Dental Hygienists
O*NET 29-1292.00 · SOC 29-1292
Dental Hygienist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $98k a year with +8% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 15,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Clean and examine patients' teeth and gums
- →Take and develop dental X-rays
- →Screen patients for oral diseases and conditions
- →Apply fluoride treatments and sealants
- →Educate patients on oral hygiene practices
Education & How to Get In
Most Dental Hygienist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Dental Hygienist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Dental Hygienist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Dental Hygienist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Dental Hygienists is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienist make?
The median Dental Hygienist earns $98k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Dental Hygienist jobs?
Our model puts Dental Hygienist at 27 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 8% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 15,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Dental Hygienist?
Most Dental Hygienist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Dental Hygienist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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