Job benefits survey, part 3: New England

April 23, 2013
Job benefit statistics in dental hygiene for New England states

Connecticut

Who responded: 33 total, including19 full-time hygienists
Paid holidays: 37% are off with pay for six holidays; 26% enjoy five paid holidays off; and additional 11% have seven paid holidays.
Paid vacation: 63% have three weeks or more off each year; 16% have two weeks of paid vacation each year; and 11% enjoy one week. 32% said vacation leave is a standard policy that does not increase with years of service.
Paid sick leave: Up to five days (56%); up to 10 days (6%); up to 15 days (0%); more than 15 days (6%). 33% said they do not receive paid sick days. Of the 67% receiving paid sick days, 33% said they are paid a cash equivalent for unused days.
Continuing education: 22% are reimbursed for all CE costs. Tuition is reimbursed for 50%, but not other expenses. 28% of dental hygienists pay all of own CE expenses. 58% are paid their salary for CE on regularly scheduled workdays.
Uniforms: Employers provide uniforms or scrubs for 35% of respondents.

Other benefits received (individual comments about specific benefits “important” to respondent):

  • Discounted dental care for family members, and myself. Employer pays all CE courses, and transports us to the meetings. Matches contributions to my 401k
  • Two office dinners a year at five-star restaurants.

Maine

Who responded: Seven full-time hygienists out of 11 total
Other benefits received (individual comments about specific benefits “important” to respondent):

  • My family is provided with free dental care as well as myself. We only are required to pay any lab fees.
  • Flexibility in schedule, if I must change schedule due to sick child

Massachusetts

Who responded: 37 full-time hygienists out of 71 total
Paid holidays: 19% are off with pay for five holidays; and 14% said they are paid for seven holidays.
Paid vacation: 57% have three or more weeks off each year; 24% have two weeks of paid vacation each year; and 5% enjoy one week. 39% said vacation leave is a standard policy that does not increase with years of service.
Paid sick leave: Up to five days (56%); up to 10 days (6%); up to 15 days (0%); more than 15 days (0%). 39% said they do not receive paid sick days. Of the 61% receiving paid sick days, 23% said they are paid a cash equivalent for unused days.
Continuing education: 23% are reimbursed for all CE costs. Tuition is reimbursed for 37%, but not other expenses. 40% of dental hygienists pay all of own CE expenses. 38% are paid their salary for CE on regularly scheduled workdays.
Uniforms: Employers provide uniforms or scrubs for 53% of respondents.

Other benefits received (individual comments about specific benefits “important” to respondent):

  • Encouragement to take courses regarding new techniques or products available.
  • Annual bonus
  • End of year bonus, a week’s pay
  • Great work atmosphere, the trust of the boss, bonuses
  • Uniform laundry allowance
  • State license is paid for

New Hampshire

Who responded: Six full-time hygienists out of 15 total
Other benefits received (individual comments about specific benefits “important” to respondent):

  • Maximum 401k participation by office.
  • I work for a public health school-based program and have flexibility in my schedule. ADHA membership is covered.

Rhode Island

Who responded: 14 full-time hygienists out of 19 total
Paid holidays: 29% are off with pay for nine holidays; 14% said they are paid for six holidays; and 14% enjoy five paid holidays each year.
Paid vacation: 36% have three or more weeks off each year; 29% have two weeks of paid vacation each year; and 29% enjoy one week. 64% said vacation leave is a standard policy that does not increase with years of service.
Paid sick leave: Up to five days (29%); up to 10 days (14%); up to 15 days (0%); more than 15 days (0%). 57% said they do not receive paid sick days. Of the 43% receiving paid sick days, 25% said they are paid a cash equivalent for unused days.
Continuing education: 9% are reimbursed for all CE costs. Tuition is reimbursed for 18%, but not other expenses. 73% of dental hygienists pay all of own CE expenses. 21% are paid their salary for CE on regularly scheduled workdays.
Uniforms: Employers provide uniforms or scrubs for 0% of respondents.

Other benefits received (individual comments about specific benefits “important” to respondent):

  • She paid for my class for local anesthesia which was $1000. We get a Christmas party and gift the same one every year, but it's the thought that counts.
  • Christmas bonus.

Vermont

Who responded: One full-time hygienist out of three total

About the Author

Mark Hartley

Mark Hartley is the editor of RDH magazine and collaborates with Kristine Hodsdon on many of the articles for RDH eVillage, which also appear on DentistryIQ.com.