Dental hygienist salary levels vary greatly by state, workplace, level of qualifications, and number of years of experience. While many dental hygienists receive a fixed salary, others are paid on an hourly or daily basis, and some even work on commission.

Let’s take a look at the data on the average dental hygienist salary in 2008:

The median average salary was $66,570

The middle 50% earned between $55,220 and $78,990

The lowest 10% earned less than $44,180

The highest 10% earned more than $91,470

For those looking into the possibility of an hourly rate rather than an annual dental hygienist salary, the following figures from 2004 may be useful:

The median average rate was $28.05 per hour

The middle 50% earned between $22.72 and $33.82 per hour

The lowest 10% earned less than $18.05 per hour

The highest 10% earned more than $40.72 per hour

Dental Hygienist Benefits

In addition to the dental hygienist salary, at least half receive benefits such as dental coverage, paid vacation, sick leave and retirement plans. Benefits are more common for dental hygienists that work full time and for those that work in schools, state agencies, or public health agencies.

Job Prospects for Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienist is one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S, with the Bureau of Labor Statistic predicting a 36% increase in dental hygienist jobs between 2008 and 2018. That is an additional 63,000 dental hygienist jobs in ten years so it is certainly a career with prospects.

So why will there be more dental hygienist jobs available? Here are a few of the reasons:

Population growth results in a greater demand for dental care

There in an increased focus on preventative rather than curative dental care

Recent research has indicated a strong link between oral health and general health

Increased retention of natural teeth means an increase in demand for hygienists

Younger graduate dentists are more likely to employ hygienists than older dentists that are reaching retirement age

There is a trend for dentists to employ hygienists for routine preventative work so they can concentrate on more profitable procedures

However the availability of dental hygienist training programs, along with the flexible working hours, can make this a competitive profession. The availability of jobs tends to vary by geographical area. This is largely because it is only possible to practise in the state in which you are licensed, and this means that states with a large volume of dental hygienist programs and schools will experience increased competition for jobs.

Working Hours for Dental Hygienists

This is a popular profession because it offers flexible and part time working hours. Half of all dental hygienists work part time, and evening and weekend hours are common making it an ideal occupation to fit around child care.

Many dental practises employ hygienists for two or three days a week, which means it is possible for a hygienist to work at two or more practises, gaining experience, widening their knowledge and maximising their dental hygienist salary.

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