Considering a transition from full-time dental hygiene to part-time work—whether within the dental office or in broader healthcare settings—is a tough but brave decision, especially given the physical demands of the profession. Studies have shown that over 90% of dental hygienists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders at some point in their careers, with the neck, shoulders, and wrists being most affected (Hayes et al., 2009). If you're feeling the toll of full-time clinical work, you're not alone—and there are ways to pivot while still using your skills and knowledge meaningfully.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you explore this transition with the support of Beyond Dental Hygiene and our network:

Begin with career coaching with Sharon Dolak. Sharon’s coaching is ideal if you’re still figuring out what your part-time options are. She helps hygienists clarify their strengths, explore aligned career paths, and develop action plans that fit their life stage and values.

Join a paid small-group class to get tailored support in areas like resume writing, or interview prep. These classes are designed by hygienists for hygienists, so they speak directly to your background and goals.

Book a 1:1 resume or interview prep session. If you're actively applying for new roles, this personalized support can help you confidently articulate your experience and make a strong first impression.

Explore the Leadership Certificate Program through the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists. This virtual course is perfect if you’re ready to grow into a leadership role or transition into education, administration, or advocacy within healthcare. BONUS: the capstone can be done in the dental office, and can help you build your non-clinical skills while you work!

No matter where you're starting, you're not alone—and with the right support, your next chapter can be just as meaningful as your clinical work, with less strain on your body and more alignment with your long-term goals.

If you’re feeling bored or unchallenged in your role as a dental hygienist, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed or lost your passion. In fact, research shows that the average career span for a dental hygienist is only about 8–11 years (ADHA, 2023), often due to limited advancement opportunities or physical fatigue. But boredom can also be a sign that you’re ready to grow—whether within the dental office or in broader areas of healthcare. There are meaningful, challenging paths available that let you use your knowledge in new and exciting ways.

Here’s a step-by-step way to start exploring what’s next with Beyond Dental Hygiene:

Start with free resources on the Beyond Dental Hygiene website. You’ll find career snapshots, and tools that outline your transferable skills and introduce non-clinical career paths in healthcare and beyond.

Work with career coach Sharon Dolak. Sharon specializes in helping hygienists navigate career transitions with clarity and purpose. She’ll help you explore options, identify your strengths, and take practical steps toward a more fulfilling role.

Join a paid small-group class to learn about project management, public health, and other hygiene-adjacent opportunities that might interest you.

Consider the Leadership Certificate Program through the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists. Hygienists are natural leaders, and our potential is underutilized. Learn more about your existing skillset and how to leverage it. You could find a new project to hold your interest in the office, discover and fall in love with mentoring, or learn that you prefer to carry these skills into a different career.

You don’t have to settle for going through the motions—there are exciting, challenging ways to grow your career while still building on everything you’ve learned as a hygienist.

If you're thinking about leaving dental hygiene altogether—whether to stay in healthcare or explore something entirely different—know that your feelings are valid. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene found that nearly 1 in 3 dental hygienists report moderate to high levels of burnout, with mental and emotional strain cited as key factors in career dissatisfaction. Wanting something different doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re listening to yourself and ready for change. You deserve work that energizes you, supports your well-being, and aligns with who you are now.

Here’s how Beyond Dental Hygiene can support your journey, step by step:

Start with the free resources on the Beyond Dental Hygiene website. These include career snapshots, self-assessment tools, and blogs that explore what it’s like to transition out of hygiene, with examples from others who’ve done it.

Join a paid small-group class to explore career options, learn how to reframe your hygiene experience for other industries, and start building new skills.

Book a 1:1 resume or interview prep session to get personalized support in telling your story with confidence—whether you’re applying in healthcare, admin, tech, education, or somewhere totally new.

Connect with career coach Sharon Dolak. Sharon helps hygienists like you explore options, identify strengths, and create a step-by-step transition plan that fits your life and goals.

Change is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone—and there are tools and people ready to support you in building a future that feels right.