Who makes more money RN or dental hygienist?

At the end of the day, both RNs and Dental Hygienists make a lot of money, though it may differ depending on where they work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs' average annual wage is $75,330, while Dental Hygienists earn an average salary of $77,090 per year.


What is the highest paid dental hygienist?

Depending on the cost of living in your area and the amount of experience that you have, the average dental hygienist salary is just over $81,360 per year, with higher earners topping $100,200 per year. Listed below are all 50 states, including Washington DC, ranked by average dental hygiene salary.

Which one is harder dental hygiene or nursing?

Definitely dental hygiene. Nursing school has a lot more slots available for applicants, whereas hygiene school has a very limited amount of spots. Most hygiene schools also require an interview, whereas in my experience nursing schools do not. The pre req classes are the same though.


Is a career in dental hygiene worth it?

As a dental hygienist, you can expect to earn a reasonably competitive salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect to make an average of $77,090 per year if you work full-time and $38,790 per year on average if you choose to work part-time.

What is the lowest paid dental hygienist?

How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make Starting Out? The BLS does not provide average compensation data for entry-level positions for dental hygienists just starting out, but the bottom 25% of dental hygienists earn $73,540 each year according to the BLS.


Dental Hygienist Salary and Hourly Wage Averages



Is dental hygiene a stressful job?

Dental hygienists are given a set amount of time to treat our patients thoroughly and to the best of our ability. For some, it can be very stressful to stay on time day in and day out.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?

To qualify as a dental hygienist, you can do a three-year B course in Dental Hygiene at a university. Some candidates prefer to take a National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene. Your course will combine practical and theoretical training.

Is it harder to be a dentist or a dental hygienist?

Becoming a dentist takes years of training and multiple degrees, but becoming a dental hygienist usually only requires earning an associate's degree. Many dental hygienist associate programs can be completed in fewer than two years.


Is becoming a dental hygienist hard?

Dental hygiene classes require a high level of commitment. You will need to learn a great deal of course material in a short period. Being a dental hygienist is a gratifying job, but it can be a bit difficult. It's nothing that you can't handle with the proper degree of motivation, and patience.

Why do people want to be dental hygienists?

People choose to become dental hygienists because they can:

Help their patients lead healthier lives. Provide service to others. Enjoy a flexible lifestyle. Educate patients about the importance of oral health.

Why are dental nurse salaries so low?

Some dentists don't appreciate the value of a well-trained dental nurse or make full use of dental nurses' skills; therefore they don't see the need to pay for skills not used. As the dental nurse apprenticeship is offered and the qualifications achieved are less than those of degree students, salaries remain low.


Do dental hygienists make the same as nurses?

At the end of the day, both RNs and Dental Hygienists make a lot of money, though it may differ depending on where they work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs' average annual wage is $75,330, while Dental Hygienists earn an average salary of $77,090 per year.

What type of nursing is the hardest?

Most Stressful Nursing Positions
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
  • Emergency Department nurses. ...
  • Neonatal ICU. ...
  • OR nursing. ...
  • Oncology Nursing. ...
  • Psychiatric Nursing.


How can dental hygienist make extra money?

These positions can range from becoming business owners, consultants, product makers, developers, and designers. Some have ventured into education as adjunct faculty, examiners for clinical dental hygiene board exams, continuing education speakers, and curriculum consultants.


Can you make six figures as a dental hygienist?

The median salary for a dental hygienist is $73,000 a year, according to the U.S. Labor Department. That's higher than the median salary of $69,000 for a registered nurse. In big cities, dental hygienists can earn six figures.

Do you have to be good at math to be a dental hygienist?

Hygienists must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Many hygienists assist in the preparation of paperwork, such as patient bills or insurance claims. They must also be able to calculate the amount of material needed for a specific job based on the standard mixture.

What grades do you need to be a dental hygienist?

You'll need five GCSE subjects graded 4-7 or A-C, plus two or three A levels (depending on the university) or a recognised dental nursing qualification to get on to a dental hygiene course.


What is the most difficult part of being a dental hygienist?

Packing as many patients as possible into the daily schedule for the hygienist to treat is the goal of many office staff and dentists. Treating patient after patient without assistance should be acknowledged as an extremely difficult task.

What comes after dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists with bachelor's degrees can transition to dentistry by pursuing Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees. Look for CODA-endorsed programs. Aspiring dentists must also obtain licensure through their state's Board of Dental Examiners.

Is it better to be a dental assistant or hygienist?

Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist Salary Comparison

The national median annual salary for dental assistants is $41,180 per year as of 2020. Dental hygienists earn a median annual salary of $77,090 as of 2020. While hygienists have a higher salary, the job requires more schooling at a higher cost.


Can a dental hygienist do fillings?

A hygienist doesn't diagnose or treat dental problems and can't do fillings, extractions or other procedures that require a dental degree. However, they can assist the dentist with these procedures and play a crucial role as an additional set of hands.

Can you become a dentist after being a dental hygienist?

Can a dental hygienist become a dentist? Yes. However, hygienists first need to acquire a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene and then apply for a four-year doctoral program to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

How much does a dental assistant make?

In 2022, Certified Dental Assistants earned a median hourly pay of $24 per hour, compared to $19.93 for dental assistants who are not certified. Certified Dental Assistants with multiple certifications reported the highest wages, earning a median hourly pay of $26.


How long is dental assistant school?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant? Becoming a dental assistant can take anywhere from nine months to two years, depending on the dental assisting career path you pursue. Certificate programs generally last nine to eleven months, while associate degree programs take about two years to complete.