If you’ve ever thought about leaving hygiene but wondered, “Can I really make this work?”—you’re not alone. Most dental hygienists who reach out to me are in that exact spot. They want freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment, but they’re terrified of taking the leap.
That’s why I want to share what one year in business actually looks like through the eyes of one of my students, Kelsey. She was the very first person inside the Ditch Hygiene Academy™ to land a paying client. And now, twelve months later, she has something every hygienist dreams of—proof that it’s possible.
Here are some lessons from her journey that can help you envision your own path:
1. Success rarely happens overnight.
Kelsey’s first year wasn’t a fairy tale. She had clients trickle in, months that felt slow, and times where family life pulled her attention. But she kept showing up. That consistency is what built momentum, not a perfect plan.
2. Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away—you outgrow it.
Like many hygienists, Kelsey wondered if she really knew enough to run her own practice. But every time an invoice was paid, her confidence grew. Her clients weren’t just saying yes—they were getting results. And that created belief.
3. Boundaries matter more than you think.
One of the hardest lessons she faced was saying no to clients who wanted hours outside of what worked for her family. Setting boundaries didn’t come easy, but it’s what kept her business sustainable.
4. Systems give you peace of mind.
Kelsey leaned on the tools and templates inside the Ditch Hygiene Academy™ to keep herself organized. From client tracking to finances, having a framework gave her clarity instead of chaos.
5. The right support makes all the difference.
Perhaps the biggest shift came from knowing she wasn’t doing it alone. Having mentorship and a community of others building alongside her gave her the courage to keep going when things felt hard.
Kelsey puts it best: I never thought I’d own a business, but one year later I have paying clients, momentum, and proof that this path really works.
That’s the reality of this career change. It’s not about luck. It’s about taking imperfect action, building belief through small wins, and refusing to quit on yourself.
If you’re a hygienist wondering if you can do it too, let Kelsey’s story remind you—it’s absolutely possible.
And when you’re ready, the Ditch Hygiene Academy™ is here to walk you step by step through building your own practice, just like she did.
😘 xo,
Carmen
P.S. Want to watch Kelsey’s initial interview? Here it is.
