According to Salary slip, Dental care is an old discipline of medical science taught and practiced not only in hospitals and medical centers but also at home and schools. Oral health care is a subject taught since childhood to prevent kids from getting oral infections and maintain optimal oral health.
Dental hygienists come into the frame when we talk about oral health care. A dental hygienist, also known as an Oral hygienist is a licensed medical professional who works independently or alongside a dentist to provide complete oral health care. Their education and training enable them to concentrate and specialize in the prevention and treatment of numerous oral disorders. Dental hygienists also provide teaching in oral hygiene, preventive dental care, and teeth cleanings.
In this detailed piece of writing, we will discuss dental hygienist salary, career outlooks with their responsibilities, and skills required to become one.
Average Dental Hygienist Salary in the United States
The average annual dental hygienist salary in the United States is $92,143. The hourly salary of the dental hygienist is $44.30. The salary ranges from $74,421 and $102,547. While an entry-level dental hygienist starts at $78,000 per year, those working as an experienced professional earn up to $112,125 per year.
Apart from experience, certain factors that affect the dental hygienist’s salary are location, education, certification, work setting, schedule, and type of employer. For instance, those working in urban areas or big cities earn more than those living in smaller towns. Similarly, dental hygienists working odd hours can make up more money than those who have strict working hours.
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Primary Duties of a Dental Hygienist
Responsibilities of the Dental Hygienist include:
- Dental hygienist provides dental health education about tooth care and diet.
- They use various instruments to remove tartar and plaque from teeth. Further, they also polish their teeth and do regular checkups. Dental cleaning is important to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Oral hygienists are responsible for performing screening procedures like assessment of oral health conditions, oral health history review, and oral cancer screening.
- Further, they take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays).
- In addition to cleaning, they apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides) after and before procedures as recommended by dentists.
- A dental hygienist‘s job responsibilities include making impressions of a patient’s teeth for study casts.
- These medical professionals may be required to supervise dental assistants in their healthcare functions.
- Oral hygienists may also perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
10 Top-Best Paying Dental Hygienist Salary States
| States | Annual Average salary |
| California | $114,320 |
| Arizona | $114,320 |
| Alaska | $113,770 |
| Washington | $111,430 |
| Oregon | $95,360 |
| New Jersey | $94,610 |
| Colorado | $93,810 |
| District of Columbia | $93,770 |
| Maryland | $92,240 |
| Connecticut | $92,180 |
| New York | $90,830 |
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5 Top-Best Paying Dental Hygienist Salary Cities
| Cities | Average annual salary |
| Fairbanks, Alaska | $113,190 |
| San Jose, California | $112,210 |
| Anchorage, Alaska | $110,800 |
| San Francisco, California | $109,750 |
| Santa Rosa, California | $108,010 |
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How to Become a Dental Hygienist?
Follow these steps to become a licensed dental hygienist in the US:
- Earn a Bachelor’s degree: Dental hygienists must have graduated from a dental hygiene program, either with an associate degree or a certificate. Further, they must complete their bachelor’s degree from a dental hygienist school that is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). A Master’s degree is not compulsory, however, it will add more value to the learning and salary.
- National Board Dental Hygiene Examination: After earning a bachelor’s degree, you must complete and pass the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as a clinical board exam. This certification will allow them to use “R.H.D.” to signify that they are registered oral hygienists.
- Regional or state clinical board examination: Passing and approving the clinical board examination for your region or state is a must.
- Licensure: The final step in becoming a dental hygienist is to get licensed by your state’s dental board. License is mandatory. Requirements vary from state to state, however, basics are the same everywhere.
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Key Skills For Dental Hygienists
- Strong motor functions
- Compassion & Empathy
- Good Eyesight
- Physical dexterity
- Longer concentration power
- Patient counseling
- Communication & Collaboration
- Charting
- Good knowledge of Dental Conditions
Career Opportunities| Job Outlook for Dental Hygienist
The BLS analysis states that the employment of dental hygienists will increase by 9% between 2023, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations. Apart from hospitals and doctor’s offices, dental hygienists or oral hygienists are now allowed to work in nursing homes, community centers, prisons, and more. This openness in work areas is contributing to their demand.
Apart from salary, oral hygienists earn incentives, bonuses, and benefits as well. For example, for working extra hours or visiting patients, they may earn additional amounts. Part-time work facilities also enable them to work as dental hygienists. These lucrative benefits led to the number of dental hygienists.
On the other hand, the development of medical science and beauty standards also requires more dental hygienists on the ground. Now people are aware of oral health care and regularly visit clinics for dental checkups. These factors will lead to an increase in the salary of the dental hygienist.
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Conclusion
Dental hygienists play a key role in taking oral health care and educating people. They work independently as well as alongside dentists and dental therapists. With time, many are more aware of oral health care, hence the demand for dental hygienists in upcoming times.
The salary of the dental hygienist will eventually rise, however, certain factors will continue to affect it, like location, experience, and type of employer. Additionally, those who want to become a dental hygienist must acquire certain skills and training to perform and earn better.
FAQs
1) What is Dental hygienist salary in US in 2024 per month?
A dental hygienist’s monthly salary in the US in 2024 is $7,679.
2) What is Dental hygienist salary in the US in 2024 per hour?
A dental hygienist’s hourly salary in the US in 2024 is $44.30.
3) What is an Entry Level Dental Hygienist salary?
A dental hygienist at an entry-level may start at $78,000 per year.
4) What is Dental Hygienist salary in New York?
The average annual salary of the Dental hygienists in New York is $90,830.
5) How to become a dental hygienist?
To become a dental hygienist, you must acquire a bachelor’s degree from a recognized ADA institution. Then, you must pass the written NBDHE. Further, you must take and pass the clinical board examination for your region or state. The final step is to obtain a license which is mandatory to practice.
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