Are you a dental hygienist with a passion for adventure? The career of a Traveling Dental Hygienist offers a unique blend of professional fulfillment and the excitement of exploring new places. In today’s healthcare landscape, the demand for skilled dental hygienists is on the rise, creating fantastic opportunities for those willing to embrace a mobile lifestyle. If you’re seeking a career path that breaks free from the traditional office setting and allows you to see the country while advancing your skills, becoming a traveling dental hygienist might be the perfect choice for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to embark on this rewarding journey.
What It Takes to Become a Travel RDH
Becoming a traveling Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) involves several key steps and qualifications. While the prospect of travel and diverse work environments is enticing, it’s important to understand the foundational requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:
1) Active Dental Hygiene License
The cornerstone of your travel RDH career is holding a valid dental hygiene license in the state where you intend to practice. Licensing regulations vary from state to state, and it’s crucial to ensure you meet the specific requirements of each location. While this might seem daunting, many travel dental agencies specialize in assisting hygienists with the licensing process. These agencies often have streamlined procedures and expertise to expedite your application, making the transition to working in a new state as smooth as possible. They can guide you through the necessary paperwork and help you understand any state-specific exams or certifications you might need.
2) Flexibility and Mobility
The name itself implies the need for flexibility! A traveling dental hygienist career is ideal for individuals who thrive on change and can adapt to new environments quickly. This lifestyle is particularly well-suited for those who are unencumbered by homeownership ties or family responsibilities that restrict mobility. If you’re an empty nester, a young professional, or have a partner with a remote career, the travel RDH path can be exceptionally appealing. The ability to relocate for assignments lasting from a few weeks to several months is fundamental.
3) Up-to-Date Credentials
Beyond your dental hygiene license, maintaining current professional credentials is vital. This includes certifications like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), up-to-date immunization records, and certifications in specialized areas such as nitrous oxide administration and local anesthesia, if applicable in your practice and required by the states you wish to work in. Furthermore, a clean professional record is essential. Any disciplinary actions or issues associated with your dental hygiene license could hinder your ability to obtain licenses in new states or secure travel assignments.
4) Partnering with a Travel Dental Agency
Navigating the world of travel dental hygiene is significantly easier with the support of a reputable travel RDH temp agency or utilizing a dental temping app. These agencies act as intermediaries, connecting you with dental practices in need of temporary staffing across various locations. A key advantage of working with an agency is their assistance in finding travel assignments, and in many cases, they provide housing solutions, sometimes even offering corporate housing at no cost. Agencies ensure you have consistent work opportunities in your desired geographical areas, providing stability and peace of mind in your travel career. The more adaptable you are regarding location and assignment type, the greater your chances of securing desirable traveling dental hygienist positions.
Navigating Certifications and Licensing Across States
Understanding the nuances of dental hygiene licensure across different states is crucial for aspiring travel RDHs. Unlike some professions with national licensing, dental hygiene licenses are typically state-specific. This means that transferring your license from one state to another isn’t always a straightforward process. It often involves submitting detailed applications to each state’s dental board and potentially fulfilling additional requirements.
These requirements can include jurisprudence exams, which test your knowledge of the specific state’s dental laws and regulations. In some instances, you might even need to obtain additional certifications specific to a state, such as for administering nitrous oxide. The complexity of this process underscores the value of partnering with a travel dental staffing agency. These agencies are experienced in navigating the licensing procedures of various states. They can provide invaluable assistance in compiling your paperwork, guiding you through each step, and expediting the process of obtaining your RDH license in new locations. Their expertise can significantly reduce the administrative burden and accelerate your ability to start working in your desired travel destinations.
The Perks of Choosing a Travel Dental Hygiene Career
Becoming a traveling dental hygienist opens the door to a range of unique benefits, mirroring the advantages enjoyed by travel nurses who have long embraced mobile careers. The increasing demand for dental hygienists in various regions makes travel RDH positions readily available, even for those new to this career path. Here are some compelling advantages of choosing a more mobile trajectory in your dental hygiene career:
1) Embrace the Adventure of Travel
For those with wanderlust, the travel aspect is undeniably a major draw. As a travel RDH, you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different communities for weeks or months at a time, locations you might only dream of visiting otherwise. Think of it as an extended, immersive form of tourism. Instead of a fleeting vacation, you have the time to truly explore your surroundings during your days off and evenings, discovering local culture, cuisine, and attractions at a relaxed pace.
