Why do dental hygienists get paid so much?
What Affects Income?
- Age. Unfortunately, as a dental hygienist, there isn’t much of a salary bump with experience. ...
- Skills. Any medical professional will be a more valued asset if the number of skills he or she possesses is greater.
- Location. The demand for a medical professional depends on the location of a person. ...
- Employer. ...
What are some advantages of being a dental hygienist?
TOP PROS OF BEING A DENTAL HYGIENIST
- Your schooling will be minimum Yes, you will need to attend school in order to become a dental hygienist. ...
- You will have a competitive salary. As a dental hygienist, you can expect to earn a reasonably competitive salary. ...
- You will have a positive job outlook. ...
- You do not have to work holidays. ...
- You will not have to work nights. ...
How long doesit take to become a dental hygienist?
The completion of all educational requirements in a dental hygienist program will typically take between two and four years. Students can expect to take coursework in anatomy, physiology, immunology and pathology.
Is being a dental hygienist a good job?
Dental hygenist is a good career. Everyone will need to go to a dentist eventually. You will have job security and be able to potentially be hired at any dental officde. I would really consider this for yourself. Good luck. 3. level 2. Grouchy-Break.
Do dental hygienist have a good work-life balance?
Total hours and flexibility Part time dental hygienists work somewhere between 20 and 25 hours per week, while full timers work between 35 and 45 hours. Added factors that create the terrific work-life balance enjoyed by dental hygienists are the low unemployment rate and job expansion possibilities.
Why you shouldn't be a dental hygienist?
The monotony can take a toll and is one of the top disadvantages of being a dental hygienist. It can lead to burnout as hygienists find that the repetitive work becomes dull, unchallenging and uninteresting. The job also lacks variety. Hygienists perform the same tasks at every clinic.
Is it worth it being a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are in demand and integral to every dentist office, and often earn a decent wage. According to the BLS, the national median annual wage for this career in May 2020 was $77,090 or $37.06 per hour. This varies depending upon location, experience, and whether you are a full-time or part-time employee.
What are the disadvantages of being a dental hygienist?
List of the Cons of Being a Dental HygienistYou will experience a lack of career variety with this position. ... The job you have will never really change. ... You will have the opportunity to serve the occasional unpleasant patient. ... There may not be any full-time positions available in your community.More items...•
Why do dental hygienists make so much?
Dental hygienists are paid so much because they are licensed professionals working in the dental care industry. Oral health is important, and failure to take good care of the teeth and gums can lead not only to dental issues but other serious health problems, too, such as diabetes and heart disease.
What do you dislike about being a dental hygienist?
CON: Can be repetitive Dental hygienists have a specific role to play in dentist's offices, and they will essentially be repeating the same tasks in the same environment every day. While your work may vary slightly between patients, you'll mostly be cleaning teeth all day.
Do dental hygienists get 401k?
Benefits: 67 percent receive paid vacations; 63 percent receive paid holidays; 33 percent receive employer-provided health insurance; and 47 percent receive the option of a pension/401(k) program.
What are the benefits of being a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists may receive a range of benefits through their employers, including paid vacations, sick leave, insurance coverage, dues for professional memberships, and tuition support for continued education. The extent of your benefits often depends on your employer, and whether you are a full-time or part-time employee.
Why is dental hygienist important?
Becoming a dental hygienist is an attractive choice for many reasons, from competitive salaries and flexible schedules to the satisfaction that comes from doing hands-on work that helps people live healthier lives.
How much does a dental hygienist make?
In fact, in the United States, the median dental hygienist salary is $74,820 per year, or almost $36 an hour 5.
Why is the demand for dental hygienists growing?
The demand for dental hygienists is growing fast. As the population ages and people retain more of their original teeth than past generations, increasing dental care is needed. A better awareness of the importance of preventative dental care is also driving demand for dental services.
What is the dental hygiene program at Carrington College?
Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program equip s you with the skills you need to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care. Through engaging coursework and hands-on training, you’ll learn how to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and serve patients as a professional in the dental field.
How do dental hygienists work?
Dental hygienists work with numerous patients each day. Even when you are completing similar tasks, each patient will have unique needs, concerns, and challenges. Every patient will involve different interactions, oral care, and dental health education, and you’ll need to be ready to adjust your communication style and methods for each patient. No two days will be exactly alike, and you never know what the day ahead might bring!
How many days a week do dental hygienists work?
Dental hygienists can work in full- or part-time roles, and many hygienists work only a few days a week 4. You could even work in a floating position, where you work at multiple offices throughout the week.
How much will dental hygiene increase in the future?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment of dental hygienists is projected to increase by 20 percent between 2016-2026 —much faster than average.¹
What degree do I need to become a dental hygienist?
PRO: Schooling is minimal. A dental hygienist career requires minimal schooling; those with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene can qualify. This means that you can usually enter the career field quickly.
Can a dental hygienist work full time?
Often, dental hygienists have the option for full-time or part-time work. The BLS reports that about half of dental hygienists worked part time in 2016. 4 So, your schedule may be pliable if your employer allows it.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is one of the most important members of a dental team. They work closely with dentists, dental assistants, and technicians to provide excellent patient care. Dental hygienists play a vital role in the success of dental practices.
The Bottom Line
Suppose you're considering becoming a dental hygienist there are many things to consider before determining if this career is for you. In that case, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of the profession before deciding to pursue this career.
What are the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist?
They may not get the same status and recognition of dentists, but dental hygienists commonly spend more time with patients than dentists do, performing basic dental care. They provide routine cleaning and fluoride treatments, do X-rays, and check for common tooth and gum diseases.
Why do dentists need hygienists?
