10 Non-Negotiable Boundaries I Set as a Dental Hygienist

After years in dentistry, I've learned this: your mental and physical health are precious. Too often, hygienists are expected to “put up with it” for the sake of being a team player, but there are things we simply shouldn't tolerate.

These are my non-negotiables:

• Being asked to clock out for no-shows or cancellations. This may even be illegal in some cases, especially for hourly employees. Here’s more info on that.

• Being forced to work through lunch, attend unpaid meetings during breaks or outside scheduled hours.

• Being required to work in unsafe or ergonomically poor operatories—like converted storage closets or cramped setups with random equipment placements. THese can be very dangerous and my health is worth more than that.

• Being denied access to sharp instruments, updated ultrasonic tips, or ergonomic tools—and not being allowed to bring my own.

• Experiencing disrespect, belittling, or being undermined by a dentist or anyone on the team, especially in front of patients.

• Witnessing or being subjected to abusive behavior, like yelling, cursing, or throwing instruments—even if I’m not the direct target.

• Being pressured to participate in or ignore unethical billing practices, such as charging for procedures not performed or manipulating insurance coding.

• Working at an office where paychecks bounce or payroll is unreliable.

  
  
  
  

I walked out of one such office after a bounced paycheck, witnessing fraud, and an office manager selling sex toys at the front desk. I’ve never walked out before, but I respect myself too much to stay in a place like that.

I also worked at an office where the dentist was placing sealants but billing insurance for fillings that were never placed. I've been asked to do SRP's on patients who didn't have any signs of periodontal disease. I've been asked to do a full mouth SRP in an hour. None of this sat right with me!

Boundaries will be different for everyone; my advice is to decide what YOURS are, and stick to them, even if that means leaving the office.

If you are in any of these situations and aren't happy about it, you always have a choice to leave or stay. Don't ever be afraid of setting and upholding your boundaries; it's one of the highest forms of self-love there is!