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What Does a Dental Hygienist Earn?

ah4612 | Feb 22, 2010 |

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for dental hygienists is approximately $67,000. However there are a variety of factors that determine whether or not a person in this profession earns the average salary for a dental hygienist.

Job Responsibilities
Dental hygienists spend the majority of their day cleaning the teeth of patients at a dental office. The cleaning removes plaque, stains and build-up from the teeth which cause cavities and other dental problems if left untreated. Prior to beginning the cleaning, a dental hygienist takes x-rays of the teeth to assess any problems, and they follow up the cleaning by discussing oral hygiene with the patient.

Location
States with the highest average hourly wage for dental hygienists include Alaska, California and Washington, which each have an average wage of $40 or more per hour. The lowest average hourly wages for a dental hygienist are found in Mississippi, Alabama and West Virginia. Hygienists employed in major metropolitan cities often have a higher wage than those in smaller cities and rural locations. For example, the average wage for a dental hygienist in and around New York City is $35 per hour but less than $30 for Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse and more rural areas.

Experience
The average salary of a dental hygienist increases as they gain more experience working in the field. Dentists don't spend as much time orientating a dental hygienist to their office and supervising them the longer they've worked for them. Dental hygienists also aid in creating a loyal customer base if they provide good customer service and care during dental procedures.

Advancement
Advancement opportunities are available for most dental hygienists although they may not be available in small dental offices. Continuing education and training give hygienists the ability to administer anesthetics and prepare patients for dental surgeries. They supervise other dental hygienists and assistants within an office if the dentist delegates this responsibility to them. These advancement opportunities generally bring a higher average salary for a dental hygienist.

Salary
Dental hygienists are usually not paid on salary, but instead paid an hourly wage since more than half work less than 35 hours per week according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly wage for the profession is $32.19, which provides average yearly earnings between $50,000 and $70,000 for most hygienists. However this amount is lower for new dental hygienists whose starting hourly wage is between $20 and $25.