Dental Hygienist Jobs
Dental hygienist jobs can nestle in the private sector, as in within dental practice offices and research organizations. They can also be found in the public sector, as in within public health organizations. Oral or dental hygienists can work anywhere in America, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands or even overseas, depending on the credentialing and licensing. Fortunately, if you are looking to go back to college for different career training or are searching for your first job field, your education and training from a top online university prepares you well for at least entry-level dental hygienist jobs.
Basic Dental Hygienist Jobs Data
Just over half of dental hygienist jobs are part-time positions, and many hygienists hold more than one job. Roughly 23 percent divide their time between paid positions and volunteer positions, which expands future opportunities and career advancement and expansion.
Although the career field experienced a downsizing effect in 2008 and early 2009, the opportunities have grown once again, reasserting this field as one of the best careers for which you can train. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reinforced its job outlook for hygienists, noting it was one of the fastest growing in the country. Budget reorganization has freed additional public funding for public health positions, and dental practices are once again expanding, both of which solidify the future outlook for dental hygienist jobs.
Overall, before the financial crisis of 2008, the bureau reported that there were 174,800 oral hygienists employed. By 2018, the estimate escalates to 237,000, making this field one of the top careers for growth potential in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also credits the rise in job prospects through 2018 from an unexpected direction: Older dentists who haven’t employed hygienists are retiring. Replacing them are newer graduates who place greater value on the hygienist’s role and are hiring more first-position hygienists into private dental practices.
Geographic Overview
Because licensing for this lucrative job field is restricted by state, competition for solid positions can be quite intense: Major metropolitan areas with high population figures have the largest potential client base, so more practices exist within those areas, and more applicants vie for those positions.
Pay rates for the major metropolitan areas may be higher per hour than rural positions, but competition and the cost of living may be higher as well. Many hygienists look to rural areas for greater net pay and less competition. Those who live near state lines might study for both local and neighboring state exams, allowing for greater career and reimbursement potential.
Some of the city centers that hold the most positions are not surprising. They include New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Saint Louis, Miami and Dallas, to name a few. Because of the cultural differences and many languages involved in these and other centers of high employment within the field, having a good working knowledge of more than English can be a boon.
Some areas that have the greatest need as of 2010 include Tennessee, Kentucky, Maine, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The split between private sector and public sector is almost an even division. Many of the dental hygienist jobs in the public sector in these areas are found free or low-cost clinics funded by local and state taxes and federal programs. Pay is usually lower in these positions, but the personal rewards are terrific! Enroll in classes to start your new career today!
