This got you talking: Dental hygiene in prison

Few practice settings trigger such an immediate gut reaction as the word prison. So when we asked whether hygienists would consider providing care in a correctional facility, the responses swung hard in both directions—fascination and fear, curiosity and a firm “absolutely not.”

Some of you described surprisingly calm days, grateful patients, and enviable benefits; others couldn’t get past safety concerns, lockdowns, or the emotional weight of the environment. As with so many nontraditional hygiene paths, the reality sits somewhere between the myths and the mugshots. Here’s what you had to say.

I went as far as getting the interview and then chickened out. Part of it was because they could not keep a dentist, so I was nervous about what would happen to my job if the dentist was not there. Part of it was being nervous about what would happen during a lockdown.—Susan R.

I worked for 12 years for Colorado Department of Corrections. I traveled to eight different facilities throughout the state. Everything from Minimum R to Max Ad Seg. Most of my patients were very polite and appreciative. It was an eye-opening experience. Benefits were great!—Bobbie H.

I interviewed for this once when I was a new hygienist. I was offered the job and then there was a hiring freeze, so I moved on to something else. Now I don’t think I would do it. I like to get to know my patients and form relationships with them, and in a prison setting, you cannot do that.—Amy B.

Best job ever. Four patients a day. None during lockdown. State benefits. If I'm running over, I just don't see my last patient and get to go home on time (I just reschedule them … they aren't going anywhere). Work under general supervision 90% of the time. About five weeks off per year for vacation and two weeks of sick leave.—Vickie S.

I think it would be so intriguing, but no way! All I could imagine was someone stabbing me with a scaler!—Becky P.

I am the dental services coordinator for a prison! I love the benefits!—Leah L.

No. In the state I’m in, we had a serious incident a few years ago where the prisoners took over and killed a guard and injured many others.—Kristin L.

I went to orientation to work in the prison system. Actually worked as a DA for a few days. I was so nervous and intimidated by the computer, I decided to not to go back. I learned that every instrument, anesthetic carpule, and medicament were counted and documented when they were received/used, and when they were returned to centralization. The inmates had an escort to the clinic, who then waited outside and took the inmates back to their cells. One inmate at a time, no waiting room. I regret not having the courage to learn about computers, because I believe I would have loved this job.—Shuntel M.

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