The Dental FI-gienist: Why Dental Hygienists Should Strive for Financial Independence (FI)

Courtesy of LuckyBusiness

The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has been a growing trend over the last 22 years. Followers of this movement actively save and invest in high amounts in order to reach financial independence and retire earlier than the traditional norms. Dental hygienists are uniquely suited to achieve a life of financial independence, and the difficulties we face in our careers make it a desirable goal to pursue.

You may be asking yourself, what is financial independence (FI)? There are different definitions, but FI typically refers to saving enough money to support your lifestyle without the need for a regular paycheck. Once people meet their FI number, they may continue to work full-time, switch to part-time, or retire completely. The beauty of financial independence is that it gives you the choice to decide.

As dental hygienists, we have to be concerned with both physical and mental burnout throughout the course of our careers. Some people enjoy clinical careers for years, but others are destined to seek alternatives when the pain or stress becomes too much. Having financial independence allows one to make that choice without feeling burdened by finances.

Why are dental hygienists at an advantage when it comes to attaining financial independence? Competitive salaries, job stability, and flexible work schedules are just a few reasons. Clinical dental hygiene can offer amazing perks in the way of pay, and that is one benefit that is often overlooked amongst the potential cons of the job.

Beyond that, the possibilities as a financially independent dental hygienist are endless. With financial independence, you can retire early. However, you may also choose to work part-time, pursue a passion project, travel more frequently, or take mini-retirements when you are feeling burnt out or need to recover from an injury. You can explore other career opportunities or just enjoy the fruits of your hard labor. As dental hygienists, where injury and burnout can end a career not long after it starts, it makes perfect sense to strive for financial independence early on.

Reaching financial independence does not come without its sacrifices. Living below one’s means, reducing debt, and saving for retirement can seem difficult in times of inflation and increased costs. However, setting clear financial goals and being intentional with your money will help you to take control of your financial future and allow you the freedom to take the best care of yourself now and in the future.