Dental hygiene is a rewarding career that provides an important health service. However, like many careers in healthcare, the traditional job of a dental hygienist does have its limitations in terms of income potential.
The average salary for a dental hygienist in the United States is around $75,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this is a solid income, experienced hygienists with special skills or who take on non-traditional roles have much higher earning potential.
In this article, we’ll explore the highest paying dental hygiene jobs and careers. We’ll define these specialized roles, provide salary data, and discuss the additional training or certifications needed to qualify.
By gaining an understanding of these top options, you can make an informed decision about maximizing your earnings potential within the dental field.
1. Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP)
One of the newest and potentially most lucrative roles is that of an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner or ADHP. Only a handful of states currently license ADHPs, but this is poised to grow as more adopt this mid-level provider model.
ADHPs have an expanded scope of practice compared to a traditional dental hygienist. Under appropriate collaborative agreements with dentists, they are authorized to:
- Perform dental examinations, diagnoses, and treatment planning
- Prescribe medications like antibiotics
- Perform additional procedures likesimple extractions of erupted teeth
- Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide
To become an ADHP, hygienists must obtain a master’s degree in dental hygiene as well as complete 500 hours of hands-on clinical training. Salaries range from $90,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience and location. As more states regulate these advanced positions, this will continue to be one of the most lucrative options.
2. Corporate Dental Hygienist
Another high-paying path is to pursue a corporate dental hygiene job. Hygienists work for companies that provide dental services at multiple locations. Common corporate employers include large dental support organizations (DSOs), dental management service organizations (DMSOs), and dental insurance companies.
Perks of corporate dental hygiene include higher earning potential from more production-based compensation models. Salaries often exceed $80,000 and can reach $100,000 or higher for experienced clinicians.
Other benefits are flexible scheduling, paid time off, retirement plans, and career growth opportunities into roles like an RDH manager or consultant. Additional training in areas like business management may be desired for some corporate positions.
3. Dental Hygiene Educator
For those interested in teaching, becoming a dental hygiene educator is a very rewarding career path that also offers above-average pay. Requirements are typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for postsecondary dental hygiene instructors was $81,300 in 2020.
However, salaries can be even higher at research universities – often exceeding $90,000. Educators also receive benefits like paid time off and retirement plans. Plus there is personal fulfillment that comes from training the next generation of dental professionals.
4. Public Health Dental Hygienist
Getting advanced training allows dental hygienists to provide care in public health settings. This specialized role focuses on serving underserved patient populations, conducting research, and developing community dental programs.
Common public health employers are government agencies, non-profits, hospitals, clinics, and schools.
Typical requirements include at least a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and certification as a dental public health specialist through the American Board of Dental Public Health.
Salaries usually fall in the $70,000 to $90,000 range annually depending on location and specific role. Public health hygienists help expand access to oral care while earning a very good living.
5. Sales Representative for Dental Companies
Being a sales rep marketing dental products and equipment is another high-income option. Key responsibilities involve meeting with dental professionals, providing product demonstrations, and assisting customers.
A background in dental hygiene coupled with strong sales and communication abilities make hygienists well-suited for these roles. Most company representatives require at least a dental hygiene associate degree along with 2-5 years of clinical experience.
The median pay is around $80,000 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, top sales performers can easily earn six-figure incomes thanks to commissions and bonuses on top of their base salary. Travel is common but flexible schedules are offered.
6. Dental Office Business Manager
Mastering both clinical dental hygiene and business management skills sets hygienists up well to become an office business manager.
In this role, they oversee non-clinical functions like staffing, vendor relationships, accounting, inventory, marketing, and technology. Developing business acumen through continued education bolsters their credentials for these executive positions.
Salary ranges from $60,000 to over $100,000 depending on the size and location of the practice managed. Manager positions demand experience – typically at least 5-10 years working as a dental hygienist combined with additional business coursework.
It’s a high-stress but high-reward job ideal for go-getters seeking career advancement within dentistry.
7. Private Practice Owner
For the most ambitious dental hygienists, starting their own private dental hygiene practice allows achieving both business ownership and the highest potential earnings. Common ownership models are mobile practices that travel between senior living facilities and schools or brick-and-mortar offices that specialize in hygiene services.
It takes significant capital to launch a start-up, as well as entrepreneurial risk-taking. However, practice owners can earn well over $100,000 annually according to available surveys. Financial success depends on achieving optimal patient volumes and billing rates.
Full business training and management skills are essential on top of strong clinical competency. For the independently-minded self-starter, private practice ownership represents the top of the career ladder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this overview covered some of the highest paying dental hygiene career paths and jobs. Fields like ADHP, corporate hygiene, education, and public health require additional specialized education.
But taking on roles with increased responsibility, such as business management and private practice ownership, can significantly boost a hygienist’s earning potential well past six figures annually compared to traditional clinical positions.