So, my question to you is, "How busy have you been at work?" According to the DPPS, Inc. database and calls from doctors, I would say it has been rather slow. At this point, I am at a loss for words. It gets tiresome writing about how slow it is, and how employment should be increasing, and how the economy needs to pick up.

DPPS receives calls monthly from concerned Dentists who have seen a decrease in patients, greater spans of open times, and less recall patients returning. They too have concerns for dentistry.

Not only am I concerned for veteran RDH’s, like myself, but for the newly graduating RDH’s. Where are they going to find employment when RDH 's, who have been practicing for years and have software knowledge, digital experience, certificates that enable them to do local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and even laser therapy, cannot find employment? One question that I keep pondering is, when will RDH’s get permission to work in schools, hospital settings, or even "big box" locations without supervision? If it takes going back to school to become Dental Hygiene Practitioners, such as Physician Assistants, then so be it. We need to move forward!

It is very frustrating as the owner of Dental Personnel, to have qualified RDH’s waiting to work, and jobs are not coming in. It is very frustrating as a RDH that I can’t find a job due to doctors not hiring due to lack of patients. However, I have the qualifications to go into a facility that needs our services, yet we are not currently allowed to do that.

Often I wonder if dentistry will one day be available in “big box” or corporate settings. For instance, who would have thought, (20 plus years ago), you could have tests performed or receive shots for an illness at a CVS or Walgreens? Who would have thought 30 years ago that a Pharmacist wouldn’t own the pharmacy. Now, it is the "big box" store that owns the pharmacy, and the Pharmacist works for them. I wonder if the dental settings will change and follow the lead of medicine. At one time, I thought dentistry was moving towards locations outside a “dental office” for instance; in 1986 I worked as a Dental Assistance, while waiting for my RDH license, at a Montgomery Ward’s store for a DDS. Sears still offers dental visits, but as far as I know, Sears is the only "big box" store that does offer dental services.

How long will it take Walgreens or CVS to jump on board? If they do, how long will it take for RDH’s to be able to practice like Physician Assistants? Will RDH’s ever have the opportunity to move forward? If so, what will it take?

These are just a few concerns and questions I have related to my profession. As always, I welcome your opinion. Feel free to agree or disagree, your comments can be posted on the blog on the left side of this newsletter under “blog.” However, I am not attempting to debate anyone over my opinion, which is that I feel RDH’s need to move forward in areas that are outside the walls of a dental office. I continue to hope as a RDH that our skills and knowledge can be utilized wherever they are needed, and opportunities can become available to those in our profession.

For those veterans out there, like myself, I am sure you remember employment opportunities prior to 2009. It would be nice to have opportunities like that once again, and also have the opportunity to serve those who cannot afford dentistry, help individuals who are in a hospital or rehabilitation type setting, and even young individuals in a school setting that may have parents who do not realize oral health is related to whole-health. It is time for us to move forward….I am ready, are you?

As of March 16th, DPPS has registered over 160 RDH’s to attend the DPPS March Seminar at the Holiday Inn, Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, sponsored by Philips Oral Health. On-line registration will be closed as of Wednesday March 20th. Participants have been sent an e-mail with information pertaining to this event. If you are registered and did not get any information, please call DPPS, Inc. Otherwise, we will see you at the event on March 24th. If you need directions, please Google the hotel address below.

Also, I would like to remind you that DPPS is raffling off 3 laptop computers and numerous other prizes at the event. Come prepared with some extra cash and your good-luck charm!

Once the March 24th event is over, DPPS will open up registration for the Sunday September 15, 2013, DPPS Fall Seminar page so you can pre-register. All information will be posted on this site on March 25th.

Feel free to add your comments to the blog

Here are responses to the last blog question: Should Registered Dental Hygienists form a union? What do you think?

Lisa Pontow Date 6/17/2011 1:22:39 AM As a whole we are more powerful than individual.

Sue Hoelzel Date 7/23/2011 3:54:39 PM Yes. I have been in favor of unionizing for many years. However, doctors may try to undercut members by hiring "scabs". "Scabs is a term used by union members to describe workers who work for less than standard union wages and forgo benefits that union members enjoy. I'm sure dentists would love to hire hygienists who are not union, just to pay less per hour. And, because of the current surplus of hygienists in the U.S , some hygienists may "cross the picket line" just to get work for any amoun

Nina Garaffo Date 1/8/2012 6:54:19 PM Been wanting union for 30 years! Dental Assistant

Charmane Ward Date 1/12/2012 11:43:59 PM YES! We need a Union.

Charmane Ward,Rdh Date 1/12/2012 11:44:34 PM YES! We need a Union.

Sue Hoelzel Date 1/13/2012 1:35:20 PM The Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the strongest unions of all, can teach a group of professionals how to unionize, step by step. Then, the group being taught would take a collective vote to see if the members wanted to be unionized. So, let us begin talking to the I.B,E.W union leaders. Has anyone looked at the wages and benefits that occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants enjoy? Boy, dental hygienist are not getting what they are worth.

Sue Hoelzel Date 3/14/2012 12:27:56 AM iI am wondering how may hygienists are out of work, or have been laiid-off?

Cindy Schwerer Date 7/5/2012 2:12:20 PM I think this is an excellent idea. Drs need to know that they are not Gods

marcia senek Date 9/9/2012 10:21:22 PM Just a thought..How will unionizing at this time be different than the other attempts? How about offering a real benefit for joining our professional organization? Getting active in ADHA to organize group insurance and/or a retirement fund might be one way to begin. I believe this will attract members, members will increase our voice. RDH's as a group could be very powerful, unfortunately only when personal circumstances are adversely affected does there appear to be mild interest in doing

Shauna Jones Date 9/10/2012 10:27:11 AM Please please please get us a union!!!!! This would strengthen our positions as a whole and give us the support we need and deserve..... I will join the board just to see that we get a union!!!

marcia senek Date 9/11/2012 12:15:07 AM years ago there were meetings trying to organize no one showed up...does anyone remember?

marcia senek Date 9/11/2012 12:18:52 AM only a few people,cared enough to listen to what was being offered.

marcia senek Date 9/11/2012 12:32:03 AM here is the real reason... nobody cares!!!! everyone is waiting for the next person to do the work. If you think outside the boxt you are ostricized. So, Its the same tired old ideas. Instead of saying get us a union why not you???


K. Karwoski, RDH, MA
DPPS, Inc. President