
The Benefits of Being a Dental Hygienist
- Sense of Security. Not only are opportunities for registered dental hygienists abundant now, but there are no signs of this career field slowing down anytime soon.
- Feeling Good About What You Do. Those looking for a job that they can feel good about will find work as a dental hygienist gratifying.
- It Never Gets Old. ...
- Pursuing the Dream. ...
- Enjoy a Flexible Work Schedule. ...
- Earn a Competitive Salary. ...
- Pursue an In-Demand Role. ...
- Take the Fast Track from Student to Professional. ...
- Work in a Relaxed and Interactive Environment. ...
- Help Others Improve Their Health. ...
- Do Hands-On Work. ...
- Every Day is Different.
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. ...
Do you make good money as a dental hygienist?
So, the future prospects for dental hygienists are good. But you can maximize the opportunities presented by this occupation by picking a state that pays dental hygienists best. Check out the full breakdown below of where dental hygienist’s incomes are the lowest, and where their incomes are the highest.
Can you make a living as a dental hygienist?
While you don’t have to pursue a four-year degree to enter the field, dental hygienists work reliable hours and make a comfortable living, with an average national income of $77,000 a year. For those who don’t know, hygienists are assistants to dentists, who provide support for dental health. The most important tasks they perform include:
How often should I see a dental hygienist?
The Purpose of Dental Checkups
- Routine Exams. Routine dental exams are crucial. ...
- Dental Cleaning. Cleaning at home will only clean your mouth to a certain extent, which is why when you visit for a dental hygiene appointment, our hygienists will carry out ...
- Health Issues. ...
- Prevent Problems. ...
- Expert Advice. ...

What are advantages of being a dental hygienist?
TOP PROS OF BEING A DENTAL HYGIENISTYour schooling will be minimum. ... You will have a competitive salary. ... You will have a positive job outlook. ... You do not have to work holidays. ... You will not have to work nights. ... There will always be a need for your type of work. ... You will have a comfortable work environment.More items...
What are the pros and cons of dental hygienist?
Pros and cons of being a dental hygienistPRO: Growing employment. The field of dental hygiene is displaying a projection of rapid growth. ... CON: Lacking career variety. ... PRO: The salary. ... CON: Can be monotonous. ... PRO: Schooling is minimal. ... CON: Occasional unpleasant patients. ... PRO: Flexible scheduling.
What are the cons 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...•
Is it worth it being a dental hygienist?
A career in dental hygiene is rewarding and challenging in equal measures. Qualifying in this profession opens up a range of opportunities in various work settings and with both part and full-time jobs on offer. Dental hygiene is definitely a good career. Many things about this profession can never go unnoticed.
Is dental hygienist stressful?
More than half of dental hygienists feel stressed by their jobs on a daily or weekly basis, and 67% believe a supervisor or workload is the cause of the stress, according to a survey conducted by RDH eVillage in January 2015. A silver lining is that the stress does not spill over into dental hygienists' personal lives.
Does dental hygiene get boring?
Many hygienists feel bored, trapped, and uninspired. It's easy to simply go through the motions and let years slip by without ever acknowledging these feelings, but it doesn't have to be that way! We owe it to ourselves and our patients to be fully present, engaged, and happy in our careers.
Do dental hygienist do root canals?
Only a dentist can diagnose dental problems. The dentist performs fillings, extractions, and other treatment procedures. A dentist can also write prescriptions for medications such as antibiotics or painkillers, or prescription mouthwash, which a hygienist cannot do.
Is dental School Hard?
The dental school admissions process is competitive and growing more difficult every year. While the number of dental schools is consistently increasing, so too are the average GPAs and DAT scores of successful applicants.
How can hygienist make more money?
These positions can range from becoming business owners, consultants, product makers, developers, and designers. Some have ventured into education as adjunct faculty, examiners for clinical dental hygiene board exams, continuing education speakers, and curriculum consultants.
Can dental hygienists have nails?
Accordingly, the CDC recommends that hygienists keep their nails short enough to enable clinicians to clean underneath them easily. You should also keep your nails short because long nails can make it difficult to put on gloves and can compromise their integrity, potentially leading to tears. (4).
What is the role of a dental hygienist?
Your dental hygienist plays a key role in the dental practice, providing you with vital preventative care and helping you stay healthy. You will see them for any dental maintenance aspects, leaving the dentist free to tackle cases of serious dental trauma, extractions, implants, restorative work and surgeries.
Why do you need regular dental appointments?
Regular appointments help you head off dental problems before they start, as well as allow for deep cleaning procedures that keep your dental health in tip-top condition and the thought of fillings and other dental procedures a distant one. The dental hygienist is the person you will see for these appointments.
Why do you need regular car maintenance?