2) Boost Your Earning Potential
Financially, travel dental hygiene can be highly rewarding. Even within traditional temping, hygienists often command higher hourly rates compared to permanent positions. As a travel RDH, this earning potential can increase even further. Depending on the states you travel between, and the demand in specific locations, you may see a significant increase in your hourly wage, sometimes as much as $25 per hour more than your regular rate. Factors such as geographical location, your availability, and the agency you work with all play a role in determining your compensation, but the potential for higher earnings is a consistent benefit.
3) Professional Enrichment and Personal Growth
Stepping outside of your comfort zone and experiencing new places and people is incredibly enriching. As a travel RDH, you’ll gain exposure to a variety of dental practices, from general dentistry to specialized clinics and even research facilities – opportunities that might be scarce in your hometown. This diverse experience broadens your skill set, deepens your knowledge, and fosters continuous learning on the job. If you’re considering specializing in a particular area of dentistry, travel temping provides a valuable avenue to “try before you commit,” gaining firsthand experience in different specialties before making long-term career decisions.
4) Unparalleled Flexibility and Control
Flexibility is a hallmark of both traditional dental hygiene temping and travel RDH positions. You have a significant degree of control over where you work, when you work, and how often. Want to spend your weeks exploring national parks and work only a few days a week? Or perhaps you prefer working full-time for a few months in one state and then moving to another? The choice is largely yours. This level of autonomy allows for a unique work-life balance tailored to your personal preferences and travel aspirations.
5) Expand Your Professional Network
Traditional dental hygiene roles often involve working within the same team, which, while comfortable, can limit your professional circle. Travel RDH positions, however, inherently expand your network exponentially. If you have ambitions in areas like dental research, education, peer review, or product development, networking is invaluable. Traveling exposes you to industry leaders, diverse practice philosophies, and professional events in various locations, opportunities you might otherwise miss, creating connections that can propel your career forward.
6) Develop Leadership and Independence
There’s an inherent element of self-direction and entrepreneurship in being a traveling hygienist. You are, in essence, taking charge of your career trajectory, making deliberate choices about where your skills and expertise are applied. Travel RDHs are often perceived as highly professional and adaptable by employers and colleagues. Embracing a travel career demonstrates initiative and a willingness to step outside conventional career paths, qualities that are highly valued in the dental field.
Getting Started on Your Travel RDH Journey
Embarking on a career as a traveling dental hygienist is more accessible than you might think. Here’s how to take the first steps:
Within Your Current State:
For a taste of travel dental hygiene without crossing state lines, start by exploring opportunities within your current state. Download dental temping apps like onDiem or similar platforms to create your profile and connect with local staffing agencies. Ensure your profile is complete with a professional photo, your desired salary range, and the geographical areas within your state where you’re willing to work.
Across State Lines:
When you’re ready to expand your horizons and work in different states, partner with a travel dental staffing agency that specializes in nationwide placements. Look for agencies that offer comprehensive support, including assistance with housing – ideally agencies that provide corporate housing options or help you find affordable short-term rentals in your assignment locations.
Essential Paperwork:
Be prepared to have all your professional documentation readily available. This includes copies of your dental hygiene license, records of your continuing education (CE) hours, and any specialized certifications you hold. Keeping these documents organized and accessible will streamline the application and onboarding processes for travel assignments.
Pack Your Bags:
Once you’re set, pack efficiently! Focus on travel essentials and bring a few sets of scrubs to ensure you’re prepared for your assignments. If you’re utilizing corporate housing, it’s typically furnished, simplifying your packing needs. For those opting for Airbnb or similar accommodations, consider what amenities are provided to pack accordingly.
How To Travel And Work As A Dental Hygienist
The path to becoming a traveling dental hygienist is increasingly clear and supported, especially with the growth of dental staffing agencies specializing in travel positions. If you are organized, adaptable, and perhaps have the flexibility of being single or having a partner with a remote career, this career move can be exceptionally smooth. The foundational step is ensuring you hold an active RDH license in at least one state. From there, you can choose to explore travel opportunities within your licensed state or work with a placement agency to navigate the process of obtaining licenses in other states you wish to visit. As travel RDH roles become more prevalent and recognized, leveraging the expertise of a reputable temping agency is key to making your transition seamless and successful.
