Jobs in dental hygiene: 6 considerations beyond the hourly rate

Many dental hygienists across the country are seeing increases in hourly wages due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of hygienists, and stronger self-advocacy.¹ While the hourly rate is an important factor, it's just one piece of a larger puzzle when considering a new position. Here’s a look at that bigger picture.

Health benefits

As health-care professionals, hygienists know how important it is to have access to health benefits. However, depending on the dental office, many hygienists don’t get them through their employer. In 2022, it was reported that only 22.5% of RDHs employed in private practices received health benefits through their employers, while 63.5% of RDHs working in corporate dental offices reported that they were provided with health insurance.² This highlights the need for a more uniform approach to health benefits for all dental hygienists.

You might also be interested in: Poll: Half of RDHs report not receiving a raise in past year

If health benefits aren't included in your employment package, consider negotiating for a monthly incentive to help offset your health insurance costs. You could propose either a fixed monthly stipend or a percentage-based incentive toward your monthly health insurance expenses. 

401(k)/retirement

There are not many reports on the average career span of dental hygienists in clinical practice, which would provide perspective on career longevity. A 2020 survey revealed that almost 31% of hygienists reported experiencing burnout.³ There are even dedicated Facebook pages about burnout among dental hygienists. Planning for the future is always a good idea, so be sure to inquire about the availability of 401(k) or retirement plans as part of your employment package. 

Vacation and personal time off

Balancing work and personal life is key to maintaining overall happiness, making vacation time an essential component of any employment agreement; it's not healthy to be completely consumed in work without breaks. Prioritizing time for yourself is vital, whether it's for a family vacation or simply an extended weekend at home. Everyone needs periodic breaks from work throughout the year. Establish clear terms for either paid time off or dedicated unpaid time off in your employment contract.

Bonus structure

Dental hygiene offers employers various opportunities for implementing ethical bonus systems that supplement income without compromising professional integrity. These bonus structures can include fluoride application, electric toothbrush sales, and scheduling follow-up recare visits. For example, a monthly bonus could be awarded for meeting certain daily production goals. Employers just need to ensure these incentives are structured in a way that ethically rewards providers for enhancing patient care and clinic productivity.

Continued education/license renewal fee

In California, dental hygienists are required to pay a $300 license renewal fee every two years, a significant increase from what it was in 2022.⁴ Dental hygienists are also required to complete continuing education courses, which adds additional expense. Collaborating with a dentist who covers the costs of continuing education and license renewal is a clear indication that they value their hygienists. 

Patients per day and work environment

Be mindful of the structure and systems of the office, which may not always be sustainable.⁵ This might involve schedules such as double-column hygiene or condensed 45-minute appointments. While such models can work well in some settings, hygienists need to have a clear understanding of what type of work environment enables them to feel fulfilled. 

When considering a job position, ask about the patient load and appointment times, ensuring these align with your professional standards and work preferences before being swayed by a high hourly rate. 

Increasing hourly rates for hygienists is positive and long-awaited. However, when evaluating job opportunities, consider the entire picture. Look beyond just the pay rate; explore additional benefits and ensure the work environment meets your professional standards and personal preferences.

References

1. Williamson DeStefano A. What dental hygienists are making across the country. RDH. November 23, 2023. https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/compensation/article/14301955/what-dental-hygienists-are-making-across-the-country

2. Lanthier T. The state of the RDH career: The results are in! RDH. January 10 2022. https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14222280/dental-hygienist-salary-survey

3. Bercasio L, Rowe D, Alfa-Ibrahim Y. Factors Associated with Burnout among Dental Hygienists in California. https://jdh.adha.org/content/94/6/40
   
   
4. 2022 fee increase justification. Dental hyigene board of California. https://dhbc.ca.gov/formspubs/fee_increase_2022_justification.pdf
   
   
5. Carr M, Kearney R. Standards for patient scheduling. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. June 1, 2017. https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/standards-patient-scheduling/

Britt Glauz, BSDH, RDH, has 10 years of experience in the dental field. With three years of clinical practice, Britt has become an advocate for hygienists. As the creator of BrushwithBritt, she uses her knowledge and expertise to educate, empower, and motivate hygienists. She has over 78,000 followers on TikTok, 52,000 followers on Instagram, and a podcast with over 55 episodes. She is dedicated to advancing the careers of dental hygienists through interprofessional collaboration and medical-dental integration. She can be reached at [email protected]