That’s me on the right and my fellow male dental hygiene student in hygiene school 7+ years ago. We had three male students in our class, which was more than usual.
Because I have an online presence (WordPress blog, YouTube channel, Facebook Page, etc.) with an overall dental theme, I get a lot of dental related questions almost daily. And because I happen to be a male dental hygienist, some of those questions are from guys who want to be a dental hygienist, but have concerns about the low number of men in the field. They always have more than one question, but the primary question always seems to be, “Will I have trouble finding employment in this field because I am male?” This blog post is my general response to that common question.
My Personal Experience
Have I experienced explicit gender discrimination in the dental field? Yes, but not very much. For example, I have been a hygienist for seven years now, and over those seven years I would say I’ve had at least 15 patients request a female hygienist. And my employers (and hygiene school) fulfilled those requests, as they should, in my opinion (some would argue that they shouldn’t have that legal right). In all those cases, the patients weren’t requesting a specific female hygienist (most were new patients). They just wanted any female hygienist. I’ve never had anyone, that I’m aware of at least, specifically request a male hygienist (or a male dentist for that matter). It seems that many patients, for various reasons, just prefer having a female hygienist, and I’m sure many employers factor that in when hiring. Have I lost job opportunities because I am male? I have no idea and I have no way of really knowing, but even if it did happen, I have no problem with it. I believe employers and patients have every right to discriminate in this way.
Male Experience in General
If you Google “male dental hygienist discrimination” you will get a lot of hits, but most of those links lead you to pretty anecdotal information. But one good piece of information that does pop up is from “The Wealthy Dentist” website, which conducted a survey in 2009 (123 respondents), that asked about hiring male hygienists. Here’s the conclusion of that survey. “Only 70% of dentists in this survey said they would hire a male hygienist if he were the most qualified candidate for the job. Twenty-three percent probably would not, and 7% admitted they flat-out wouldn’t hire a man.” In the last few days, I conducted my own survey on one of the popular dental forums and received 83 responses. Question and results below.
If all factors were equal, except for gender, who would you prefer to hire?
- male hygienist (17%)
- female hygienist (59%)
- gender makes no difference (24%)
Keep in mind, this is no scientific poll by any means, but the results are still pretty interesting. Is there a slight bias against male hygienists? There seems to be, but should male hygienists be concerned? I don’t think so.
Should I do it bro or should I run away from this profession as fast as I can?
If you feel dental hygiene is a career you would enjoy, I say go for it. Don’t let a little discrimination keep you away from it. Also keep in mind that it’s not all negative out there for male hygienists. For example, many male dentists would love to have another guy around, especially in offices that only have female employees. To answer the original question, is there a place for male dental hygienists in dentistry? Absolutely, but just don’t expect that place to be everywhere.
Links:
http://thewealthydentist.com/surveyresults/131-male-dental-hygienists.htm/
I would rather have a male hygienist than a male nurse. I don’t see the difference really when it comes to getting your teeth cleaned.
I think dirty old men would prefer a female hygienist : ). Remember that guy in hygiene school?
Thank you for sharing! I’m a male dental hygienist and have been practicing for six years. From my own experience, I’ve been very fortunate to have patients accept me, even embrace me to be their secondary provider. Although I have been reminded of my gender on a number of times when I work, I have had positive experiences with both employers and patients. I believe it’s how you make it. If you remain positive and truly care for the patients’ well-being, people will see that and see you as a positive asset to the practice. Good luck to those considering the dental hygiene field as a career.
Hello Jayson
I would much much rather have a Male Dental Hygienist & I am a female, had really really mean female dental nurses that held me down for fillings etc between 4 & 10 & verbally nasty.
I have a male dentist now & he does the hygienist thing too.
My brother & my friend both go to the female dentist at the same practice & say she is rough.
I have requested if my dentist ever away or sick I get another male @ the same practice.
I have all male doctors etc & it’s fine. I work with all men as well, it’s good
Hi Jayson, thanks for sharing. I am interested in becoming a dental hygienist. Is there any advice you could give at all? I’m in my mid 20’s and I was thinking about joining Cypress College Dental Hygienist program.
I graduated Dental Hygiene School in 1983. I am the first Male graduate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. I have been practicing ever since. I have been in the same office for 30 years. Until recently I worked in 2 offices. The other practice I worked 25 yrs. I join the Faculty at New York University in 1993 as Clinical Instructor. I have been teaching ever since. In 1994 I was hired by the Saudi Arabian Government to work for the Aramco Oil Company as both Clinical Instructor and Clinician. I have had to face many obstacles in my career. I still deal with unfair wages, longer hours and limited respect for what Hygienist bring to the practice. Patients have accepted me as the Male Hygienist. Dentist are still skeptical or expect more. While I have been fortunate to be at the same office for 30 years, it still is a daily challenge. I should be treated as the “Specialist” I certainly have become. Many Dentist still view the Dental Hygienist as a glorified Dental Assistant. The office manger are treated with more respect. Our constant and substantial financial contribution should allow us a greater presence with a salary reflecting. In the Northeast region of the country Dentist are make 75-90% of the production of work generated by Dental Hygienist. Most still refuse to offer full time hours to avoid paying pensions and healthcare insurance. Believe it or not, some Dentist still only allow 30 minutes for Oral Prophylaxis and 45 minutes for 4 Quadants of Scaling and Root Planing. The average cost Prophylaxis in New York can start at $195. Dentist are making a killing with the Hygienist’s hands. This needs to be addressed. Why are not Dental Hygiene Specialist treated with the same respect and financial compensation as any other “Specialist” out sourced by the Dentist. Why do we not share the same breakdown percentages for the service we provide. It is time for a change in the Northeast!
I only let men touch me generally. This basically means no dental care whatsoever. (I’m a trans male, so that might make a difference and women are more judgmental in my experience.) Keep breaking into the field. Until our requests are met, many will go without this service.
Of course they do, its a great business especially when you work for yourself and contract yourself out.
I am a female & would far rather have a Male Dentist & Hygienist, u should be allowed to choose your Dentist & Hygienist same as u do a Dr! I have had bad experiences with Females when little, & also had a Male Dentist from age 11 – 37 & when I went to my new Dentist for a 15 minute appointment he said your teeth are excellent but u have gingivitis, come back in a mth I should really book u up with the Dental Hygienists but they growl @ u as they ladies. we both laughed, LUV his sense of humour!!!!! OK they possibly don’t, but get me in a chair with a lady, NO WAY, I wouldn’t even bother gng to the Dentist ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a dentist from India, migrating to Canada . Planning to do dental hygienist programme. But I am sceptical about joining it as in my google searches I have found there every where there are only female dental hygienists. So I am scared about my decision.. kindly help me ..
Dr Singh,
Have no worries. Male hygienists are very accepted in the US and I’m sure it’s the same in Canada. I don’t know if you’re interested in living in Florida, but it’s the only state that allows foreign trained dentists to become hygienists WITHOUT going to hygiene school.
Mark
Thanks for sharing! I am currently in my mid 20’s working in the IT/Sales field. I have been looking for a career change and I have thought about attending Cypress college Dental Hygienist program. I was speaking with their dental program counselor and she said it would be good for me to join since there aren’t many males that attend the program. My current dentist I go to has a male Dental Hygienist and he’s been very chill and professional ever since I met him. I know since there aren’t lots of males in the field it could be seen as a bad thing, but I believe in today’s times there are more males joining the health and dental fields. I have been hesitant about going down this career path, but maybe I should just go for it!? Any help is appreciated! 🙂
If the field looks interesting to you, then I say go for it. Being male won’t hold you back.