This got you talking: "I quit!" Why'd you leave your last position?

Every workplace has its breaking point, but in dentistry, the reasons hygienists walk away often reveal deeper issues within the profession. From unsustainable schedules to feeling undervalued, many clinicians eventually decide a job change is the only path forward.

In our weekly social feature, we asked, “Why did you leave your last position?” Here’s what hygienists had to say. (Some responses edited for clarity or space.)

I was told I could “either be a mom or a professional” when I asked to reduce my hours … so I quit and found a great office where I can absolutely be both! — Shannon L.

Maybe I misunderstood the job application or I was unaware of the lingo used in the business, but I was hired for a "permanent part-time" position for three days a week. I worked for six to eight weeks until I was released due to the fact that the hygienist I replaced "wanted to come back to work." That's fine, but don't advertise an opening as "permanent." I soon found a job with my current doctor and have been with him for almost seven years now. — Matthew E.

I opened my own practice! — Melanie A.

Covid closing practices and being told we were not key workers. — Mandy M.

High staff turnover. Reduction of benefits. Low pay. Not feeling valued. Asked once if/when we would stop accepting new patients as we were not able to keep up with how many we already had and was basically told I would have to work more hours so the office could take on more patients whether I wanted to or not. At that time, the office was open four days a week, but I was working three days because that’s what worked for my family. I left and found a great office that is happy to have me three days a week. — Stacy L.

I often felt very alone in dental offices until I got involved (in associations, education, dental conferences, etc.). We have got to come together … if we don’t, it’s a matter of time before our scope is reassigned to dental assistants and new associate dentists as a first- or second-year duty. —Katrina K.

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