Dental Hygienists vs Dentists salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dental Hygienists earn an average of $81,360 per year, while Dentists earn an average of $167,160 per year. Therefore, the salary for Dentists is much higher than that of Dental Hygienists.

Nevertheless, it's worth noting that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. In particular, Dental Hygienists in California may have higher earnings (averaging $108,200 per year) compared to those in Alabama ($51,130). As another example, the average wage of Dentists in Delaware is 87% higher than those in Idaho.

Dental Hygienists vs Dentists overview

Dental Hygienists and Dentists are two important occupations in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Dental Hygienist job description

Dental Hygienists administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

Dental Hygienist education and experience

Most Dental Hygienists (75%) have an Associate's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a First Professional Degree (13%) and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (9%). Regarding experience, about a half of Dental Hygienist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Dental Hygienist average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Dental Hygienists employed in the United States was 207,190, and they earned an average of $81,360 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $60,100 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $100,200 or more. The average salary has an increase of 4.2% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Dental Hygienists make good money?

Dental Hygienists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 40% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 16% more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Dental Hygienists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 40% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Dental Hygienists job growth

In 2021, there have been 12,360 more Dental Hygienist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 6.3%. Job growth has averaged -2.9% over the past 2 years.

Dentist job description

Alternative names: Dentists, General

Dentists examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Dentist education and experience

To become a Dentist, an individual usually must obtain a Doctoral Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a College Course Certificate (7%) and a Master's Degree (6%). In terms of experience, about a third of Dentist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller number of roles (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Dentist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 108,680 Dentists employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $167,160. The bottom 10 percent earned $62,810 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $208,000 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has gone down by 7.6%.

Do Dentists make good money?

Dentists usually receive good salaries, since their mean salary is almost two times above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 138% more than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Dentists usually receive good salaries, since their mean salary is almost two times above the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Dentists job growth

In 2021, there have been 12,760 more Dentist positions than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a rise of 13.3%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.7%.

FAQ

Do Dental Hygienists or Dentists make more?

The average earnings of Dentists are 105% higher than those of Dental Hygienists. On average, Dental Hygienists make $81,360 per year, while Dentists make $167,160.

How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist vs Dentist?

Becoming a Dental Hygienist typically requires an Associate's Degree. Obtaining an Associate's Degree usually takes around 2 years of study. In contrast, becoming a Dentist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. Obtaining a Doctoral Degree usually takes between 4 years and 6 years of study. And, given that a Master's Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 13 years to complete.

Is it harder to become a Dental Hygienist vs Dentist?

Becoming a Dentist is much more difficult than becoming a Dental Hygienist, since an additional 11 years of education are required.