Dental Hygenists please answer?!

Dental Hygenists please answer?

I just finished my associates degree and was planning on getting into teaching. Now, I'm second guessing and wondering if getting a degree to be a dental hygenist would be better. If you do this job can you help me decide if I should get into it or stick with the teaching. How much money do you make? Do you get good benefits? Does the job suck? Is the schooling really hard? How long does the schooling take if you have an associates degree already? And last...How do you find a school that offers that program? I know thats alot of questions but I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

I love being a hygienist!!! I have been practicing for three years in private practice. I make $30 an hour and work in a very small town in Ohio. I work 32 hours a week (4 days) and made $52,000 last year. No late nights or weekends! I have health benefits, free dental for my family, disability, driving allowance, monthly bonuses, free uniforms, 401K and profit sharing. My continuing education is also paid for. I have a bachelors degree but the majority of the training is the same and all the licensing is the same if I would have went through a different program. The training will take a least 2 years. The school was tough and takes up most of your time- there is no part-time in hygiene school! Make sure you love to work with people and aren't skidish about the mouth! You see some nasty stuff! As far as finding a school call local colleges or check on line. You could also ask area hygienists or job shadow to see if it may be for you!