Police Officer to Dental Hygienist/Dentist?

Being a Police Officer allows me to experience tons of new things, always have challenges and problems to solve etc, but the job stress and the stress on family life is a killer.





I haven't been with my family for a Holiday in about 2 years, and my hours (days or nights) are at the whim of the Department. Can it be rewarding and challenging, oh yeah, but honestly I'd rather spend more time with my family leading a normal life.





For this I'm looking into what was my second love as a kid, Dentistry. Only problem is I've got my fiancée, a life right now, and no financial backing. Schooling for Dentistry is a full time job, so I don't know if I can afford it (not the school itself, but living, rent, food, etc). That's why I'm looking at Dental Hygienist. Less financial burden, it seems to pull in a dang fine wage compared to what I make, almost double according to salary sites. Normal hours, less stress, Holidays with family, no Hurricane duty away from family. Good idea?

Police Officer to Dental Hygienist/Dentist?
Yes, dental school is indeed a full-time commitment and it is indeed expensive, but the good news is that dental schools usually will help you arrange low-interest student loans which will also cover your living expenses while you are in school.





You will indeed rack up quite a debt when you graduate from dental school though.. In the neighborhood of $250K-$300K range if you attended a private university dental school, or $150K-$200K range if you attended a state dental school in your state of residence (if your state has one). However, this is usually not a problem because a dentist can usually earn enough to cover the monthly student loan payments.





There are also Health Professions Scholarship Programs with the armed forces and other government agencies that will pay your entire dental school tuition and living stipend, but you need to serve several years after you graduate.





It will help immensely to have a very supportive spouse.





Also, before you can get into dental school, you need to have taken the prerequisite pre-dental college courses. That means those who never took pre-dental courses while in college will have to go back and take those courses in a post-bacculaureate program (which also costs money in tuition).





Hope this helps.
Reply:I think it's a great idea! It's only a 2 year program usually, but they can be competitive to get into. The hours are much more stable, all the usual days off, the pay is about twice what my husband(also a cop) makes, and no one will shoot at you! :) If you really love dentistry, then look into grants and loans just for dental students. There are some.





Good luck with your decision.
Reply:Yes, I know when my hubby worked on "the force" we hardly had an average life, especially with my working hours/days with his working schedule, court, etc.





I don't know how long it takes to become a hygentist but I know a dentist is a long haul.





Call the university of dental school near you and see if they have any scholarships or WICHE grants for either profession. If it is a profession in need, many have financial help.





Another suggestion, did you consider joining the school police force or your local university police force, with all your valuable experience. Or, going after a court baliff or marshall position?





Good luck
Reply:Dont be fooled thinking dental hygiene school will be any easier. it is also a FULL TIME JOB. You cant really work and they recommend that you dont work while in hygiene school.


Mostly women are DH too. So be prepared to be thought of as gay and the only man in the program. Being a DH has the stereotype that Nurses used to have...that it is a female job.


Dental hygiene is hard to get into the program and it is only taught during the day. For the second semester you may have to find all your own patients (which I had to do which was hard because cleanings take 4+ hours, 2 visits.).
Reply:I say GO FOR IT!!!





If your heart is set on it, then do what you need to do. As a dental hygienist, you can make your own schedule since you'll most likely be an independant contractor... one day a week, two days a week... work whatever hours you feel you need to work!





Most community colleges offer Dental Hygiene, so look into them. You can probably start your pre-requisites part time, and then slam right into full time once those are completed.





Good Luck to you!





:)