Hi all!
I made a post last year asking about the GDC application process for internationally trained dental hygienists and have some follow up questions as we’re starting to narrow down the areas where we’re looking to move.
As a refresher - my family and I are planning a move from Canada to the UK in the next couple of years, my husband and daughter are British citizens and I’m Canadian. We're now currently narrowing down where we'd like to settle in Hertfordshire and are coming over next year to scope out some towns on the shortlist we’ve come up with.
One of the biggest factors for us is making sure there's a healthy job market for dental hygienists so I can find consistent (and ideally local) work. At the moment we're looking most seriously at Ware, Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, and Hoddesdon, but we're trying to make sure we're not limiting ourselves to areas where work opportunities might be limited.
I’m wondering - if any of you live/work in those areas and how would you describe the dental hygiene job market? Are there generally plenty of opportunities in private practices, or is it quite competitive? Would you expect a hygienist to be able to build a stable, long-term career locally without having to commute into London?
If you think any of those towns have a weaker job market, are there other areas in Hertfordshire that you'd recommend instead for someone hoping to balance a good dental hygiene career with raising a young family? Or should we be looking further afield or in a different area entirely?
We had originally been looking at the Bristol/Bath area, but it was too far of a commute for my husband to get in and out of London.
We're trying to make the most informed decision possible before committing to a move, so I'd really appreciate any honest advice or local insight and of you can share.
Thank you all so much for your time!
