There are pros and cons to both being an employee or a short-term professional as a dental hygienist. Some people may feel more secure having a steady job with benefits, while others may prefer the freedom of being their own boss and setting their own hours.
In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of each option so that you can make the best decision for your career!
What Does it Mean to Be an Employee?
As an employee, you will typically work for one dental office and have a set schedule. You may receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation days. You may also have more job security since you are not at risk of losing your job if the dental office has a slow month.
On the downside, you may have less flexibility with your schedule and may have to work around the dental office’s hours. You may also be paid less per hour than if you were an independent contractor.
What Does it Mean to Be an Independent Contractor?
As a short-term professional, you will typically work for multiple dental offices and can set your own schedule. You will usually not receive benefits such as health insurance or paid vacation days. However, you may be able to charge more per hour than if you were an employee. You will also have more flexibility with your schedule.
On the downside, you may have less job security since you can be fired at any time and are not guaranteed a certain number of hours per week. Also, as an independent contractor, you are responsible for paying your own taxes.
Which is Right For You?
So, which is better? As you can see, there are pros and cons to both being an employee or a short-term professional as a dental hygienist. It really depends on what is important to you and what will work best for your career. Let's ask ourselves some questions.
Do you prefer having a set schedule or more flexibility?
If you prefer having a set schedule, then being an employee may be the better option for you. If you prefer more flexibility, then being a short-term professional is probably the direction you should go in.
Do you want to work for one dental office or multiple offices?
If you want to work for one office, then being an employee is the way to go. On the contrary, if you want to work for multiple offices, then being a short-term professional would be a better fit.
What is more important to you: job security or earning potential?
Let's face it. In today's economy, nothing is certain. So, if having a steady job is more important to you, then being an employee may provide more security for you.
But considering the fact you often have the potential as a short-term professional to make more money per hour, then going that route could be more beneficial for you in the long run.
Do you rely on benefits such as health insurance or paid vacation days?
If you do, then being an employee is probably the best option since most short-term professional do not receive benefits.
Asking yourself these questions can help you better decide if being an employee or a short-term professional as a dental hygienist is right for you!
Final Thoughts
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding if being an employee or a short-term professional as a dental hygienist is better for you. It really depends on your individual preferences and what will work best for your career. Do some soul searching and ask yourself the questions we listed above to make an informed decision.
And next time you are looking for a new job in the dental field, look towards Stynt. Since we have a database of dental positions across the entire country, we can help you find the right job for you!
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