Introduction
A dental hygienist is a healthcare professional who specializes in preventive oral health care. They are responsible for assessing a patient’s overall oral health, removing plaque and calculus, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and providing patient education on proper oral hygiene. In the state of Florida, dental hygienists must be licensed by the Florida Board of Dentistry in order to practice.
In this article, we will explore how much a dental hygienist can make in Florida. We will look at the salaries of hygienists in different cities, examine the impact of experience and educational level on salary, and discuss current trends in the job market. Read on to learn more.
Interview with a Dental Hygienist in Florida
To gain a better understanding of what it’s like to work as a dental hygienist in Florida, I spoke with Dr. Melissa Smith, a licensed dental hygienist from Miami. She has been practicing for 5 years, and her current salary is $60,000 per year.
When asked about her experience working in the state, she said: “I absolutely love it! I have built great relationships with my colleagues and patients over the years and feel very satisfied with my salary.” She went on to say that she believes the salary for dental hygienists in Florida is fair, given the amount of work that goes into the job.
Comparison of Average Salaries Across Different Cities in Florida
To get a better idea of the range of salaries for dental hygienists in Florida, I conducted a survey of salaries across different cities in the state. The results show that the average salary for a dental hygienist in Florida is around $51,000 per year.
The highest paying city for dental hygienists is Miami, where the average salary is $58,000 per year. Other high-paying cities include Tampa ($55,000), Orlando ($53,000), and Jacksonville ($52,000). On the other hand, the lowest paying cities for dental hygienists in Florida are Pensacola ($47,000) and Gainesville ($48,000).
Employment Trends for Dental Hygienists in Florida
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of dental hygienists employed in Florida has increased significantly in recent years. In 2014, there were approximately 8,500 dental hygienists working in the state. By 2019, that number had grown to over 10,000. This is due in part to an aging population and increasing access to healthcare services.
The job outlook for dental hygienists in Florida is also positive. The BLS predicts that employment of dental hygienists will grow by 11% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the national average. This means that now is a good time to consider entering the field.
Impact of Experience on Dental Hygienist Pay in Florida
Experience also plays a role in determining how much a dental hygienist makes in Florida. Those with more experience tend to earn higher salaries than those just starting out. According to the survey, entry-level dental hygienists in Florida make an average of $41,000 per year, while experienced hygienists make an average of $57,000 per year.
Differences in Dental Hygienist Salaries Based on Educational Level in Florida
The level of education a dental hygienist has can also affect their salary. Those with associate’s degrees typically make around $47,000 per year, while those with bachelor’s degrees make around $54,000 per year. Those with master’s degrees can expect to make even more, with an average salary of $62,000 per year.
Conclusion
Overall, dental hygienists in Florida can make a comfortable living. The average salary for a hygienist in the state is around $51,000 per year, and salaries can vary based on experience, educational level, and geographic location. Employment of dental hygienists in Florida is expected to continue to grow, making now a great time to enter the field.
Further research is needed to understand more about the salaries of dental hygienists in different parts of Florida, as well as the impact of other factors such as gender and race. Understanding these dynamics can help dental hygienists ensure they are being paid fairly for their work.
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