Dental Hygiene Career Opportunities
Dental hygienists are most commonly employed in private dental offices but may provide oral health care services in hospitals, nursing homes and schools. The entry-level education requirement is an associate's degree; however, a bachelor's degree provides additional preparation for career options such as research, public health, education, or administration. Employment opportunities exist abroad with governmental agencies, companies or in private practice.
The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, offers the following overview:
| Quick Facts: Dental Hygienists |
| 2010 Median Pay | $68,250 per year
$32.81 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Associate’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2010 | 181,800 |
| Job Outlook, 2010-20 | 38% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2010-20 | 68,500 |
Access the BLS occupational employment statistics web page for more information.
For a detailed summary about the dental hygiene profession, visit the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
You can also visit the American Dental Hygienists' Association website to learn more about your career as a dental hygienist.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Dental Hygienists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm (visited March 11, 2013).