Dental Hygienist "Woman's work" in Ireland and the U.S.?

NJto.IE

When I was in the military, all of my dental hygienists were men. They did a fine job. I looked into it as a possible career choice and was warned off by friends, family and those in field. The dentist even said I would have trouble getting a job, because most dentists prefer a woman exclusively.

Is it for fear of perverts, who prey on children and adults when they are incapacitated?

I've also been told that my hands are too broad and hairy. Not something that is going to be able to manoeuvre in someone's mouth.

That job is one of the best paying for the amount of training time invested, would have liked to give it a shot.

stannis

If people think that, they're fools. All of my dentists have been men and all were extremely competent. I've never once in my life heard anyone say that dentistry is a woman's job. But i'm just one person - what about other's experiences?

NJto.IE

All of my Dentists were men as well, but I was thinking of the hygienist. The person who cleans your teeth and prepares you before the dentist sees you.

stannis

D'oh. I replied without reading carefully.

NJto.IE

It gives a bump.

Seriously?

NJto.IE wrote: »

I've also been told that my hands are too broad and hairy. Not something that is going to be able to manoeuvre in someone's mouth.

As a reason that strikes me as odd. After all surely a male dentist would also have large 'hairy' hands and they're the ones doing the actual delicate stuff.

NJto.IE

Seriously? wrote: »

As a reason that strikes me as odd. After all surely a male dentist would also have large 'hairy' hands and they're the ones doing the actual delicate stuff.

And the hygienist normally wears medical gloves, right? Maybe they were just trying to get around saying I would look effeminate doing that "woman's job." Or they were just talking out of their arse.

Seriously?

NJto.IE wrote: »

And the hygienist normally wears medical gloves, right? Maybe they were just trying to get around saying I would look effeminate doing that "woman's job." Or they were just talking out of their arse.

The last time I was at the dentist which was a few weeks back they all wore gloves. And that was a male dentist, so take from that what you will.

Personally I'm not sure I'd want to be attending a dentist who didn't wear and dispose of gloves between patients.

NJto.IE

Seriously? wrote: »

The last time I was at the dentist which was a few weeks back they all wore gloves. And that was a male dentist, so take from that what you will.

Personally I'm not sure I'd want to be attending a dentist who didn't wear and dispose of gloves between patients.

Just to be clear, I was asking about the dental hygienist in my original post. I'm pretty sure that's what the position is called in Ireland. The hygienist is the person who cleans your teeth and gums before the doctor has a look at you. It's a 2-3 year program here in the U.S..

bureau2009

NJto.IE wrote: »

When I was in the military, all of my dental hygienists were men. They did a fine job. I looked into it as a possible career choice and was warned off by friends, family and those in field. The dentist even said I would have trouble getting a job, because most dentists prefer a woman exclusively.

Is it for fear of perverts, who prey on children and adults when they are incapacitated?

I've also been told that my hands are too broad and hairy. Not something that is going to be able to manoeuvre in someone's mouth.

That job is one of the best paying for the amount of training time invested, would have liked to give it a shot.

Places on the Dental Hygienist course in Ireland are open to everyone, male and female. As many applicants probably have a background in Dental Nursing it's likely to be female dominated. However, there's no reason why a guy can't become a Dental Hygienist.

There's a Dental Forum on Boards.ie where several Dentists contribute. Maybe post something there and get some more information from within the Irish profession.

Pat Mustard

Mod:

This thread is not suitable for this forum.

If the premise is 'is it possible for a man to get a job as a dental hygienist in this country' then it might be appropriate for the dental forum, rather than this forum.

In any event, your trolly thread isn't welcome on this forum, OP.

Thread locked.

OP, please don't open any more threads on this forum for a period of three weeks.