Question: I’ve been a hygienist for only six years and I’m already totally burned out. With double columns and being asked to “just clean the teeth as fast as you can,” being guilted into working six days per week, and recommending expensive procedures that I don’t believe in—all this cause me to leave dentistry for the past year. I’m considering returning part time but I’m looking for advice on how to avoid repeating the past. Please help!
Answer from Sarah Crow, RDH: First and foremost, I’m sending you the biggest virtual hug! Second, I commend you for being brave enough to ask for advice. Dental hygiene is hard, and burnout is real, but with the right circumstances it’s possible to rekindle your love for clinical practice. Here are my top strategies:
Find an office that treats you like a health-care provider
Yes, those offices exist though they may be few and far between. Being treated as a respected health-care provider not only makes your day more fulfilling but also helps you step fully into your role as a vital member of the dental team. Respect is both earned and given.
We must strive for excellence each day but also expect it from those around us. You teach people how to treat you, and beginning a new position offers the perfect chance to set those boundaries. Shadow a hygienist in the potential office before accepting a role. Often you’ll feel the culture immediately.
- Do the team members support each other?
- Does the doctor stand behind the hygienist’s recommendations?
- Does the office manager (or front desk team) show respect and acknowledgment?
These answers reveal whether the office culture supports your growth or threatens to drain you.
Consider volunteering for your state association
Staying connected to the bigger picture of our profession can help combat the isolation of a busy clinical day. It’s easy to feel siloed when back-to-back patients leave little room for conversation with coworkers. By engaging with your state or local dental hygiene association, you’ll discover a community of professionals who share your struggles, triumphs, and passions. This involvement not only supports your career but also reminds you why you entered this field.
Ask yourself what you really want
Take time to reflect on your first six years in practice. By now, you likely know your non-negotiables. Write them down. Keep them close to your heart. These boundaries are the foundation of your happiness and longevity in the profession.
Next, define your goals and write them down. Keep them written somewhere you can see them each day. I keep mine written in lipstick on my bathroom mirror so I can see them every morning. If you could design your ideal career in dental hygiene, what would it look like? What are your short- and long-term goals? Surround yourself with people who inspire you. If you know someone who truly loves their dental hygiene career, spend time with them, because just like colds, attitudes can be contagious.
Closing thoughts
Burnout doesn’t mean failure; it means you’ve been working under conditions that didn’t support you as a professional or a person. Stepping away for a time does not erase your skills or passion. Stepping away can actually give you clarity on what you need moving forward.
As you consider returning to clinical practice, remember that you have the power to set boundaries, seek supportive environments, and connect with a community that uplifts you. Dental hygiene is a demanding career, but it’s also deeply rewarding in the right setting.
You deserve a career that energizes you, not one that bleeds you dry. So, be intentional, be brave, and trust that the right path forward will reignite your passion for this profession. We are cheering you on!
