Dental Hygienist Salaries

For most people, going to the dentist is an unpleasant task, and some actively dread it. It is often a painful experience, and as we can't really see into our own mouths, it's hard to know what to expect in advance. Dental hygienists have a thorough knowledge of oral anatomy and a wide array of clinical skills, all of which are integral to the dental health process. They also have a secondary task which can be just as important. As the first person a patient encounters, a gentle and friendly dental hygienist can help a great deal when it comes to calming and reassuring a nervous patient. A skilled dental hygienist with a practiced hand and good people skills can make a world of difference when it comes to assuaging those dentist-visit fears. A dental hygienist career begins with formal education, whether a two-year degree or a longer program (view Dental Hygienist Salary by Degree for more on how education impacts dental hygienist salaries). Before embarking on a dental hygienist career, many students are curious about the salary range for dental hygienist positions. With PayScale's dental hygienist salary data, you can research dental hygienist salaries based on your unique criteria.

Dental Hygienist Salary Data

When it comes to dental hygienist salaries, the New York offers some of the highest - in fact, New York currently holds the top spot on the Dental Hygienist Salary by City chart. Measure Dental Hygienist Salaries by State, however, and you'll find that overall, New York takes a backseat to California as the place with the highest average salary for a dental hygienist. People hoping to start a dental hygienist career in a warm climate are in luck. Of course, the average salary for a dental hygienist depends on more than just location. One of the most interesting parts of a dental hygienist career is the many different places a dental hygienist's considerable talents are needed. Research Dental Hygienist Salaries by Industry to find out how periodontal offices, family dentists, and cosmetic dentistry stack up in the dental hygienist salary department. Quality training is one way to distinguish yourself from the pack, and the place where you are educated can have an impact on dental hygienist salaries. When measuring Average Salary for a Dental Hygienist by School, the University of Southern California is a clear standout for top dental hygienist salaries.

Beyond Dental Hygienist Salaries

Are you being paid what you deserve? As you research dental hygienist salaries, you may begin to wonder if it's time for a raise. If so, read the Ask Dr. Salary article, "Tips for Getting a Pay Raise: PayScale Salary Survey" for tips on how to ask for one. And to expand your dental salary research, find out how dental hygienist salaries compare to Dental Assistant Salaries.