If you've been going in circles trying to figure out what you need to know about a career as an oral hygienist, then you're in for a treat today. As you know it can be very irritating when you are not quite sure what you need to proceed. The funny thing is, there is enough content out there, but you're still not sure if the sources are trustworthy. We've all been to this very spot many times. Read on because what we have to say about dental hygienists may surprise you. Get more here about dental hygienist.
Although the U.S. Department of Labor records an average annual salary of $68,250 per year, the total amount an oral hygienist earns can vary based on experience.
A dental hygienist in New Hampshire makes the highest salary in the profession; about $74,000 per year.
Idaho, Utah and Maine pay a dental hygienist salary between $65,000 and $67,000. The state of Michigan had the lowest salary for a hygienist in 2008. They work for the most part in dental practices and medical practices. Nursing centers and surgical hospitals are ranked as the industries employing the largest volume of dental hygienists. Of these industries, dental practices typically pay one of the highest salaries at $68,980.
Again, these numbers certainly do not reflect years of experience or the number of hours worked per week, as a dental hygienist's salary can approach nearly $100,000 depending on experience. Additionally, 90% of experienced dental hygienists make $93,000 annually.
The flexible working hours in this profession are attractive to many people. Some work full-time or part-time and work various shifts during the week.
Because many dental practices hire hygienists on a part-time basis, often for a few days a week, they may work elsewhere or pursue educational or other goals.
An interested high school student should take chemistry and math classes. A high school diploma and college entrance exam grades are required to be accepted into a dental hygiene program. Certain requirements vary from state to state, but you must be licensed by the state to practice as a dental hygienist.
