According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014, ranking dental hygiene among the fastest growing occupations. This is in response to increasing demands for dental care and the greater utilization of hygienists to perform services previously performed by dentists. Job prospects are expected to remain excellent.

Population growth and greater retention of natural teeth will stimulate demand for dental hygienists. Older dentists, who have been less likely to employ dental hygienists, are leaving the occupation and will be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to employ one or even two hygienists. In addition, as dentists' workloads increase, they are expected to hire more hygienists to perform preventative dental care, such as cleaning, so that they may devote their own time to more profitable procedures (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm).

Earnings

Median hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $28.05 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $22.72 and $33.82 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18.05, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40.72 an hour.

Earnings vary by geographical location, employment setting, and years of experience. Dental hygienists may be paid on an hourly, daily, salary, or commission basis.

Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), almost all full-time dental hygienists employed by private practitioners received paid vacations. The ADA also found that 9 out of 10 full-time and part-time dental hygienists received dental coverage. Dental hygienists who work for school systems, public health agencies, the Federal Government, or State agencies usually have substantial benefits (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm).

For specific wage information by geographical area and employment setting, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Local state dental hygiene associations and components can also be helpful in accessing employment information in a specific area.

Other helpful links:

America's Career InfoNet

Employment Benefit Research Institute