recently and it's been devastating. If I knew going for a higher degree would change a thing, I would.—Kayle E.

No. I've had my associate’s in dental hygiene for over 25 years, and now I'm pursuing my bachelor’s. I’m doing that to possibly teach at the community college. I don't want to even get my master’s at this point.—Susan P.R.

Depends on states creating an independent and nonsupervisory profession for those with a doctorate in hygiene. Otherwise, the cost of this education could cripple those on today's hygiene salary.—Tammy D.

In a perfect world, yes. Especially a clinical doctorate alongside a scope of practical change allowing me to work on my own. As a hygienist I have the same education level as a nurse practitioner, but yet do not have the ability to work solo. We all want increased access; dental employers want us to work as independent contractors. Let’s get real now. Let’s make it legal and increase access to care for all.—Erin H.H.

Does it have any relevance to other areas of health care or help someone transition out? If no, what are the future prospects, job-wise? I chose not to do my undergrad in dental hygiene because it would box me in and I did a master’s that would be transferable to other areas of health care—this is just a bigger corner to box people into unless there is a career path you can show.—Deb A.D.

No. It is difficult to get a salary that correlates with current education level and the cost involved in attaining current knowledge/skill base. Doubt that I would make even $1 more per hour and would possibly be referred to as over-qualified. Not worth time acquiring ... may as well be a dentist.—Sheriann D.

As others have stated, I also don’t want to be boxed in by the specifics of the DH degree. I have been a hygienist with an associate’s for 20 years. I am just starting a bachelor’s program in health psychology, which will open more doors in the future than a bachelor’s (or higher) in dental hygiene.—Erin L.K.

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