If you’ve been working as a dental hygienist for years, you might find yourself asking, “What’s next?” Clinical work is rewarding, but many dental hygienists are looking for more, more variety, more challenge, more opportunity to make a broader impact. Have you considered becoming a dental hygiene consultant?
The transition from clinician to consultant isn’t always an obvious one, but it’s one that could open up a world of possibilities. To be a successful consultant, you need more than just clinical experience. You need a strong understanding of business, systems, and the ability to educate and influence others. As a consultant, you’ll work with dental teams to enhance their practices, streamline processes, and elevate patient care. You will be the bridge that connects clinical expertise with operational excellence, providing guidance on everything from patient communication to office efficiency.
Beyond your clinical knowledge, a successful dental hygiene consultant needs to be a problem solver, a leader, and a communicator. You’ll be advising on business strategies, systems optimization, and team collaboration, which requires an understanding of both the dental industry and the broader healthcare landscape. Effective leadership and the ability to foster relationships with dental teams and patients will be essential for you to drive real change.
Statistics show that dental hygienists are already underutilized in the Canadian healthcare system. In fact, a 2019 study by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association revealed that 50% of Canadian hygienists believe they could be doing more in their careers beyond just clinical work. There is a clear gap for skilled professionals to step in and help dental teams improve their practice while enhancing their own professional growth.
If you’re passionate about the field and eager to expand your horizons, becoming a dental hygiene consultant could be the next powerful step in your career. It’s your time to think big and lead the way.