Finding a dental hygiene job

I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Hey,
Try Chicago,IL, California or New York

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

I heard in Virginia there's a high demand.....I'm a dental hygiene major also and I've done some research on that....plus it's the highest paying state for dental hygienists', supposingly.

Hi, Like you I also am having a hard time finding a job. I have been a hygienist for 14 years and think that my experience is hurting my job search. My last employer retired and the dentist that bought the practice brought in all his own people. I have noticed on career builders that California, and Arizona seem to have a lot of adds. You might want to check it out. I have also had to change my address on my resume depending on where I am sending it-because they won't even consider me if there is any distance involved at all. Even when I tell them that I am willing to relocate. Good Luck nancyw

Having A hard time here too, at least in my area! I have heard also that there is a high demand in Virginia with great pay. Up to $40.00 per hour. Good Luck!

Well austin, pay even more then 40.00 and they r higher demand then va, tx is very down to earth, great weather all year round, and alot of jobs, i am thinking about going in the field myself, so u might want to try here, and be willing to relocate
try dallas, austin, san ant, and houston, also try the suburb as well, jobs r hidden there 2 LOL ps i hope that helps ya

try in California, central coast. I saw some ads but i do not have my liscense yet.

to sum it up for you IT 'S TOUGH BEING A DENTAL HYGIENIST. FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET IN THIS FIELD SO BAD, YOU 'LL GET A TASTE OF IT AND FIND OUT YOURSELF. and to Mike in Michigan, I do have to say that you got your info. correctly.

what is the average pay in different parts of the country? I have found that the pay for hyg is much lower than I was told and expecting.

I have practiced for 23yrs. and until now I have never had a hard time finding a position. Not that I have chaged jobs alot it just is my fourth time, and boy it's tough!!!
Sometimes I think they are flooding the market and not necessarly with good applicants, perhaps just warm bodies. What are we people who are dedicated do??????

tara in Farmington, Michigan said: what is the average pay in different parts of the country? I have found that the pay for hyg is much lower than I was told and expecting.

What were you told and where did you graduate from? Do you have a 2yr. or a 4yr. degree?? Are you able to administer Local anes, nitrous oxide?? These issues may direct your compensation. Wha tdo you tink and do you have these credentials?

tara in Farmington, Michigan said: what is the average pay in different parts of the country? I have found that the pay for hyg is much lower than I was told and expecting.

I live northwest of Atlanta and I make $35 per hour.

I live in Centeral Michigan and am very thankful and feeling very lucky to have found a job. It's only 3 days a week, but at least I am bringing an income in again. I'm a 2007 grad, have a 2 year degree (almost enough credits for a four year degree though), certified in local anesthesia and nitrous, and a former dental assistant. I started at $24.00 an hour with minimum benefits. After 6 months I will get paid for half a day if a holiday falls on a scheduled work day. After a year I can enroll in the 403B retirement program, which my company also contributes to. I work for a larger company that provides medical and dental treatment to the underserved population. Full time employess receive excellent benefits, including health/dental, 4 weeks of paid time off a year, CE's paid, 6% of wages contributed into 403B by company, long-short term disability and life insurance. It's not my "Dream" job, but like I said I am feeling very thankful to have found a hygiene position since many of my classmates are still unemployed. I think my wage is average for my area. If it helps anyone around the country or in a different part of Michigan, the median price for a home here is $120,000. We have the worst economy in the US in Michigan and I know of a lot of people who have lost their jobs around here. Hoping things will get better soon! Good Luck to everyone!

I am studing about this job in my class. And hearing all of you has really changed my mind about this job. Also good luck to all of you looking for a job.
p.s. Try Boone N.C.

I have been an RDH for 9 years in northern California. My hourly wage is $50+. I have spent 9 years in college earning two AS degrees, a BS degree, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. I work in two offices, a total of 5 days/week with occasional Saturdays added to this.

For those of you unable to find perm employment - try temping from job agencies. It's a good way to get your good name and reputation out in your industry in addition to building knowledge and skill.

There is plenty of RDH jobs available, one just has to know how to present oneself in print and on the phone to get the job interview. Be persistent and never give up!

DHubz in Toledo, Ohio said: I heard in Virginia there's a high demand.....I'm a dental hygiene major also and I've done some research on that....plus it's the highest paying state for dental hygienists', supposingly.

Really, about how much is the average wage for Virginia? Just curious what other states wages are.

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I have been an RDH for 9 years in northern California. My hourly wage is $50+. I have spent 9 years in college earning two AS degrees, a BS degree, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. I work in two offices, a total of 5 days/week with occasional Saturdays added to this.

For those of you unable to find perm employment - try temping from job agencies. It's a good way to get your good name and reputation out in your industry in addition to building knowledge and skill.

There is plenty of RDH jobs available, one just has to know how to present oneself in print and on the phone to get the job interview. Be persistent and never give up!

