Before diving into the post-pandemic world of dental hygienists, meet Alina Fintineanu, an orthodontic hygienist who turned her side hobby, baking, into a full-time pursuit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Oct. 17, 2021, the then-30-year-old appeared on Season 5 of The Great Canadian Baking Show, which premiered on CBC Television. She was one of 10 contestants.
“I doubt I would have pursued the show without the pandemic. I was working full-time and likely wouldn’t have had the time to hone my skills enough to make it on,” Fintineanu said.
Although she was eliminated in Episode 4—Bread Week, which she calls her “Achilles’ heel”—Fintineanu followed her passion to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Today, she’s a pastry chef in Bucharest, Romania, where she lives closer to her entire family, appears on local television and is developing baking and pastry workshops.
“I would love to open a patisserie as well,” added Fintineanu, who still operates her orthodontic education business, Risorius.
More hygienists exiting the field
Her story reflects a broader shift among dental hygienists during the pandemic. The so-called “Great Resignation,” which peaked between 2021 and 2023, reshaped work culture across industries. But for dental hygienists, the impact is unique.
Donna Wells, RDH, BA, and manager of professional practice at the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), confirmed the trend.
“Yes, there has been an increase in the number of dental hygienists identifying that they will be leaving the profession,” she said.
In CDHA’s 2019 Job Market and Employment Survey, only four per cent of respondents said they planned to leave the profession within two years. By 2023, that number had more than doubled to nine per cent.
Wells also pointed to a rise in workplace mistreatment. In 2018, 35 per cent of respondents reported experiencing mistreatment. In 2023, that figure jumped to 60 per cent
The CDHA’s concern reached its peak on June 17, when it pushed back against claims of a widespread shortage, urging governments and employers to invest in better work environments, retention strategies and evidence-based workforce planning.
“Dental hygienists are not leaving the profession — they’re leaving unhealthy workplaces,” said Ondina Love, chief executive officer of the CDHA during the June 17 statement.
Read related article: CDHA rejects claims of widespread hygienist shortage, calls for better work environments
The statement followed some growing uneasiness in the sector. In April, Ontario dental hygienists launched a counter-petition after dentists called for foreign-trained dentists to be allowed to provide preventive care, citing staffing shortages.
According to CDHA’s 2023 Healthy and Respectful Workplace Survey, nearly 40 per cent of hygienists considered leaving their jobs, and 14 per cent had already done so.
“Many are looking at other options to stay in the industry in roles that are less taxing on their bodies.” Kimberly Pacula, dental recruiter and CEO of Recruit North America.
‘Many are looking at other options’
Recruiters are seeing the same trend.
Kimberly Pacula, a veteran dental recruiter and CEO of Recruit North America, said the pandemic prompted many hygienists to explore alternatives—some didn’t renew their licences, others retired early or moved into non-clinical roles.
“Many are looking at other options to stay in the industry in roles that are less taxing on their bodies,” she said.
Lumena Cabral, director of sales and business development at the same firm, noted that many hygienists—most of whom are women—have become more conscious of their physical and mental health since the pandemic.
“There’s more awareness now,” Cabral said. “The new generation recognizes their body is with them forever, while a job can be replaced. They’re much more in tune with wellness.”
“Dental hygienists have always been aware of the physical toll of the profession, but the pandemic really highlighted it.” Donna Wells, Manager of Professional Practice at the CDHA.
Dental hygienists are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive motions and awkward postures. That’s one reason Recruit North America emphasizes supportive workplace culture when making placements.
“Our goal is to find a solution that works for everyone,” Cabral said.
Pandemic amplified concerns
Wells agreed the pandemic amplified existing concerns.
“Dental hygienists have always been aware of the physical toll of the profession, but the pandemic really highlighted it,” she said. “To reduce aerosols and prevent COVID-19 transmission, hygienists had to do more hand scaling, which took a toll.”
According to CDHA’s 2023 survey, 87 per cent of respondents reported medical issues, and of those, 84 per cent experienced muscle pain.
“We have seen an increase in interest from dental hygienists exploring their options outside of clinical practice but I can’t specify whether that is from mistreatment in the workplace, declining physical health or other reasons,” Wells said.
Read related article: ‘Seeking respectful environment’: Why more hygienists are opting for independent mobile practices
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‘I was completely drained’
Fintineanu said her own experience echoes many of these concerns.
“Many hygienists feel underappreciated, sustain repetitive strain injuries and work in high-pressure environments focused on production,” she said.
She cited a lack of flexibility, micromanagement, stagnant wages, short appointment times and difficult patients as key challenges.
“I often found myself completely drained at the end of the day from being ‘on’ with patients, rushing and trying to stay on time,” she said. “I encountered most of these issues in general practice. I preferred orthodontics, though some issues were present in both.”
Fintineanu said she knows hygienists who’ve transitioned into nursing, started businesses, followed other passions or reduced their hours to plan for early retirement.
While the pandemic was devastating for many, it also offered a moment of clarity for some.
“Before COVID and competing, baking was just a hobby. It carried me through the stress of the hygiene program and always soothed me,” she said, reflecting on her decision to trade her scaler for a spatula. “It’s interesting to think about how things worked out. I never would have guessed this path—but that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it?”