Do dental hygienist make good money in California?
Dental hygienists in California are in high demand, with a projected job growth rate of 18% between 2016 and 2026. This is much higher than the national average of 7%. As a result, dental hygienists in California can expect to earn a higher salary than those in other states.
The average salary for a dental hygienist in California is $98,050 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is significantly higher than the national average salary of $78,110 for dental hygienists.
But it’s important to note that dental hygienists’ salaries can vary depending on a number of things, like where they work, how many years of experience they have, and how much schooling they have. For example, dental hygienists who work in metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles can expect to earn a higher salary than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas. Also, dental hygienists with more years of experience and higher degrees can expect to make more money.
In California, dental hygienists are also allowed to work independently, which means they can open their own dental hygiene practice or work as contractors, providing their services to multiple dentists. This can also increase the earning potential for dental hygienists.
What does a dental hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is a licensed professional who works under the supervision of a dentist to take care of the teeth. They help keep your mouth healthy, prevent cavities and gum disease, and make treatment plans with dentists.
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Some of the specific tasks that dental hygienists typically perform include:
- Cleaning teeth: Dental hygienists use tools such as ultrasonic scalers, hand scalers, and polishers to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from patients’ teeth. They also use fluoride treatments and sealants to protect against tooth decay.
- Taking X-rays: Dental hygienists take X-rays of patients’ teeth to help dentists diagnose any issues, such as cavities or impacted teeth.
- Educating patients: Dental hygienists educate patients on oral hygiene techniques such as brushing and flossing and teach them about the importance of regular dental check-ups.
- Charting: Dental hygienists keep detailed records of patient’s oral health, including any issues they have and the treatments they receive.
- Screening for oral cancer: Dental hygienists are trained to look for signs of oral cancer and other oral health issues during their routine visits.
- Administering local anesthetics: Some states allow dental hygienists to administer local anesthetics to patients to numb the area before cleaning or other procedures.
- Working with Dentists: Dental hygienists work closely with dentists, assisting them during procedures and implementing treatment plans.
Is dental hygienist a good career path?
If you’re considering a career as a dental hygienist in California, you can look forward to a rewarding and financially stable career.
Dental hygiene can be a very rewarding career path for those who are interested in the field of dentistry and enjoy working with patients. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists to provide preventative and therapeutic care to patients and play an important role in promoting oral health and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Some benefits of pursuing a career as a dental hygienist include:
- Job security: The demand for dental hygienists is projected to grow at a much faster rate than the national average for all occupations. This means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for dental hygienists in the future.
- Competitive salary: Dental hygienists earn a competitive salary, with the average salary for dental hygienists in the US is $78,110 per year.
- Flexibility: Dental hygienists have the option to work part-time or full-time, and can often choose the hours that they work. Some dental hygienists choose to work in more than one dental practice to increase their earning potential.
- Varied roles: Dental hygienists can work in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, public health clinics, schools, and research institutions.
- Variety of responsibilities: Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, educating patients about oral health, and working with dentists to develop treatment plans. This variety of responsibilities can make the job more interesting and fulfilling.
In summary, being a dental hygienist is a good career path for those who are interested in the field of dentistry, enjoy working with patients, and want a career with a positive job outlook, a competitive salary, and the flexibility to work in a variety of settings.
High paying dental hygienist jobs in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists in California earn an average annual salary of $98,050. But some jobs may pay more than others, depending on things like where they are, how much experience the person has, and how much schooling they have.
Here are a few examples of high-paying dental hygienist jobs in California:
- Private Practice: Dental hygienists working in private practices, particularly in high-income areas such as San Francisco or Los Angeles, can expect to earn a higher salary.
- Specialty Practice: Dental hygienists working in specialty practices such as periodontics, orthodontics, or oral surgery may also earn a higher salary due to the specialized nature of their work.
- Independent Contractor: Dental hygienists who work as independent contractors and provide their services to multiple dentists or dental practices can also earn a higher salary.
- Educator: Dental hygienists who work as educators in dental schools or other educational institutions can also earn a higher salary.
- Public Health: Dental hygienists working in public health clinics or government agencies may also earn a higher salary due to the specialized nature of the work.
Conclusion
Dental hygienists in California can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the potential for even higher earnings in certain types of jobs, such as private practices, specialty practices, independent contractors, education, and in public health.