Are you looking for a new position in the medical field? If that’s the case, a career as a dental hygienist might be right for you.
Dental hygienists are in high demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook is excellent, with a projected 10-year growth rate of 20% and an average annual salary of $74,820, making now an excellent time to enter the field. And, as the population ages and technology improves, these already essential services will become even more in demand.
If you’re thinking about becoming a dental hygienist, you might wonder what a dental hygienist earns daily. We carefully explained all information you need to learn about dental hygienist salaries in the US in this article.
Learn more about this profession, including its roles, responsibilities, job outlook, educational requirements, and training opportunities.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
When a patient visits the dentist for a routine checkup, he or she will frequently spend mostly with the dental hygienist.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered dental hygienists perform a variety of tasks with patients, including
- Preventative procedures for tartar, stains, and plaque removal.
- Sealants and fluoride are used to protect teeth.
- Radiographs are being taken.
- Assessing the health of the patients and collaborating with the dentist to provide total patient care.
- Documenting the care and treatment plans of patients.
- Educating patients on proper dental hygiene.
According to the BLS, dental hygienists employ a variety of tools to complete these jobs, including hand, power, and ultrasonic tools. They also employ X-ray devices to check for tooth and jaw abnormalities in their patients.
Hygienists also meet with patients one-on-one to discuss proper oral hygiene, the relationship between food and oral health, and how oral health affects overall health. They may also provide suggestions for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to use, as well as explain how to use these goods properly.
Dentists and dental hygienists collaborate closely to share information about patients and select what instructions to provide them. They may also task them with completing certain activities under their supervision.
To become a Dental Hygienist, carefully go through these 15 Most Expensive Dental Schools In The World
How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make?
In the United States, the expected total salary for a Dental Hygienist is $116,041 per year, with an average salary of $88,882. These figures show the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges calculated using our proprietary Total Pay Estimate methodology and data from our customers.
They expect the extra salary for dental hygienists to be $27,158 per year. Cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit-sharing could all be options for further compensation.
To earn more as a Dental Hygienist in US, read to apply for these 20 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in America in 2022
Best-Paying Cities for Dental Hygienists
Santa Maria, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Fairbanks, and San Francisco are the metropolitan regions with the highest salary pay for dental hygienists.
| High Paying Cities | Salary | |
| 1 | Santa Maria, California | $133,730 |
| 2 | San Jose, California | $120,340 |
| 3 | Santa Rosa, California | $118,980 |
| 4 | Fairbanks, Alaska | $117,760 |
| 5 | San Francisco, California | $117,470 |
The Best-Paying States for Dental Hygienists
Alaska ($115,050), California ($109,970), Washington ($95,450), the District of Columbia ($94,650), and Nevada ($89,360) are the states and districts that pay Dental Hygienists the highest average salaries.
| High Paying States | Salary | |
| 1 | Alaska | $115,050 |
| 2 | California | $109,970 |
| 3 | Washington | $95,450 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $94,650 |
| 5 | Nevada | $89,360 |
What is the Pay by Experience Level for Dental Hygienists?
Based on a survey of 384 Dental Hygienist entry-level salaries, an entry-level Dental Hygienist with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average total salary of $31.50 per hour.
From a survey of 1,809 salaries, a former career Dental Hygienist with 1-4 years of experience gets an average total salary of $33.80.
Based on 1,336 salaries, the average total income for a mid-career Dental Hygienist with 5-9 years of experience is $36.23. Based on 1,814 salaries, an experienced Dental Hygienist with 10-19 years of experience gets an average total salary of $36.66 per year. Employees with a long career (20 years or more) earn an average total remuneration of $37.
Increase your chances of getting more salary by earning a master’s degree from these Cheapest Dental Schools in the World in 2022
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Dental Hygienist?
In choosing a career, you want something with a bright future and a steady income and lifestyle. These benefits come with becoming a dental hygienist.
Working as a dental hygienist allows you to make a decent dental hygienist income while also having consistent hours and working in a pleasant atmosphere.
There are plenty of employment openings in this rapidly expanding area to assist you in finding work. Because many dental hygienists can work part-time, this career offers a lot of flexibility.
To bag more part-time jobs, check out these 10 Best Online Dental Assisting Courses in 2022
The Advantages of Working as a Dental Hygienist
There are many advantages to working as a dental hygienist. A good income and plenty of career prospects are just a few of the rewards.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dental hygienist’s work prospects are promising. Interacting with patients and receiving a sense of satisfaction from assisting others are two more benefits.
Dental hygiene employment can also be interesting because you can work with a wide range of people daily, from youngsters to adults to the elderly.
What are the Responsibilities of Dental Hygienists?
In a dental office, dental hygienists conduct a variety of tasks. They are to brush teeth, examine patients for indicators of oral illness, and offer education and preventative care.
Cleaning stains and plaque buildup on teeth, cleaning under and around the gums, searching for symptoms of oral disease such as swelling, and providing dental prophylaxis, sealants, and topical fluorides as needed are all activities performed by dental hygienists.
They also teach patients about dental hygiene and oral care, including flossing, brushing, and diet. Dental hygienists also aid dentists and other professionals in the office with responsibilities such as taking radiographs, assisting during dental operations, and taking dental impressions.
Orthodontists employ some dental hygienists who specialize in orthodontic patients and procedures.
A degree from a recognized dental hygiene institution, as well as state licensing as a dental hygienist and previous experience, are all common prerequisites for dental hygienists.
