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Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, much faster than average for all occupations, 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 be favorable in most areas, but will vary by geographical location. Because graduates are permitted to practice only in the State in which they are licensed, hygienists wishing to practice in areas that have an abundance of dental hygiene programs may experience strong competition for jobs.” (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm). While the BLS projection bases future employment trends on “population growth, greater retention of natural teeth and a growing emphasis on preventative dental care”, there are additional considerations affecting future employment opportunities for dental hygienists. These include an ongoing economic downturn, the proliferation of dental hygiene education programs and graduates, sluggish graduate rates for dentist-employers, and an already saturated job market in many areas of the country. Recent Employment Climate Over a five year period from 2006-2010, the number of dental hygiene education programs increased almost 13%, producing a proliferation of dental hygiene graduates in many states. While over the same period, the number of dental programs (educating potential dentist employers) increased by only 3.6%. In fact, over a twenty-five year period from 1986-2010, the number of dental hygiene programs has increased over 63%, while the number of dental programs has remained unchanged. This is significant as the vast majority of dental hygienists are employed by dentists in private dental practices. (http://www.adha.org/downloads/edu/dh_ed_fact_sheet.pdf). As early as 2008, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) heard from dental hygienists in areas throughout the country struggling to find adequate employment; the 2009 ADHA Dental Hygiene Job Market & Employment Survey data reflects this trend. While 86% of respondents of the survey indicated they were currently employed, almost half were currently looking for a position, indicating both unemployment, as well as underemployment, among hygienists. According to the ADHA survey, reportedly the main reason hygienists were having difficulty finding a position was an overall lack of clinical jobs. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of respondents indicated there were fewer dental hygiene employment opportunities in their state than in previous years. http://www.adha.org/downloads/Job_employment_survey_2009_exec_sum.pdf Furthermore, hygienists report that the struggling economy has forced employers to decrease hygiene hours and/or eliminate hygiene positions in some areas of the country. Earnings and Benefits According to BLS, dental hygiene earnings vary by geographical location, employment setting, and years of experience. Dental hygienists may be paid on an hourly, daily, salary, or commission basis. Median annual wages of dental hygienists were $66,570 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $55,220 and $78,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,470. Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm). For specific wage information by geographical area and employment setting, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics. State dental hygiene associations and local components can also be helpful in accessing employment information in a specific area (Source: United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, Dental Hygienists, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm).
Other helpful links: State Dental Hygiene Associations America's Career InfoNet
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