Dental Hygienist Career Outlook: Growth & Opportunities

Explore the growing demand for dental hygienists, job stability, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities in this thriving healthcare field.

Key Takeaways

A career as a dental hygienist is promising and offers plenty of potential for sustainability, growth, and advancement.
The dental hygienist career is one of the fastest growing professions in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The dental hygienist role offers both stability and flexibility for aspiring professionals, as the field will continue to need trained hygienists and allows for more flexible scheduling compared to other positions in the field.
Dental hygienists may expand in their profession by gaining additional certifications and specializations, moving into management roles, or considering teaching.

Pursuing a Career as a Dental Hygienist

The career outlook for dental hygienists is incredibly promising, as there is a strong recognition of the value of oral hygiene care for overall wellness and the need for experienced professionals to provide it. With an aging population nationwide and the increasing amount of research highlighting the importance of dental hygiene for overall health, it makes sense that the dental hygiene profession is increasingly likely to grow.

If you are considering pursuing or holding firm in the dental hygienist career path, this guide will lay out some of the most important things to know about the role. From the potential job growth in the field to the requirements you need to meet to get there, there are plenty of factors to consider on your way to a fulfilling career.

Job Growth and Demand for Dental Hygienists

Aspiring dental hygienists can expect considerable growth in the position over the next few years. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 9% growth for dental hygienists between 2023 and 2033—this amounts to an expected increase in 19,600 dental hygienist jobs.

When considering the state of the field, the outlook appears to be positive based on future trends. With about 36% of the population over the age of 50 and rising in age, and an increased social awareness of the importance of oral health, the need for hygienists will likely continue to be in high demand.

The growing presence of technology and automation is a risk factor for many job fields. The advancement of technology available to dental hygienists will likely make day-to-day activities more convenient. However, this is unlikely to cause hygienists to be replaced, instead providing more resources for hygienists to use.

Salary Expectations for Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists can expect to earn a respectable income for their work. Given the amount of time and dedication needed to become a registered hygienist, many would likely consider the average dental hygienist income to be fair compensation for the effort involved.

The national median salary for dental hygienists based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data is $87,530, which equates to about $42.08 hourly. The lowest 10 percent in the field earned less than $65,110 in yearly salary while the highest 10 percent earned over $118,400.

Ultimately, the salary will depend on geographical location and one’s level of education and experience. With additional certifications or specializations in the field, hygienists can expect to earn closer to the highest 10 percent of earners.

Career Advancement Opportunities

A position in the dental hygienist career is more than respectable and is plenty fulfilling for many who embark on that route. However, for those looking to go the extra mile, the position also offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement.

One of the first ways to do so is to specialize in a specific area of the field. Specializing in a set area offers the opportunity to expand your versatility while also increasing your earning potential.

Specialized areas available to hygienists may include:

Periodontics
Endodontics
Prosthodontics
Orthodontics
Cosmetic Dentistry
Pediatrics

For those interested in further advancement, hygienists may also look to expand beyond just clinical work. With a master’s degree, hygienists have the option to become an educator or embrace a management position, either in a practice or as a director of an educational program. With a strong educational and experiential background, hygienists may also consider opportunities for leadership and mentorship roles in dental offices over other professionals.

Job Stability and Flexibility

A dental hygienist role offers both stability and flexibility. With projected growth in the field, it’s a safe bet to assume dental hygienists will continue to be in demand and enjoy considerable stability. There is an increasing need for dental hygiene professionals in both urban and rural areas, meaning there are plenty of opportunities available for aspiring and current hygienists with low unemployment rates.

Hygienists have the flexibility to work in part-time, full-time, and temporary positions, depending on their career goals. Dental offices typically have one or two specific days where hygienists are in-office—this means that professional hygienists often choose to work in multiple practices in order to make the most of their schedule. This often grants hygienists a greater ability to choose which days they work and where.

Required Skills for Success

To succeed and stand out in their field, dental hygienists need a comprehensive blend of both soft skills and technical skills. Hygienists must have both the expertise to provide direct care to patients as well as foster an exceptional customer service experience to ensure patient retention.

Some essential skills for dental hygienists include:

Clinical Skills: Dental hygienists should have a strong understanding of dental health so that they have the background knowledge to address patient needs and the ability to use specialized tools for appropriate treatment.
Dexterity: Hygienists must be able to handle tools with precision and caution to provide quality care during the procedure while ensuring patient comfort.
Communication: A dental hygienist must be able to coordinate with the dentist to ensure proper treatment as well as communicate with patients to provide effective instruction on their oral health habits.
Attention To Detail: Paying close attention to patients, their feedback, and their teeth is important for hygienists to be able to perform an accurate oral health assessment and provide the appropriate care.
Empathy: Many patients dislike the dentist and the procedures that come with it, so it’s important that a hygienist has the temperament to be able to understand and ease patient concerns.

Hygienists can also stay competitive in the job market by continuing to advance their skill set and pursuing continuing education and certifications for career advancement. These will allow hygienists to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and best practices in the profession so they can improve their job performance and boost longevity in their career.

Education and Licensing Requirements

To become a dental hygienist, professionals must complete an educational program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There are over 300 programs nationwide that meet this requirement, covering topics such as dental science, anatomy, medical ethics, and more.

Hygienists can take some of the following educational pathways:

Associate Degree: A two-year degree, often for entry-level hygienists.
Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year degree, often for hygienists interested in specializing in a specific field.
Master’s Degree: A 3 year degree following the completion of a bachelor’s degree, often for hygienists interested in educating.

The above programs will also include a clinical training component, which will allow professionals to obtain hands-on training and preparation for the role. After completing this training, professionals will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination to prove they have the knowledge to practice. Some states may require passing a state-level or regional clinic board exam as well.

Although requirements may look similar, state licensing requirements vary depending on the state. It’s crucial that aspiring hygienists research the requirements from their state’s Board of Dental Examiners so that they have a firm understanding of the process and what it specifically entails.

Advance your Career Growth with Toothio

The dental hygienist career path has a favorable job outlook with considerable opportunities for employment and career advancement, making it an excellent career path to consider. If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, pursuing flexible work opportunities is a great chance to build your skillset, expand your network, and advance your career.

Dental hygienists can build and expand their career path by finding on-demand work opportunities in 11 regions nationwide through Toothio. Toothio is a one-of-a-kind platform that connects seasoned dental professionals with fulfilling opportunities in reputable dental practices while maintaining the flexibility to build their own schedules and set their preferred payment rates.