Disclosure: This article is sponsored content from Heartland Dental as part of our sponsored partner program.
As a dental hygienist, you spend your days focused on your patients’ health, but how often do you take the time to reflect on your own career and growth? Your career satisfaction matters just as much as your clinical skills. Whether you’re feeling burned out, underappreciated, or simply uncertain about your next step, asking the right questions can help you determine if it’s time to explore new job opportunities.
Here are 10 essential questions to ask yourself when considering a change in your career and what to think about when answering them.
1) Do I dread going to work more days than not?
It’s normal to have tough days, but if you’re regularly dreading your work day, it’s a sign that something might be off. Whether it’s a work culture that’s not quite a fit, burnout, or a lack of support, consistent feelings of dread can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Ask yourself if your practice offers a positive work environment, clear expectations, and reliable support when challenges arise. Feeling encouraged, motivated, and part of a team can make all the difference in your day-to-day happiness and long-term career success.
2) Am I still growing professionally in this role?
The dental field is constantly evolving, and so should your career. If you’re no longer being encouraged to take on new challenges, it could be a sign that your current job isn’t fostering the professional growth you need. Your career should be an ongoing learning experience, not a stationary job.
Ask yourself whether your practice offers opportunities for continuing education and provides clear paths to grow your clinical skills. A great workplace invests in your development and encourages you to learn, grow, and stay engaged as both a clinician and a leader.
3) Do I feel respected and valued by my team?
Respect in a practice goes beyond polite interactions – it means being acknowledged for your expertise, trusted for your clinical judgment, and valued for the role you play in delivering patient care. If you feel like your contributions are sometimes overlooked or undervalued, your work satisfaction and clinical confidence can suffer.
Ask yourself whether your input is acknowledged, your clinical contributions are recognized, and your voice is heard in a meaningful way. When respect is part of the culture, it doesn’t just strengthen your confidence, it strengthens patient care, too.
4) Am I fairly compensated for my work and experience?
Compensation is more than just an hourly rate. It’s the benefits, bonuses, and perks, like flexible schedules or paid time off, that come with working in your practice. Compensation should be comprehensive and set you up for success both personally and professionally.
Ask yourself whether your current compensation package aligns with your contributions and can support both your personal and professional goals. If not, it may be time to explore opportunities with practices that offer a real investment in you and your growth.
5) Do I have a healthy work-life balance?
Even the most passionate dental hygienist can experience burnout without proper time to recharge. Practices that prioritize work-life balance understand that employee well-being is essential to delivering high-quality patient care and overall job satisfaction.
Ask yourself whether your current schedule truly supports your well-being both inside and outside of the practice. Do you have opportunities for flexible scheduling, part-time work, or the ability to take time off when you need? When you have time to rest and reset, you bring your best self to your patients and your team.
Download your free career satisfaction checklist here.
6) Are my values aligned with the office culture?
Workplace culture is more than the day-to-day – it’s shaped by the values that guide how your practice communicates, collaborates, and delivers patient care. Your practice should hold values that mirror your own beliefs, such as a commitment to quality, integrity, and mutual respect.
Ask yourself whether your values are reflected in how your team communicates, handles challenges, and treats one another. If there’s a disconnect, it may be time to find a better fit. When your environment reflects what matters to you, it fosters professional growth and motivates you to show up as the best version of yourself.
7) Does the work environment foster positivity and collaboration?
A supportive work environment is essential to both your job satisfaction and long-term success. Does your practice encourage open communication, teamwork, and a culture of mutual respect? If the environment feels disorganized, tense, or isolating, it can affect not just your mood, but your ability to do your best work.
Ask yourself whether you feel included, heard, and genuinely supported by your team. Practices that prioritize collaboration create opportunities for healthier workplaces, exceptional patient care, and more fulfilled teams. When you’re part of a positive team dynamic, you’re more likely to stay engaged, grow professionally, and enjoy coming to work each day.
8) Do I feel supported in difficult situations?
Challenging patients, scheduling snafus, or team disagreements are inevitable in any dental practice. What sets a healthy workplace apart is how leadership and colleagues rally when those moments arise. Knowing you have support, whether it’s quick guidance from a mentor, clear protocols, or easy access to resources, can turn a stressful event into a manageable learning experience.
Ask yourself whether you have trusted people and proven systems to lean on when things get tough. If you’re often left to navigate crises alone, the strain can quickly snowball into burnout. Feeling consistently backed by your team isn’t a luxury – it’s a safeguard for both your well-being and the quality of care you provide.
9) Am I staying here just because it’s comfortable?
Familiarity can feel safe, but it can also keep you stuck. Staying in a role simply because it’s comfortable may prevent you from exploring opportunities that offer greater growth, flexibility, or fulfillment. Over time, comfort can quietly turn into complacency.
Ask yourself whether your current role still challenges and excites you or if you’re avoiding change because it feels uncertain. Growth often begins outside your comfort zone. The right opportunity shouldn’t just feel familiar – it should inspire you to take a step forward in accomplishing your career goals.
10) Can I picture myself here in one year? Five years?
Looking ahead is essential to building a fulfilling and sustainable career. If you can’t see yourself thriving in your current role a year from now – let alone five – it may be time to consider what your future could look like somewhere else. The right role should offer room to grow your skillset, take on new challenges, and evolve both personally and professionally.
Ask yourself whether your current position supports your long-term goals through opportunities like mentorship, continuing education, or career advancement. Does the idea of being in the exact same place years from now excite you or make you hesitate? If your future feels stagnant or uncertain, it might be time to explore a new path that reignites your passion and aligns with the direction you truly want to go.
In Closing
Your career is a journey, and it’s important to regularly check in with yourself to ensure you’re still on the path that aligns with your goals and values. If any of these questions gave you pause, it may be time to explore new opportunities that support your growth – both personally and professionally.
To help you get started, we’ve created a free checklist, which you can download here, designed to help you reflect on your current role and feel confident as you take your next step.
If you’re looking for a practice that values continuing education, flexibility, and long-term career development, consider a Heartland Dental supported practice. With access to a network of supported practices, competitive benefits, and a culture built on collaboration and growth, Heartland Dental could be the right place to help build the career you want. Explore career opportunities here.
