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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Dental Hygienists to increase by 8.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 225,300 to 243,200 jobs. Its estimate of 15,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($98,100), education (Associate's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
225,300
Projected employment (2034)
243,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
8%
Annual openings (projected average)
15,000
Pay & Preparation
$98,100
Associate's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Active Listening (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.5/5) • Speaking (3.5/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Writing (3.12/5) • Service Orientation (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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