The Purple Guide: Developing Your Clinical Dental Hygiene Career

Hi Amy and Shirley,

My name is Jenny and I am not quite the "recent" graduate that your book, "The Purple Guide" is geared toward as I graduated 10 years ago. Four years into my career my husband and I started a family. We both thought it was better if I became a stay at home mom. So for the next 6 years I really wasn't sure if I would return to Dental Hygiene or not. Well, my son will be entering first grade this fall and I have decided to return to my career as a Dental Hygienist. For the past few months I have researched, read and studied the internet, my old hygiene books from school, ordered new books and of course one of them was The Purple Guide.

At first I wasn't sure if the book was for me as I am not a "new" graduate. But by the time I was half way through the first chapter, "Preparing for Your New Career" I realized this book was definitely a resource I could refer to often. And I do. I consider this time in my life, as I approach 40 (next week!) a new beginning. A time to re-evaluate what's important to me in a career. A turning point to make a positive influence that will affect the rest of my life. Thank you for giving me such a rich resource to refer to.

Jenny Weber, RDH, BSDH Ann Arbor, MI
What's the Easiest Way?

Amy, I've been reading your book and went armed with the interview questions that you suggested? (not all, of course). You were right, the doctor said that if he hadn't looked at my resume, I appeared as if I was experienced and he said he appreciated that. I got the job. Thanks,

Rebecca Doyle in NV

Hi Shirley,

Thanks for the support. I have to be honest, both you and Amy really hit a home run with this book, I can't wait for the sequel.

Deb

I have been a practicing hygienist in general, periodontal and implant practices for over 25 years. I wish "The Purple Guide" had been available when I graduated. There is so much wonderful information that a new graduate can rely on. It would have saved me several missed steps in my career path. Even the seasoned hygienist can gain valuable information and insight from this resource. The practice and profession of dental hygiene has changed over the years and the book brings the latest information to light in down-to-earth style and language that any hygienist, young or old, can relate to. I am thrilled with Shirley's and Amy's dedication to the profession of dental hygiene and think any hygienist can benefit from reading this book.

Ann-Marie DePalma, RDH, BS

Educator, Writer, Clinician I purchased a book for a gal who used to work in our office and who had worked as my dental hygiene assistant from time to time. She graduated, took and passed her boards, so our office gave her a book as a graduation gift. As I was reading it, (before I gave it to her) I just could not put it down. There was so much great information in it, that I decided to order one for myself.
"You all did a super job in writing the book!"

 

Sincerely, Shirley

 Shirley A. Cross, RDH, BSSugar Land, TX

I bought the book a few weeks ago and read through it like a racy novel. You both have definitely hit some of the most important topics of the profession of dental hygiene which unfortunately because of time constraints is not taught in school. The book is great for us seasoned veterans and will be an absolute lifeline for the new graduating hygiene students. As a dental hygiene instructor this book will definitely be a required text book for my senior class in their last semester. I love all of your swift tips, speedy stories, and fast facts. The education one can recieve from this book would take the average dental hygienist years to accomplish. Thank you for preparing us for the real world of dentistry.

Elaine Siebers RDH, BS

Amy & Shirley,

Thank you for creating this wonderful "how to" guide. I really enjoyed reading your book. I thing that every hygiene student could benefit from reading it. I found the chapters on resume and interviewing to be especially helpful since I will be graduating in May. You really cover all the bases. Your "speedy stories" and "fast facts" were great! This is one book that I know I will be hanging on to. Thank you both. ~Cindy (4/29/2005)

 

One of my instructors at Oxnard College Dental Hygiene asked us to read The Purple Guide and write a reaction letter to you, and then post it. So here it is:

I have to say that when I was given yet another reading assignment in yet another textbook I'd have to buy, I was less than thrilled. But my attitude changed when I started reading The Purple Guide. This is one the most practical and pertinent books I've read in dental hygiene school. (Once I started reading it, I didn't put it down until I'd read the whole book.) Yes, all of the clinical skills and patient management books are necessary for optimal patient treatment. The Purple Guide, however, is necessary for optimal self-treatment.

As a dental hygiene student who will be graduating in exactly two weeks, I've been a little nervous about my re-entry into the "real world." I don't have the confidence I'd like, I'm nervous about interviewing, and I'm dreading the idea of getting a job where I'm undervalued and poorly compensated. (Oh, the horror stories!) After having read The Purple Guide, I feel better about being prepared for interviewing, and I know that these feelings of apprehension are common. I also know that if I'm not happy with a certain situation, I can do one of two things: accept that not all working conditions are perfect and deal with it, or I can find employment elsewhere. I will have to decide what I am willing to put up with.

I found certain parts of The Purple Guide especially helpful. These were the sections on resume construction and questions to ask while interviewing. I also appreciated the chapter on tips and tricks of the trade. The BEST part, however, was the "Tips on Becoming a Prima Donna (or "How to get the rest of the staff to hate you). If there's one thing I've learned in the world of work, your relationships with your colleagues make one's workday a delight or drudgery.

In the end, I'm glad that I was assigned to purchase and read The Purple Guide. It's one the books that will NOT be sold to next year's class. They'll have to buy their own. (5/7/2005)