Introduction
A dental hygienist is a licensed professional who specializes in preventive oral health care. They provide patients with routine teeth cleanings and checkups, as well as other services, such as taking x-rays, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and teaching patients how to properly brush and floss their teeth. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
So, how much does a dental hygienist make? Well, it depends. There are many factors that can affect a dental hygienist’s salary, including location, education and certification, experience, and specialties. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at dental hygienist salaries and explore what factors influence them.
What Factors Affect Dental Hygienist Salaries?
Location: Where you live can have a big impact on your salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for dental hygienists are New York, California and Alaska.
Education and Certification: Most states require dental hygienists to complete an accredited program and pass a licensing exam. Some states also require continuing education courses to maintain licensure. The more education and certification you have, the more likely you are to earn a higher salary.
Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a major role in determining salary. The longer you’ve been practicing as a dental hygienist, the more likely you are to earn a higher salary.
Specialties: Many dental hygienists specialize in certain areas, such as periodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, or public health. Specializing in a particular area can lead to higher wages.
An Analysis of Average Dental Hygienist Salaries by State
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying states for dental hygienists in 2020 were New York ($87,310), California ($81,080), and Alaska ($78,530). The lowest paying states were Utah ($52,950), Mississippi ($48,390), and West Virginia ($45,540).
How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Dental Hygienist
There are several ways to maximize your earnings as a dental hygienist. Here are some tips:
Get Additional Certifications: Getting additional certifications can help you stand out from the competition and command higher wages. Examples of certifications include Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Technician, and Certified Dental Hygienist.
Pursue Specializations: Pursuing a specialization in a particular area can be beneficial. For example, if you specialize in pediatric dentistry, you may be able to command higher wages than those who don’t specialize.
Negotiate Higher Wages: Don’t be afraid to negotiate for higher wages. Doing so can help you increase your income and stay competitive in the job market.
A Comparison of Dental Hygienist Salaries in Different Industries
The type of industry you work in can also affect your salary. Here is a comparison of average salaries for dental hygienists in different industries:
Private Practices: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists in private practices earned an average salary of $69,790 in 2020.
Hospitals: Dental hygienists in hospitals earned an average salary of $76,220 in 2020.
Government Agencies: Dental hygienists employed by government agencies earned an average salary of $68,140 in 2020.
Conclusion
Dental hygienists can make good money, but there are many factors that can affect their salaries. Location, education and certification, experience, and specialties all play a role in determining salary. Salaries vary by state, with the highest paying states being New York, California and Alaska. Additionally, the type of industry you work in can also affect your salary. To maximize your earnings as a dental hygienist, consider getting additional certifications, pursuing specializations, and negotiating higher wages.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)