7 Ways Clinicians Can Use Summer Downtime to Grow in their Career

Taking advantage of the many CEs that are available to us is a good start. I also like to use it to research new techniques or products that I can use in clinical practice.

Jaqi Neal, BSDH (@jaqi16)

Read! Catch up on journals that have physically or virtually stacked up throughout the year!

Michele Carr, RDH, MA, associate professor emeritus and former chair of the Division of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry in Columbus

I think the most impactful thing that hygienists can do during downtime is to learn about the other roles in dentistry. I don’t just mean have an idea but to actually immerse themselves to not only understand but gain knowledge to make them an even better hygienist. As hygienists, we can learn so much from the business team about the business side of dentistry!

Andrea Edelen, RDH, regional and national dental hygiene director at Mortenson Dental Partners in Louisville, Kentucky

Look for a study club. There is nothing like getting together with other professionals to discuss cases and how to handle clinical situations. No study club? Why not start one! How about an online study club?

Lisa Bilich, BSDH, MSEd, clinical instructor at Eastern Washington University in Spokane

Attend a national convention! Definitely one of my favorite summertime activities is to learn and grow. I wish there was more downtime in the summer but it encompasses some of my busiest months! January is a good downtime month.

Melia Harris Lewis, RDH, MEd, for Hygiene Edge

I use the time to volunteer at my state-level hygiene association and to prepare for our annual conference in September.

Ashley LaVallee, RDH

Study clubs, networking events, and connecting with fellow hygienists to learn from each other! And read, read, read!

Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM