Dear RDH,
This is in response to "Negative Thoughts" (December 1995 RDH). I have been practicing dental hygiene steadily for 15 years and feel very fortunate to still love what I do and never have experienced "burn out" like many of my dental hygiene colleagues have. In fact, being a dental hygienist has been a childhood dream of mine and I have practiced in many states and currently hold five licenses.
In June of this past year, my family and I moved from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Gainesville, Florida, to be closer to family and enjoy the beautiful climate. I left a wonderful job and boss.
Boy, was I in for a rude awakening! There is not one dental hygiene job to be found in this city. Dental hygienists are a dime a dozen, and there`s a waiting list of 20 girls for jobs. The pay scale is ridiculous, as low as $100 a day! I made that 10 years ago!
It`s such a shame that someone with my experience, loyalty, and dedication cannot find a job. This past summer, Gainesville was rated the number one city to live in the United States by Money magazine. I guess there`s a price to pay to live in such grandeur.
Debra A. Miller, RDH
Gainesville, Florida
