Dental Hygiene Career Information

Overview of the Dental Hygiene Profession

Dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive oral care by performing cleanings, assessing
patients for signs of oral diseases, educating them on maintaining oral hygiene, and assisting
dentists with patient care. They work primarily in private dental practices, but can also be found
in community health clinics, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Employment Outlook

Growth: The demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, which
is faster than the average for most occupations. This growth is driven by an increased focus on
preventive dental care and an aging population that requires more dental services
Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm

Job Openings: About 16,400 job openings are projected each year, due to growth and
replacement needs.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm

Employment Outlook in Illinois

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local data from Illinois, dental hygienist jobs
are expected to grow by about 6% through 2029. This growth is driven by the increasing
demand for dental services, particularly as the population ages and oral health continues to be
linked to overall wellness.
Illinois Department of Public Health
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/oral-health/fast-facts-oralhealth/careers-oral-health-care.html

Career Outlook and Salary Information

The median annual wage for dental hygienists in the U.S. was $87,530 as of May 2023.
with the potential to earn up to $123,500 depending on experience and location. The
profession is expected to grow by 9% over the next decade, driven by an aging population and
increasing awareness of the link between oral and overall health. Salary can vary depending on
factors like location, experience, and level of education.
The highest 10% in the field earn more than $100,200 annually.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm

ADA Career Center
https://careercenter.ada.org/article/how-to-become-a-dental-hygienist

ADA News
https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/dental-hygienists-salaries-and-career-paths/

Work Environment

Dental hygienists often work part-time, and it is common for them to be employed by more
than one dental office. They primarily work in clean, well-lit environments and must adhere to
safety protocols to protect themselves and their patients from diseases.
ADHA
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/dental-hygieneprograms/professional-roles-of-an-rdh/

Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm

Education and Licensing

Most dental hygienists complete an accredited associate degree program, which typically takes
about three years. Licensure is required in every state and typically involves passing both
written and clinical exams.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available for those who wish to advance in areas like public
health, research, or education
ADHA
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/dental-hygieneprograms/professional-roles-of-an-rdh/

Career Opportunities

Dental hygienists can pursue diverse roles beyond clinical practice, including corporate
positions (e.g., sales, product development), research, public health, and education. They can
also work as part of multidisciplinary health teams in schools, community health centers, and
nursing homes.
ADHA
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/dental-hygieneprograms/professional-roles-of-an-rdh/

Job Satisfaction and Benefits

Dental hygienists report high job satisfaction due to the flexibility of part-time work, the
rewarding nature of patient care, and competitive salaries. Benefits vary by employer but often
include health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement contributions.

Surveys and reports available that provide insights into dental hygiene careers
and employment opportunities:

1. American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Survey: The ADHA regularly publishes
surveys that cover employment trends, salary expectations, and job satisfaction levels
among dental hygienists. These surveys often include information on work settings, job
demand, and geographic variations in employment opportunities
ADHA
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/dental-hygieneprograms/professional-roles-of-an-rdh/

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Outlook: The BLS projects a 9% growth
in employment for dental hygienists between 2023 and 2033. They also provide detailed
data on median wages, geographic employment patterns, and long-term job prospects
Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm

3. The Annual Dental Post Salary Survey: This survey, conducted by DentalPost, provides
detailed information on salaries, job satisfaction, and workplace trends specific to
dental hygienists. The survey captures responses from thousands of professionals and
provides insights into employment conditions and career advancement.
The 2024 Dental Hygienist Salary Report covers trends such as:
• A 7.57% increase in average total income for dental hygienists in 2023.
• A decrease in satisfaction with compensation, with only 49.63% of hygienists
expressing satisfaction, down from previous years.
• 19% of dental hygienists changed employers in the past 12 months, with higher pay
and a better work environment being top motivations for job changes.

• Over 42% of dental hygienists are currently applying or considering applying for new
jobs, primarily seeking better compensation.
DentalPost
https://www.dentalpost.net/salary-survey/

4. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Workforce Projections: The HRSA
conducts workforce projection surveys, including for dental hygienists, highlighting the
future supply and demand for oral health professionals in various regions of the U.S. The
HRSA's reports are particularly useful for understanding the broader employment
landscape
Illinois Department of Public Health
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/oral-health/fast-facts-oralhealth/careers-oral-health-care.html

Illinois Job Placement Services

Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association (IDHA) offers a job board for part-time and full-time
dental hygienist positions across Illinois. It is an excellent resource for both new graduates and
experienced professionals seeking employment in the state. The IDHA site also provides access
to temporary job opportunities through platforms like OnDiem, which connects dental practices
with verified dental hygienists for temp and permanent staffing
Illinois Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA)
https://www.idha.net/dental-hygienist-jobs

Harper College’s Job Placement Resource Center supports students by providing job leads and
assistance in securing employment post-graduation. DentalPost is another platform that
provides insights on job market trends, salary data, and workforce reports for dental hygienists
across the U.S.
Harper College’s Job Placement Resource Center
https://www.harpercollege.edu/jprc/index.php

Resources for Further Information

Here are useful links to explore more details:
ADHA
https://www.adha.org/