Dental Hygienist Salary

Have you been searching for an occupation that offers job security, flexibility, and—oh yeah—a great salary? Well, look no further. You may have just found your dream job as a dental hygienist.

According to the Figures courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental hygienist field is one of the fasted growing occupations. In fact, the BLS predicts that this field will grow by 36 percent by 2018. This is great news for you because jobs should be plentiful in your chosen field and the dental hygienist salary should also increase.

Salary Expectation of Dental Hygienists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the “[m]edian annual wages of dental hygienists were $66,570 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $55,220 and $78,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,470.”

The salary range for dental hygienists vary by geographic location, type of dental facility, and years of experience. But even with these variables, the salary for dental hygienists tends to be above average. For this reason, it is well worth your effort to pursue this fulfilling, and financially rewarding, career.

Dental Hygienist Job Description

Dental hygienists work closely with patients, usually (but not always) in a dental office. They examine patients’ teeth and gums for evidence of cavities, disease, and other abnormalities and record the results for the dentist. They also professionally clean patients’ teeth, teach them proper dental hygiene habits, and administer preventative dental care treatments.

To perform their jobs, they use a wide variety of hand and rotary instruments to clean and polish teeth and to perform some periodontal treatments. Depending upon state regulations, they may also administer anesthetics to patients.

Educational Requirements

Completion of a dental hygienist program that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation is the primary educational requirement for a licensed dental hygienist. As of 2008, there were 301 such programs in the United States. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics). These dental hygienist programs typically offer an associate’s degree, but some offer certificate, bachelor’s or a master’s degrees as well. A minimum of a certificate or an associate’s degree is the usual requirement for employment in a dental practice.

Dental hygienist programs offer a well-rounded education that combines clinical, laboratory, and classroom instruction in the areas of physiology, dental pathology, nutrition, radiography, pharmacology, microbiology, clinical dental hygiene and many other subjects that are necessary for successful performance of your job.

Becoming Licensed

In order to work as a dental hygienist, you must be licensed by the state in which you intend to work. The requirement for licensure (in nearly all states) is successful completion of an accredited dental hygienist program. One must then pass a comprehensive written exam (administered by the American Dental Association on National Dental Examinations) and a clinical exam administered by regional or state testing agencies. Alabama, however, does not require that applicants take the American Dental Association’s written exam. Rather, they must successful complete the state’s dental hygiene program.

Top Dental Hygienist Schools

  • Carrington College California

    Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

  • Carrington College

    Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

  • West Coast University

    West Coast University (WCU), with campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, offers Bachelor and Master’s level degree programs that are designed to help you reach your educational and professional goals while balancing an already busy life and work schedule. We want to help you advance in the health care industry through higher education.

    Complete information about West Coast University, including its academic programs, campus locations, admissions policy, and tuition, is located at westcoastuniversity.edu.

  • Argosy University

    To succeed in today’s competitive workforce, you need a solid foundation of knowledge – and the power to put it to work. And that’s exactly what an Argosy University education offers. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.

  • Sanford-Brown Institute

    Sanford-Brown can help prepare you for a rewarding career in health and dental care, business, paralegal, criminal justice or information technology. With nearly 20 campuses in the Sanford-Brown Institute and Sanford-Brown College divisions, selecting a school that suits your particular career training and education needs is easy.

  • Missouri College

    For over 40 years, Missouri College in St. Louis, Missouri has given students the opportunity to obtain innovative, career-oriented training through our Business Administration, Health Care, and Massage Therapy program areas. We have helped prepare students for their initial journey into the workplace, as well as helped experienced professionals with career advancement.

  • Sanford-Brown College

    For over 140 years, Sanford-Brown College has provided career-oriented postsecondary educational programs. Our institution offers focused, innovative, quality short-term programs in the fields of business and healthcare. At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. The secret to our success is that we do not require students to take courses that are not directly supportive of their career goals.

  • Concorde Career College

    With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

  • Herzing University

    Herzing University provides a career-focused education in technology, business, healthcare, design, and public safety. Founded in 1965, Herzing University now includes 12 physical locations in eight states and Herzing University Online. Focusing on the individual student’s need is key to the Herzing philosophy.

    Herzing University’s instructors are specifically trained to make it a stimulating and interactive experience. Classes are monitored for quality and class sizes are limited to ensure personal attention.
    The Herzing University educational philosophy is based upon the premise that higher education can enhance an individual’s capacity to attain personal and career goals.