Dental hygienists
SOC Code: 29-1292Also known as:
Dental Hygienist, Dental Nurse, Hygienist, Licensed Dental Hygienist, Oral Hygienist
Median Annual Salary
$94,260
+7.0% growth (2024-2034)
15K
Openings/Year
222K
Current Jobs
What Dental hygienists Do
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
💰 Salary
$94,260
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+7.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
15K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
221,600
Projected Employment (2034)
237,200
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Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- Expose and develop x-ray film.
- Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
- Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
- Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dental hygienists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dental hygienists:
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
8,802 degrees awarded •
334 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dental hygienists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dental hygienists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make?
The median annual salary for dental hygienists is $94,260.
What education do dental hygienists need?
Most dental hygienists positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.
Is becoming dental hygienists a good career choice?
Dental hygienists is projected to see +7.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 15,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dental hygienists?
Top colleges for aspiring dental hygienists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, New York University, Ohio State University-Main Campus, Texas A & M University-College Station, University of New Mexico-Main Campus.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dental hygienists?
Dental hygienists may also be known as: Dental Hygienist, Dental Nurse, Hygienist, Licensed Dental Hygienist, Oral Hygienist, Pediatric Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.