Career & Job Outlook

One of the most appealing features of dental hygiene is its extreme flexibility.  Employment may be full or part time, geared to individual needs and desires.  The opportunity of beginning a career is open to the mature student at various stages in their life.

Salaries of dental hygienists are affected by geographic location, employment setting, education and experience.  Dental Hygienists who work in private dental offices may be paid on an hourly, daily, salary or commission basis.  Graduates report entry-level salaries ranging from $26-30/hour.

Dental Hygienists may impart their skills and professional knowledge to a variety of fields.  The obligation to serve the community and the dental hygiene profession is of the utmost importance to the dental hygienist.

The majority of dental hygienists are employed in private dental offices.  Their primary duties are the oral prophylaxis and oral health education.  Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow in response to increasing demand for dental care.  Demand will be stimulated by population growth, and greater retention of natural teeth by the larger number of middle-aged and older people.

Positions are available in the Cleveland area and throughout the United States.   

Visit the U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics website for more information: Dental Hygienists.