Ask a Pro: When will this new hygienist lose the anxiety?

Question: I recently got my license and have slowly started seeing hygiene patients at my office. However, my anxiety seems to be getting the best of me. During the last two weeks, even in my dreams I’m working in the office and stressing about getting patients done. Does this get any better? My office does a lot of things, and it seems almost impossible to get everything done in one hour and still provide a thorough cleaning. I guess I’m just looking for some encouragement

Answer from Kimberly Augustus, BA, RDH: I will promise you, it does get better, and you are not alone in this! In fact, many new grads experience this but don’t always voice it. That feeling of being “on” all the time, even in your dreams? It’s your nervous system adjusting to your new normal. It’s very clear that you care deeply about doing the best for your patients and about proving to others and yourself that you can do this. That caring is beautiful. But it’s also exhausting.

Let’s break this down.

You're not failing—you're adjusting.

No hygiene program can fully prepare you for the pace and unpredictability of private practice. And that's OK. The transition is steep, and you're only a few weeks in. Time, repetition, and confidence will slowly start to quiet that constant mental chatter.

An hour is not enough—you're not alone in feeling that.

Most new grads feel this crushing pressure to do everything in 60 minutes: perio chart, FMX, exam, polish, scale, educate, notes, sterilize … it’s a lot. Sometimes the pace isn't realistic, and it’s OK to question that. Part of your growth is learning how to prioritize patient care while also protecting your energy.

The anxiety means you care—it shouldn't steal your joy.

When your brain is stuck in “go” mode 24/7, burnout creeps in. Start by giving yourself permission to be a beginner—to not know everything, to ask for help, and to be not perfect.

Here’s your encouragement:
💗 You are learning how to practice in the real world, and this is a skill that takes time.
💗 You are not the only one struggling, even if it feels like it.
💗 You will feel more confident with each week, each patient, each conversation.

So yes, it does get better. You’ll look back one day and be proud of how you kept going!