Those regular car maintenance appointments do a lot to extend the health of your car, and ensure it runs better for longer without the need for emergency repairs. Your mouth isn’t any different, and your dental hygienist plays the role of the mechanic. Regular appointments help you head off dental problems before they start, ...
Can a dentist extract stinky breath?
No one wants stinky breath! Yet the bacteria which are most responsible for persistent cases of halitosis, or bad breath, are often hiding under the gum line where even the most diligent of toothbrushes cannot reach. Your dental hygienist, however, has all the tools needed to help extract them, and cure your breath-related woes for good.
Is gingivitis reversible?
While gingivitis- the early stages of swollen gums- is, in fact, reversible, later gum disease is not. This makes it critical to nip gum issues in the bud- and your dental hygienist will be there to assist you with maintaining tip-top gum health.
What is the benefit of being a dental hygienist?
Another benefit of being a dental hygienist is that it is a family-friendly career .
Why is it important to be a dental hygienist?
Because a dental hygienists’ clientele includes all ages, it is important to be able to keep each client at ease. They need to be comfortable and outgoing while performing oral exams. A quiet, impersonal hygienist may make patients feel uncomfortable or nervous.
Why do dental hygienists clean teeth?
That is the sound of a dental instrument being used to clean the client’s teeth! A dental hygienist improves the clients overall health when cleaning their teeth. They can help to prevent illnesses and lower the risk of diseases during each examination.
What makes a good dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists benefit from a friendly relationship with each patient, and the ability to personally remember him or her is helpful. Being able to communicate effectively with clients set a good dental hygienist apart from the rest.
What does it mean to be independent in dental?
One who is interested in this career can find inspiration from the following quote: “Being independent means writing one’s own story each day.”.
What is the best GPA for dental hygiene?
“The key to success is hard work and determination.”. A GPA of 3.8 or higher is necessary to apply to ...
Do dental hygienists work on weekends?
Dental hygienists work Monday through Friday; they do not normally work weekends or holidays because most dentist offices are closed. Mrs. Maddie Irwin, a dental hygienist for 27 years said, “It has great hours and I never work nights, weekends or holidays”.
Benefits Of Being A Dental Hygienist
Are you getting all of the benefits you should be as a dental hygienist? Do you feel as though your pay is competitive? Do you have a flexible work schedule? Well, we go over everything you should be receiving as a dental hygienist. Or..... If you’re considering becoming a dental hygienist, then you are probably already interested in the dental field..
Competitive Pay
Although pay can vary depending on your geographic location, the average for being a dental hygienist pays fairly well.
An Always Needed Field
Oral health care will always be a needed field. By always needed, we mean it will always be needed on a global level.
Employment Growth Rate Increasing
One of the most important things to consider when going into any field, or career, is whether or not you will actually be able to find a job in the position you want.
Helping Someone Everyday
This is typically one of the largest motivating factors when it comes to reasons to go into the dental field. Most hygienists when asked will say that they went into becoming a dental hygienist so that they could help people every day.
Work Schedules To Fit Your Life
Becoming a dental hygienist allows you to work around whatever schedule works for you. There are plenty of practices that will allow you to work only weekends if you want, or never work weekends if that works better for your schedule.
Next Steps
So now that you may be interested in becoming a dental hygienist, you can check out some more of our information regarding the position.
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.
1. Patient health partnerships
Working as a dental hygienist allows you to build relationships with patients who regularly come into the office. Hygienists provide one-on-one care, establish trust and shape patient ideas of oral health and oral health professionals through their care.
2. Ability to help others
Dental hygienists often choose their job because of their ability to help patients manage their overall health through dental practices. A hygienist has the opportunity to educate patients about effective oral health practices including the best ways to care for their teeth and gums.
3. Multiple opportunities for advancement
After earning an associate degree or a certificate in dental hygiene, you're eligible to work as a dental hygienist. However, once you gain experience on the job, you can also continue your education with a bachelor's or master's degree in your field.
4. Competitive wages
After completing their education and certifications, dental hygienists earn a competitive wage, even while working flexible hours. The national average salary for dental hygienists is $79,272 per year with the hourly amount depending on a hygienist's location and experience.
5. Increased job opportunities
The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts a 6% average growth in job opportunities for this profession, which is faster than many other careers.
6. Schedule flexibility
Another positive reason to work as a hygienist is the flexible work hours common to the job. Many dentists hire part-time employees, allowing hygienists the flexibility to balance a family and a career if they choose. Hygienists can also find full-time and per diem work on weekends or in emergency dental offices.
7. Steady employment
Job stability is also an important factor in choosing to work as a dental hygienist. Once you've established yourself as a hygienist, you're likely to find a position if you decide to move to another dental practice.
