Beyond Dental Hygiene: Learn In-Demand Skills Fast

If you are a dental hygienist thinking about your next career move, you are far from alone. The National Network of Healthcare Hygienists (NNHH), in partnership with Beyond Dental Hygiene, has developed the Professional Development Program to address this exact need. This program is designed as a fast, practical way to gain in-demand administrative skills without the time and expense of going back to school. More importantly, it gives you a "taste" of administrative work, allowing you to see if you enjoy it before making a major career change—preventing the costly mistake of earning a new degree only to find you dislike the work.

What Dental Hygienists Are Saying

Recent needs assessment data from the Facebook Group Beyond Clinical Dental Hygiene - The Next Steps in Your Health Care Career reveals significant trends among dental hygiene professionals:

• Nearly 56% are exploring opportunities outside of dentistry and healthcare entirely
• Almost 40% are looking to transition into a different healthcare role, but lack clarity on their career path
• Over 72% prefer self-paced online learning

Whether you are part of this majority or simply curious about what lies beyond clinical practice, the question remains the same: what is the next step?

A Taste of Administrative Work, Without the Risk

This seven-unit online Professional Development Program is designed for the modern learner. It provides a low-risk, high-reward environment to quickly learn foundational administrative concepts that are universally valued across industries. Whether you are considering a job transition or want to advance within your current environment, the skills taught—project management, human resources, program development—are applicable in private practice or DSO dental settings, community health clinics, hospitals, healthcare systems, and even beyond healthcare entirely, such as working for a university or in corporate positions. Led by instructors who have successfully made the transition from clinical practice to healthcare administration, the program offers invaluable, real-world insights.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum is designed to be directly transferable to a variety of settings, both within and beyond healthcare. It provides a comprehensive overview of the administrative skills needed to succeed outside the operatory. The seven modules include:

• Introduction to Leadership: Explore various leadership theories and styles, and identify your personal leadership strengths.
• Human Resources Leadership: Learn the principles of effective human resource management, including recruitment, training, and conflict resolution.
• Project Management: Gain valuable project management skills—a core competency in nearly every administrative and public health role—to successfully initiate, plan, and execute projects.
• Knowledge Translation: Understand how to interpret and apply research findings to improve patient care and practice efficiency.
• Program Development: Learn to design, implement, and evaluate healthcare programs, a key skill for roles in community health, public health, and non-profit organizations.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Develop cultural competence and learn to create an inclusive environment for both patients and colleagues.
• Mentorship and Networking: Build a strong professional network and develop the skills to mentor and support fellow dental professionals.

Key Program Benefits

1. Test Drive Your Future Career: Get a real-world taste of administrative work to see if you enjoy it before committing to a new degree or career path.
2. Gain Career Clarity: The program helps you determine if a non-clinical or hybrid role aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term career goals.
3. Acquire Transferable Skills: Learn core competencies in project management, HR, and program development that are valued across healthcare settings and beyond—skills that open doors in any industry.
4. Certificate of Completion: Earn a micro-credential that showcases your initiative and newly acquired administrative knowledge to potential employers.
5. Continuing Education (CE) Credits: The program is an AGD PACE-approved provider, offering valuable CE credits to maintain your professional license while you explore new options.

The NNHH and Beyond Dental Hygiene Partnership

The partnership between NNHH and Beyond Dental Hygiene is founded on a shared mission: to support dental hygienists throughout their entire career journey. This collaboration ensures the program is grounded in real-world experience, providing practical, relevant education for those looking to navigate a career transition. NNHH surveyed their certificate holders in oral systemic education (CH-OSE) and found that many felt they lacked the skills and knowledge to apply for their dream job. This partnership was formed to close that gap. Students have already improved their confidence applying for new roles because the program allows you to complete a Capstone Project in your current role. You won’t just know what an improvement plan is, you will have completed one based on a workflow challenge you identified. All training programs at NNHH focus on application of the material you learn, boosting your resume and interview skills.

Testimonials

"I appreciate all the knowledge and look forward to using these skills when I apply for a lead hygiene role within my office. Thank you!!" Amanda

"The program provided valuable insights and strategies that I can apply in my current and future professional roles. I appreciated the organization, content and examples provided, and I found it engaging and supportive. Thank you for another wonderful course!" Deanna

"This was an interesting program and I learned there is a lot more to administrative/management work than I was aware of. I liked the presenters and their thoroughness of the information in each module. Thank you for your time and preparation of this program." Paula

Conclusion

For any dental hygienist considering a move away from full-time clinical practice, this Professional Development Program is the perfect first step. It's more than just education; it's a chance to test the waters of administrative work without the risk of a full career change. Instead of making a blind leap with a new degree, you can make an informed decision based on firsthand experience. This program is your opportunity to gain in-demand skills fast, find clarity on your career goals, and discover if a future beyond the operatory is the right fit for you.