One of the benefits of being a dental hygienist is the role they play in preventing tooth problems and gum disease. The cleaning treatments and check-ups are only part of their contributions. They also provide information and education to patients before and after appointments. A patient experiencing some basic wearing or irritation, for instance, might get advice on how to protect against teeth grinding or other factors that lead to tooth decay. Hygienists are also valued by the dental team. Dentists typically recognize their value in the office and realize that they help attract patients with their personality and talent.
How much does a dental hygienist make?
The dental hygienist salary is generous. They earned an average wage of $76,220 per year as of May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some hygienists earn much more, though. The top 10 percent of earners made annual salaries at or above $103,340, and the lowest paid earners made $53,130.
What degree do you need to become a dental hygienist?
They provide routine cleaning and fluoride treatments, do X-rays, and check for common tooth and gum diseases. Dental hygienists must complete an associate degree program and obtain licensing in their state.
Why is it important to be a successful hygienist?
For this reason, successful hygienists typically enjoy the opportunity to interact with lots of different people each day. Over time, they get to build relationships with the office's regular clients. Appointments include opportunities for casual conversation and rapport building.
How much will the number of dental hygienists increase in 2029?
The bureau projected a six percent increase in jobs for hygienists from now until 2029. Many dental offices offer evening and weekend appointments adding to flexible employment schedules, according to the American Dental Association.
What are the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist?
1. You can work almost anywhere as a dental hygienist. Almost every dentist that is working anywhere around the world will have an employment opportunity for a dental hygienist. It is one of the fastest growing areas of the healthcare industry in the United States right now as well.
Why do dentists hire hygienists?
There is a lack of career variety as a dental hygienist. Most dentists hire dental hygienists as a way to complete specific procedures for their patients. That means there are rarely any advancement opportunities in this industry.
What is a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning the teeth of patients when they visit the dentist for their regular checkup. This position will have you examining patients to see if there are any signs of oral diseases like gingivitis. You will also be asked by your employer to provide other forms of preventative dental care, ...
How much does a dental hygienist make an hour?
The average hourly wage for a dental hygienist in the United States is currently $35 per hour. If you are working in a full-time position, then this equates to a median salary of $75,000 per year. You will earn a little more or less depending on your geographic location and overall experience in this industry.
What does it mean when a dental hygienist complains?
When you talk to dental hygienists, one of the most common complaints that you will hear is that their work feels like it is unappreciated by their employers and their patients.
Why do you work as a hygienist?
Even though up to 10% of people are afraid of going to the dentist, your work as a hygienist can help to calm nerves and build relationships. There are numerous opportunities for socialization as you work to improve or maintain a person’s oral health in your chair.
What is the purpose of every screening, teeth cleaning service, and cavity you are asked to work on?
Every screening, teeth cleaning service, and cavity you are asked to work on creates a source of revenue for your employer. It is not unusual to have your days be filled with a lot of busy work, and then have your boss take a final look at what you have done as a method of quality assurance.
Why do dentists hire hygienists?
Most dentists hire dental hygienists to help them with specific procedures, offering a competitive salary structure for their services. If you are the type of person who likes upward mobility in your career or an opportunity to try new things regularly, then this job option might not be the best fit.
What is a dental hygienist?
According to the American Dental Association, a dental hygienist is someone who performs a wide variety of services to meet the oral health needs of the patients they serve. The range of services that you can provide depends on what the local regulations permit in your region.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
The schooling requirements for dental hygienists is minimal. For most people an associate’s degree in dental hygiene is all that is necessary to qualify for employment in this field. Most people can complete the educational requirements through community college programs in two years or less.
Why do people hate going to the dentist?
You will have the opportunity to serve the occasional unpleasant patient. There are a number of reasons why people hate going to the dentist, including the fear of drills or the inconvenience and pain that some procedures cause. The top reason why people skip going to the dentist is because of the cost of services.
Can you work weekends in dental hygiene?
It is rare that you will work weekends, holidays, or even nights in most situations. 5. You can find a lot of personal satisfaction in this career. If you love to work with people, then the field of dental hygiene can help you experience high levels of satisfaction each day.
Is there competition for dental hygienists?
Although the employment opportunities for dental hygienists are rising, schools today are graduating a lot of people who are ready to start their career. That means there is more competition for the open positions at dental offices since there are more people available than there are opportunities.
Why is dental hygienist important?
Such vital people are responsible for everything from brushing the teeth of patients and making anxious people feel more comfortable with taking x-rays of the mouth and educating patients on dental hygiene at home.
What are the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist?
Pros of Being a Dental Hygienist. 1. Employment Opportunities. Compared to all other career opportunities available in the healthcare sector, a dental hygienist has more chances of finding work than other positions.
Why do people dread going to the dentist?
It means that when a dental hygienist looks into their mouth, their oral health is not in the greatest condition and it is not fun to operate too close to poor breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, if a patient lies back in the dentist’s chair internally weighing the cost of the treatment they require, there’s a fair risk that they’ll be grouchy.
How long does it take to get a dental hygiene degree?
The majority of people will obtain a degree at community college within two years.
What is the importance of dental hygiene?
6. Satisfaction. If you love working with people, then the dental hygiene field can help you experience a high level of satisfaction every day. You’ll get to socialize with a wide range of people of all ages. Through this job, you’ll also get to work with kids a lot, which can be a huge advantage for others.
What does it mean to own a dental practice?
As a dental practice owner, this means that you will have an almost never-ending line of qualified professionals to choose between hiring temporary staff to fill in vacation time, or hiring permanent staff and expanding your business. 3.
Can a dental hygienist work full time?
Dental hygienists also have the choice of doing full-time or part-time jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nearly half of dental hygienists employed part-time in 2016. And if the employer supports it, the scheduling can be pliable.