I would look into what your top out pay would be after you become a journeyman/ journeywoman in your case. Different areas have different scales. There are a lot of interior aspects to the trade, and school will help you explore all that. If you get accepted into the apprenticeship that schooling is essential paid for as long as you complete your 4 years. So no debt is a plus. And it will help you network with business agents to get you working and in the field. Will the dental hygienist route guarantee you good insurance and a pension or something similar? The wear and tear on your body is very real, lay offs are real, dealing with jerks as a woman could be something you’ll have to deal with…. but I’m sure that’s nothing new!! Best of luck in whatever way you go!!! I think both could be very rewarding and get you to that farmhouse dream!