Objectives: To explore the essence and meaning of reality shock experienced by newly employed dental hygienists in clinical settings and to understand the emotional and environmental factors influencing their adaptation process. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 dental hygienists with less than one year of clinical experience using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The transcribed data were analyzed by extracting significant statements, formulating meanings, and organizing theme clusters. Results: Data analysis idetified 168 significant statements, 45 formulated meanings, and 14 subcategories. These were categorized into five central themes: gap between expectation and reality, interpersonal conflicts and psychological withdrawal, imbalance between effort and reward, adaptation process, and journey towards recovery. Participants experienced anxiety, confusion, and psychological withdrawal due to insufficient systematic support, but gradually adapted through social support and self-directed efforts, regaining their professional identity and pride. Conclusions: Reality shock was identified, not as simple occupational stress, but as a complex process involving adaptation and formation of professional identity. Therefore, structured onboarding programs, mentoring systems, psychological safety networks, and improvements in reward systems and work environments are essential for the stable adaptation of newly employed dental hygienists.