Fast facts:
- In six states and one U.S. territory, dental hygienists earn a median salary of more than $100,000.
- The median salary for dental hygienists nationwide is $87,530.
- Unlike many careers with similar salaries, dental hygienists only need an accredited two-year community college degree and two licenses (one national and one in their state of practice) to begin working.
Despite more than a third of the population are afraid of going to the dentist, the dental field is surprisingly popular among job seekers.
Becoming a true dentist (i.e., a doctor of dentistry) typically takes about eight years, including four in an undergraduate dental program and four more in dental school, making the career path too time-consuming and expensive for most people looking for a job change.
However, becoming a dental hygienist typically only requires a two-year associate's degree in dental hygiene, and the resulting compensation range is nothing to scoff at.
For someone hoping to start a new, higher-paying career without spending half a decade and hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new education, a career as a dental hygienist offers an attractive alternative.
(Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)
In 2022, there were 219,400 dental hygienist jobs in the U.S., and that number is expected to increase by about 7% by 2032. According to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsThat's more than double the average 3% growth rate for all jobs in the United States, so the field is ripe for new talent.
Here you will find detailed information about what dental hygienists do, how much they can earn, and how to become one.
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What is a dental hygienist? What do they do?
Dental hygienists are licensed dental professionals who work directly with patients in the dentist's office. According to the American Dental Association (ADA)Their main functions usually include the following:
- Taking x-rays of clients
- Performing other diagnostic tests
- Application of fluoride and sealants on teeth.
- Removal of plaque and other deposits from teeth.
- Educate patients on best oral hygiene practices
In addition to basic exams and dental cleaning procedures, dental hygienists also perform treatments for patients with gum diseases such as periodontitis, including: Scaling and root planing.
In some cases, with additional certifications, oral hygienists may also administer local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide (more commonly known as “laughing gas”), although this is not permitted in all states.
How much do dental hygienists earn?
As with most professions, dental hygienist salaries vary by geographic area and experience. Dental hygienists with more experience and those who work in cities with relatively high costs of living tend to earn more than newer hygienists and those who work in more affordable areas.
Dental Hygienist Salaries in the US
According to responses to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey, the median salary for dental hygienists in the United States was $87,530 per year ($42.08 per hour) starting May 2023.
The average salary for a dental hygienist varies by state, from A minimum of $54,460 per year ($26.18 per hour) in Alabama at A maximum of $123,510 annually ($59.38 per hour) in Washington.
Where do dental hygienists make the most money?
Dental hygienists earned a median six-figure salary in the following seven states and territories:
- Washington: $123,510
- California: $118,330
- Alaska: $115,980
- D.C: $113,600
- Oregon: $103,440
- Colorado: $101,790
- Maryland: $101,140
Where do dental hygienists make the least money?
Dental hygienists earn the lowest median salaries (less than $77,000 per year) in the following seven states:
- Alabama: $54,460
- Mississippi: $62,120
- West Virginia: $68,820
- Kentucky: $73,850
- Tennessee: $75,920
- Michigan: $76,800
- South Carolina: $76,950
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Which states have the most dental hygienist jobs?
Some states employ many more dental hygienists than others. Here are the 10 states that had the most dental hygienist positions filled as of May 2023:
- California: 24.880
- Florida: 13.050
- NY: 12.100
- Texas: 11.510
- Ohio: 8,470
- Michigan: 8,37022
- Pennsylvania: 7.750
- Illinois: 7.730
- Georgia: 7,380
Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant: What's the Difference?
Dental assistants, like dental hygienists, work with patients alongside dentists, but they typically do not diagnose or treat gum disease, perform cleaning procedures, or administer anesthesia. Their primary duties include helping patients check in for appointments, sterilizing tools and workstations, completing paperwork, scheduling appointments, filing patient records, and sometimes assisting dentists with basic dental procedures.
Because dental assistants have fewer clinical responsibilities than dental hygienists, they typically earn much less money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for dental assistants is $46,540 per year ($22.38 per hour) as of May 2023.
In some states, aspiring dental assistants must attend an accredited occupational training program and pass an exam, but in most, they can be hired without experience or specialized education and receive on-the-job training.
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How to Become a Dental Hygienist: The 7-Step Career Path Explained
Becoming a dental hygienist is a fairly straightforward process that takes only about two years and requires no prerequisites other than a high school diploma or equivalent. Here's how to do it:
- Enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program. Most last just two years and many are available at community colleges, whose tuition is typically significantly lower than traditional private and public universities.
- Once accepted, attend all classes and complete all courses. In most cases, students must earn final grades of C or higher in all courses to be eligible to take subsequent licensing exams.
- Take and pass the National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).
- Take and pass the appropriate clinical board exam in the state in which you wish to practice.
- Get your license to practice in the dental board in the state in which you wish to practice.
- Apply for dental hygienist positions at clinics in the area where you would like to practice until you are hired.
- Complete your orientation and on-the-job training and begin practicing as a professional dental hygienist.
Food to go
When it comes to starting or changing careers, a dental hygienist career has a fairly low ratio in terms of time and money commitment to final salary.
A two-year accredited dental hygienist program costs around $22,692 on average. According to the American Dental Education AssociationLicensing fees can vary by state, but in Oregon, for example, it costs $255 to apply for a license to practice dental hygiene, and that license is valid for two years.
California may be the best overall state for aspiring hygienists, as it has the most jobs and offers the second-highest median salary in that field.
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