The Professional Potentials of A Tooth Hygienist and Anticipated Salary

Even though U.S. Department of Labor reports an annual median salary of $68,250 per year, the total amount a dental hygienist makes may vary according to experience. Earning around $74,000 per year, a dental hygienist in NH earns the highest salary in this occupation.

Idaho, Utah and Maine are states that pay roughly the same annual salary of between $65,000 and $67,000. Paying the lowest salary for a dental hygienist in 2008 is the state of Michigan. Dental hygienists function principally in dental office groups combined with doctor’s office. Employment services, and surgical hospitals include the industries that hire the highest quantity of dental hygienists. Of such industries, dental offices typically give the a salary of sixty eight thousand which is the highest.

Numbers of hours worked each week or total work experience did not play a factor. In actuality, 90 percent of experienced dental hygienists in the United States make $93,000 each year.
Hopefully, just as with so many other aspects regarding how much does a dental hygienist make, you will need to pay more attention to some things than others.

But that can vary slightly, and it really just will depend on how you want to use the information. As you realize, there is much more to the story than what is available here. We are keeping the best for last, and you will be delighted at what you will find out. Even following what is next, we will not quit there because the very best is yet to come.


Depending on the state the tasks that a dental hygienist performs may be different. Demonstrating proper oral hygiene, preventative dental care, and teeth evaluation are a handful of the common duties in most states. Administering local anesthetics, filling procedures, and removing stitches are allowed in a few states, but in most this is reserved for the dentist.

Many people like this profession due to the flexible scheduling. There are many individuals who work part time and full time. Since many dentists hire hygienist on a part-time basis, often a couple days per week, this allows them to work at other jobs or go after educational or other goals

Someone that really wants to be a dental hygienist needs to take classes in chemistry, biology, and math. In order to be accepted to a dental hygiene program, high school diploma and college entrance exam scores are required.

While some requirements may for dental hygiene courses can vary from state to state, a degree from an accredited dental hygiene school along with a state license is needed to practice as a dental hygienist.

Since they will constantly communicate with dentists, patients, and their families a dental hygienist must be able to get along with other people.

Good communication skills and a likeable personality are great traits to possess as well. Hygienists will need to possess good manual dexterity because they are required to use sometimes sensitive and sharp dental devices in the mouths of patients.