The Dental Hygienist Commands A High Salary

The dental hygienist in a first world country can earn much more than a dental hygienist in a third world country. Within the country, the dental hygienist salary varies depending on the geographical location. Dental hygienists in the cities are paid more than those in the provinces. Among the hygienists, those in the highly urbanized cities are paid the highest.

Dental hygienist salary can also vary according to years of experience. New  hygienists who have just earned their licenses are paid the lowest while those dental hygienist who have more than 20 years of experience are paid the highest. Just like in other professions, one’s work experiences are taken into consideration when discussing salaries.

Dental hygienist salary can also vary according to the type of institution he/she works for. Those dental hygienists who work in huge dental clinics are often paid higher than those who work for non-profit organizations. Some dental hygienists are paid regular salaries while others are on commission basis. Some work for an hourly rate. Others work for a daily rate while others work for a monthly rate.

To earn a dental hygienist salary, a person must first finish a dental hygienist program. There are schools which offer a two-year associate’s degree while some schools offer a four-year bachelor’s degree. At the very minimum, the requirement for such a positions is just a two-year associate’s degree. There are also online programs available for those individuals who have full time work. After finishing the program, the individual must pass the licensure exam given to dental hygienists.

To increase one’s dental hygienist salary, he/she can earn a master’s degree. Obtaining a graduate degree on dental hygiene can increase one’s qualifications which can offer opportunities for a higher dental hygienist salary. The master’s degree in dental hygiene puts emphasis on dental hygiene research and management. Finishing the graduate degree can prepare the dental hygienist to an educational or managerial role.

Being a dental instructor can also increase one’s salary.   Requirements for teaching positions in dental hygiene normally include a master’s degree in dental hygiene, a license to practice being a dental hygienist, and practical work experience. Entry-level dental hygiene instructors may not need teaching experience. One can teach at night or weekends while working as a dental hygienist in a dental office during the day. This type of setup can definitely increase one’s dental hygienist salary.