Dental Hygienist Pay, Job Outlook, and FAQs

Dental hygienists play an important role in maintaining good oral health in patients across the United States not only by conducting cleanings, but also by educating the public on how to correctly care for their teeth and gums. And with employment opportunities for dental hygienists growing along with the temporary allied health staffing market, now is the perfect time for these critical clinicians to consider taking on travel roles. In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look at dental hygienist pay and job outlook, answer some frequently asked questions about the dental hygienist profession, and explain why you should find your next travel dental hygienist job with us.

What is the average dental hygienist pay?

In the U.S., dental hygienists made a median annual wage of $87,350 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Dental hygienist compensation does vary depending on practice setting, however—according to the BLS, dental hygienists employed by dentist offices make a median annual wage of $88,450. That’s much higher than those dental hygienists employed by the government, where they make a median annual wage of $71,030.

Although median dental hygienist pay is close to $100,000, some make more while others make less. It’s all dependent on need and location—according to the BLS, the top 10% of dental hygienists made more than $118,400 annually, while the bottom 10% took home less than $65,110.

What is the average travel dental hygienist compensation?

Unfortunately there is no exact data behind how much travel dental hygienists make, but if other professions are any indication of compensation, a travel dental hygienist is poised to make considerably more than their permanent counterparts.

This is mostly due to the fact that dentist offices and clinics that seek travel dental hygienists are normally struggling with supply and demand constraints, and need someone skilled in their facility fast. BHS travel dental hygienists are able to be quickly deployed across the country by design, as they are often pre-licensed and already interested in traveling the country to provide care.

What are the highest paying states for dental hygienists?

Dental hygienists are needed across the country, but some states tend to pay these allied health professionals more than others. Here are the highest paying states/locations in the country for dental hygienists when it comes to annual mean wage as of May 2023, according to the BLS:

Washington — $123,510
California — $118,330
Alaska — $115,980
District of Columbia — $113,600
Oregon — $103,440

What is the job outlook for dental hygienists?

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to boom between 2023 and 2033—according to the BLS, the number of employed dental hygienists is expected to grow 9% in that time. That’s an increase of 19,600 dental hygienists.

Dental hygienists are also in high demand—in fact, a May 2021 poll by the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute found that 28.8% of owner dentists were looking to hire dental hygienists.

There’s also a shortage of dental professionals across the country—especially in rural areas as 67% of these more pastoral regions of the country are designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the federal government. Dental hygienists are being seen more and more as a suitable solution for increasing access to dental care in these regions, meaning there’s a lot of opportunity for travel dental hygienists.

Why become a travel dental hygienist?

The temporary allied health staffing market has grown immensely in the past five years, growing by 8% in 2023, according to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), meaning that now is one of the best times to trade in your permanent position for the travel healthcare lifestyle.

When you take the growing temporary allied health staffing market along with the booming employment numbers of dental hygienists it’s clear that there are plenty of new opportunities for those who are willing to travel for work.

How do you become a dental hygienist?

The journey to becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in the United States is a structured process that ensures high standards of patient care. While specific requirements may vary by state, the general pathway can be outlined in three key steps:

1. Educational Foundation

Complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This rigorous education provides the necessary knowledge and skills for the profession.

2. National Examination

Successfully pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. This comprehensive test evaluates your understanding of dental hygiene principles and practices.

3. State or Regional Clinical Examination

Demonstrate your practical skills by passing the clinical board examination in your desired state or region of practice. This hands-on assessment ensures you can apply your knowledge effectively.

It’s important to note that individual states may have additional requirements, such as specific coursework or continuing education credits, for initial licensure or renewal. These variations reflect each state’s commitment to maintaining high standards of dental care.

Ultimately, licensure is the cornerstone of becoming a dental hygienist in the United States. This process safeguards public health by ensuring that only qualified professionals provide dental hygiene services, thus maintaining the integrity and quality of oral healthcare nationwide.

Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist: What’s the difference?

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both assist dentists in their everyday tasks, but there are a few key differences—the biggest one being that dental assistants oftentimes have less training than dental hygienists.

Dental assistants mostly help out dentists during procedures such as surgeries, and are often responsible for managing office tasks. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, are responsible for teeth cleanings, conducting X-rays, and educating patients about their oral health. Dental hygienists often work directly with a patient, while dental assistants don’t have the training to perform such tasks.

Dental Hygienist vs DDS: What’s the difference?

The difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist (DDS) is immense—for one, dentists are medical doctors with intense clinical training and education under their belt, while dental hygienists have less training and are mostly responsible for teeth cleanings and X-rays.

Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist, meaning that everything they do is under the dentist’s direct control. Dentists make the final decision on a patient’s oral health, while dental hygienists gather information about a patient’s health to present it to a dentist.

Find Your Next Travel Dental Hygienist Job with BHS

Interested in becoming a travel dental hygienist? Check out our job board or reach out to a recruiter today.

Dental Hygienist Pay, Job Outlook, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)