When it comes down to it: Is the Money Good?
Most people who know anything about dental hygienists know that it can be a very strong career choice in terms of making a comfortable living and salary. But exactly how much you can earn actually depends on a number of variables that should be considered before you accept a position at the first dentist’s office that offers you a position. There are essentially three main factors that figure into your salary figures.
Education
It should come as no surprise that the more education that you have, the better salary as a dental hygienist you can command. All dental hygienists must have either an associate’s degree or a dental hygiene certificate. However, a bachelor’s degree offers you some more flexibility in work environments and better pay. Additionally, a master’s degree can open even more doors for you and higher positions based on credentials and degrees. This is also true if you have a specialized degree such as in endodontics, for example. Specialties almost always pay higher salaries.
Experience
Experience is often the most underrated consideration on the part of job applicants, but often the most important consideration for the hiring party! Dentists want a good, qualified hygienist with a strong working history, excellent references, and high-quality patient and technical skills. These kinds of things are considered “on the job” training assets. In other words, you cannot gain or learn them without doing them.
Work experience can be a major factor in salary considerations. A dental hygienist with a bachelor’s degree will not likely make more money than a dental hygienist who has an associate’s degree and five years of patient and office experience. Experience can also effect how a dental hygienist is paid – whether it is hourly, daily, salary or on a commission basis.
Region & Location
This salary factor may be a bit more surprising than the other two. The actual region of the country in which you work can impact what you make. Dental hygienists on the West cosat of the United Stares earn more, on average, than any other region of the country. The East coast is the next highest paying region, on average. The Midwest and southern regions tend to offer lower salary incentives. (Keep in mind that the higher the salary is, the more competitive the hiring process, too.)
Moreover, the kind of office environment that you work in can also affect your salary. A suburban upscale, private dentist can afford to pay a dental hygienist more than an urban Medicare dentist can. It may be a harsh fact, but it is still a fact. You need to consider the kind of atmosphere you want to work in as well as the salary considerations. Some dental hygienists want to do the most good, and many poorer communities are those that need the best hygienists to aid with education and prevention.
Many hygienists also work part-time and may work at more than one office. This, too, will affect the salary of a dental hygienist.
The Bottom Line
Okay, here are the numbers.
A census survey provided the following statistics in the year 2004. The average hourly salary of a dental hygienist was approximately $28.00 between a typical range of approximately $22.00 and $34.00 an hour. The lowest hourly rate was $18.00 an hour and the highest was $40.00 an hour.
Even at the lowest end, a dental hygienist earns far above minimum wage and had excellent salary potential.