Because they work with patients and dental colleagues on a regular basis, dental hygienists must have great interpersonal and communication skills. They should also be able to multitask, keep accurate documents, and maintain wonderful organization. This position may need some minor lifting.
Jobs in Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists can work in a variety of settings, including dental clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. A dentist’s office is by far the most prevalent workplace.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygiene positions account for 94% of all dental hygiene jobs.
Dental Hygiene Jobs: Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Dental hygiene jobs are flexible, allowing you to work full-time or part-time. Some dentists may only require part-time support a few days a week, depending on the demands of the practice. To fill a full-time schedule, you may need to work for many dentists.
Adult vs. Pediatric Dentistry
Dental hygienists work with people of various ages, from children to elders. You can also pursue a career in a specialist facility if you want to focus on one age group. While some conventional dentistry practices treat patients of all ages, pediatric clinics specialize in children only. You can also work in a nursing home or a senior institution if you simply want to deal with elderly people.
How Do You Become A Dental Hygienist?
To become a dental hygienist, you must complete a series of steps.
The first step is to get the necessary dental hygiene training. Most dental hygienists have a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. After earning an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a master’s degree, however, this is uncommon.
According to the BLS, professions in research, teaching, or clinical practice in school health programs often require bachelor’s or master’s degrees. To pursue these occupations, you’ll need a dental hygiene degree, regardless of level.
Community colleges and technical institutions provide dental hygiene programs that take around three years to complete, including required coursework.
These programs teach students about the scientific foundation for dental hygiene practice, the skills and procedures required to provide high-quality dental hygiene services, and community health and research principles in the lab, in the clinic, and in the classroom.
To gain your license, you must pass written and clinical tests after completing your studies. You must adhere to the requirements set forth by the laws of your home state or the state where you wish to operate.
After becoming a certified RDH, you can begin looking for dental hygiene jobs.
Follow these steps to getting into Dental School and Becoming a Dentist in the USA
How Long Does It Take To Become A Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist program can take up to three years to finish, according to the BLS.
This gives you enough time to learn the necessary skills, become familiar with tooth and gum anatomy, learn medical ethics, study periodontics, gain hands-on experience, and study for the licensure examinations.
Do I Need a Certification to Work as a Dental Hygienist?
They must license you in order to work as a dental hygienist. To practice with patients, dental hygienists must get a license in each of the 50 states. Because certified dental hygienist standards differ by state, it’s critical to learn about them early so you can take the necessary measures.
You might also want to check out these; 20 Medical Certifications That Pay Well in 2022
How do I become a Registered Dietitian Hygienist (RDH)?
In California, you can become a Registered Dental Hygienist by completing the Western Regional Examination Board’s Application to Practice Dental Hygiene (WREB).
To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduate of a dental hygiene program that has been approved by the board and is accredited.
- Complete a dental hygiene clinical examination that the state of California has approved.
- Complete certified courses in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration. They include this curriculum in SJVC programs.
- Pass the written test at the national level.
What to Look for When Choosing a Dental Hygiene Program
It’s critical to discover a dental hygienist college or school that is fully accredited, employs skilled professors and offers a hands-on curriculum and informative seminars while choosing a program.
It’s also critical to select a school that is within your financial means. Before deciding on a school, look into the tuition and fees associated with each program.
The capacity to properly prepare you for the licensure examinations is one of the most significant features you should look for in a program. To operate as a registered dental hygienist, you must pass the state’s license exam, therefore it’s vital to have an education that provides you with the necessary information.
To keep your license after passing your exam, you’ll need to continue your education.
Is It Possible To Go To Dental Hygiene School Online?
There are online dental hygiene associate degree programs if you require more flexibility with your schooling. However, because of laboratory and clinical practice regulations, you cannot complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program online.
You have the option of receiving your initial education in person and then continuing your education online. When pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene or attending continuing education classes to meet license requirements, online classes may be helpful.
FAQs on Dental Hygienist Salary In The Us
The national average income for a Dental Hygienist in the United States is $79,221 per year. To view Dental Hygienist wages in your area, sort by location. Salary estimates are based on 2573 anonymous salaries given by Dental Hygienist employees on Glassdoor.
In the United States, the highest annual compensation for a Dental Hygienist is $105,600.
In the United States, the lowest annual income for a Dental Hygienist is $59,432 per year.
Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 11% increase in dental hygienist employment. During that time, an estimated 23,100 positions should become available.
Dental hygienists will earn an average of $37.53 per hour in 2020.
In 2020, dental hygienists in California earned an average salary of $109,970.
They can complete the Dental Hygiene program at SJVC in as little as 16 months and lead to an associate of science degree. After finishing the program, you will be qualified to sit for national and regional board exams.
To work as a dental hygienist, you must first complete the necessary school requirements. This can entail earning a dental hygiene associate’s or bachelor’s degree. You must pass licensure examinations besides earning a degree. To work as a dental hygienist in any state, you must first get a license.
Conclusion
A career as a dental hygienist can be both gratifying and fulfilling. It can also be a stable career with a comfortable salary, thanks to the numerous job opportunities available.
You’ll need an exceptional dental hygienist school that provides an excellent curriculum and fully prepares you to pass your licensure exam and become a registered dental hygienist if you want to pursue a career in this field.
References
- money.usnews.com– How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make?
- regiscollege.edu – What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
- sjvc.edu – How to Become a Dental Hygienist
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