January, But Make It Better for RDHs
Ahhh, January. The month that feels like it’s 74 days long. The holidays are over, the scrubs are tighter than they were in December, patients are coming in hot with “I’ll floss more this year,” and the sun sets before you even leave the op. If you’re a dental hygienist, January can feel like a collective meh.
But here’s the thing: January doesn’t have to be something we just survive. With a few mindset shifts and small habits, it can actually be a reset month that works for you. I know I am working toward making this month better.
Let’s talk about some realistic, positive, and fun ways to get through January without burning out.
1. Lower the Bar (Yes, Really)
January is not the month for perfection. It’s the month for gentle re-entry.
You do not need to:
Reinvent yourself
Say yes to everything
Fix every patient’s periodontal status in one visit
Instead, aim for progress over pressure. Maybe your goal is simply to drink more water at work, stretch between patients, or leave on time once a week. Those wins count.
2. Romanticize the Little Things at Work
Your job already has built-in wins, we just forget to notice them.
Try this:
Light a candle after work and reflect on one patient you helped that day
Switch up your playlist or podcast for commutes
Treat yourself to a “January treat” that’s just for workdays
When the days feel repetitive, small joys matter. Hygienists give so much of themselves clinically. Finding moments that refill your cup is not selfish, it’s necessary.
3. Set a “Hygiene-Only” Goal (Not a Life Goal)
Instead of huge New Year’s resolutions, try one profession-specific goal for January.
Examples:
Learn one new instrumentation tip
Get more confident explaining perio to patients
Watch one CE video you actually enjoy
This is where resources like Hygiene Edge come in. Bite-sized education, practical tips, and reminders that you’re not alone in this profession. Growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful.
4. Laugh With Your Coworkers
January patients are… special.
Missed flossing. Post-holiday sensitivity or broken teeth. “I didn’t have time to brush before my appointment.”
Lean into your team.
Share the funny moments
Vent safely
Laugh when you can
Connection at work is one of the biggest protectors against burnout. Sometimes the most therapeutic thing you can do is laugh about it with someone who gets it.
5. Remember: You Are More Than Production
January often comes with slow schedules, cancellations, or pressure to “make up” numbers. Let me remind you of something important:
Your value is not tied to production.
Your worth is not measured in units.
You are an educator. A healthcare provider. A professional who impacts people daily, even on the quiet days. January is a great time to reconnect with your why, not just your schedule.
6. Plan One Thing to Look Forward To
January feels endless when there’s nothing on the calendar.
Plan something:
A weekend getaway
A CE course or conference- RDH Under One Roof or Chicago Midwinter maybe?
A personal day
A goal you’re excited about in your career
Even having one thing to look forward to can completely change how the month feels.
7. Give Yourself Credit
If no one’s told you lately: Being a dental hygienist is hard. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.
So if you’re showing up, caring for patients, learning, growing, and doing your best, even when it’s cold, dark, and January-ish, you deserve credit.
January isn’t about being “on.” It’s about easing in, reconnecting with your purpose, and setting the tone for the year ahead.
At Hygiene Edge, we believe education should feel supportive, practical, and empowering, especially during months like this. You’re doing better than you think, and you don’t have to do this alone.
Here’s to getting through January with a little more grace, a little more laughter, and a lot less pressure.
You’ve got this.
xoxo Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH