by GoTu Marketing Team
May 16, 2025
The dental hygiene profession is shifting. From compensation issues to burnout and career mobility, today’s hygienists are navigating a world that looks a lot different than it did even five years ago.
GoTu recently published the 2025 State of Work Report, summarizing the results of a survey of more than 2,000 registered dental hygienists across the United States to learn more about what’s working, what’s not and how we can work together to improve the dental hygiene profession.
The survey found that most hygienists (79%) plan to stay active in the profession for at least another decade, reflecting a strong commitment to the field. But many are seeking higher pay, greater flexibility, and more supportive work environments. Without these, burnout is becoming harder to avoid, with 63% of respondents saying they’ve experienced it. That kind of stress is often exacerbated by financial concerns, with nearly half of the respondents reporting they haven’t received a raise in over two years, while the cost of living continues to rise.
At the same time, many hygienists are turning to temporary or non-traditional roles as a way to gain more control over their schedules and careers. While this work offers flexibility, it comes with distinct challenges, including inconsistent hours, limited access to benefits, and the challenge of repeatedly adjusting to new office environments.
So What’s Next?
The data offers clear direction: building a stronger future for dental hygiene means putting professionals first. That means prioritizing fair pay, flexible work, meaningful growth, and real support. This report is just the start of an ongoing conversation about how we move the profession forward together.
Tune in for insights by watching GoTu’s narrated report below.
Read the full report here.
____________________________________
GoTu is a pioneering, technology-driven workforce solution and skill-sharing marketplace serving the dental industry. The platform allows dental offices to contract directly with registered dental hygienists, dental assistants and associate dentists to fill both short-term and permanent positions. Launched in 2019 as a response to the growing staffing crisis in the dental industry, the platform has connected more than 35,000 dental offices with more than 100,000 dental professionals. Founders and childhood friends Cary Gahm and Edward Thomas, in collaboration with Debra Simmons, RDH, have grown the Miami-based business from a bootstrapped startup to an institutional, investor-backed powerhouse with 150+ dedicated team members. For more information, visit gotu.com.