I would have to agree with you. I have never had a hard time finding a job, its just finding an office that fits you. I am in a office 3 days a week and I work as a temp still about 1 day/ week. I love that i get to experience other offices. It really does get your foot into many doors and gives you the option of choosing a good office and not just the first thing that comes along. It also gives me such a flex schedule because my husband and I do alot of traveling so i can pick and choose my long weekends. I would recommend it to anyone trying to find something permanent also.

I sympathize with your concerns and frustrations...a method for employment I have always used, and works like a charm, is working as a temp...every office I work at, I treat as a potential job interview...there was a time when I would work through an agency, however that was years ago...I found a wonderful office and some more ideas...once you land a great job never allow yourself to get so cozy in your job you loose touch with your professional community.I have adjusted my lifestyle to a 3 day work week...If special needs arise, I can always work more...I simply call some of my contacts...people I have met along the way i.e. previous co-workers who have moved on...and I can typically pick up any day I need. This is my career and I manage it as such...Good Luck in your search and I hear the market is good in Portland

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

it's hard to find a job here too. they are either far far away or they want to pay you less than an assistant.

my girlfriend moved to arizona and found a job right away. she got offers over the phone without a formal interview. she narrowed down he choices and requested a working interview before she accepted the job. she makes $45 per hour and works 5 days a week.

i don't believe you can be a hygienist in Cali unless you went to school there (or that's what i've heard).

I would like to respond to MJSchooley in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I am an RDH in California who makes $50+ an hour.

I grew up on Oregon, and earned my BS in Dental Hygiene from attendeding OIT in Klamath Falls, OR.

I took my dental hygiene clincal boards at UCSF - San Francisco, California; passed my boards and had a job in California within weeks upon receiving my RDH license. Keep in mind, I still lived in Oregon until I had been hired in California. I took 1 week leave of absence where I drove my car from Oregon to California just to find a job.

I used yahoo to find dental offices in California who had more than 1 dentist practicing in the offices - I wanted to work in a large office to insure longevity in employment. I randomly chose places where to send my information without even knowing if they were hiring. I sent out my resume w/cover letter telling of my availability for a working interview. I mentioned that even if they were not hiring, if a colleague was, to please pass my name along.

I contacted 45 offices within a 25 mile radius and had 15 interviews lined up during my 1 week visit. I came out with a job in that week.

Four years after working in private practice, I returned back to night school to earn my MBA in Healthcare Administration. This took me less than 2 years to accomplish. I continued to work Full-time as a single mom with 2 children living with me.

You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I would like to respond to MJSchooley in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

that's great, i guess it depends on the area because i've heard of people that can't get jobs out there. also, that was years ago, so maybe the job market is a bit different now.

unfortunately it is not possible for us to relocate so i will continue to look around in MI.

I agree with the lady who works as a temp. See if there are any temp agencies in your area. I'm pretty new to dental hygiene too, and I've found that it is much more difficult to find a job with little experience. Temp agencies offer you a way to get familiarized with all of the different types of offices out there, plus give you experience. Houston, TX always has job openings. I work 5 days a week, but stil have my resume posted on dentalpost.net, and always get emails telling me of new dental hygiene openings. Oh, but in TX, you can't administer local (I rarely need to use it anyway).

Recently moved to Charlotte area from FL and am surprised to find demand for RDH in area very low as is payscale. This area is booming with new residents and dentists opening practices. I think because of my 23 years of experience many DDS would rather higher hygienist right out of school for $28 an hour rather than pay for experience staff at $35 an hour. This is definitely new to me (low demand for RDH). All three other states NH,MA,FL all are in need of RDH. The temp agency I have my name with for temp or perm work says things will pick up in the new year. I hope so!!

janet moe in Waxhaw, North Carolina said: Recently moved to Charlotte area from FL and am surprised to find demand for RDH in area very low as is payscale. This area is booming with new residents and dentists opening practices. I think because of my 23 years of experience many DDS would rather higher hygienist right out of school for $28 an hour rather than pay for experience staff at $35 an hour. This is definitely new to me (low demand for RDH). All three other states NH,MA,FL all are in need of RDH. The temp agency I have my name with for temp or perm work says things will pick up in the new year. I hope so!!

I am a dental hygienist working in Tampa. Hubby just got offered a nice promotion but it requires a move to North Carolina. After viewing the requirements to obtain liscensure in N.C. and reading your experience with the dismal employment prospects as an rdh I'm apprehensive. Rdh market here in Tampa is hot re: job availability but i don't know any office paying your quote of 35.
I am afraid of regretting this move sounds like you do and i wish you luck!

Hi RDH in Tampa,
I lived in Jupiter FL for 16yrs and worked for the same DDS. I made $33hr and had 1hr prophy. I've been on three interviews all only looking for P/T help. They pd between $30 and $32hr and want you to do alot for the $. Impressions for bleach trays, digital photos, oral cancer rinse with light. The traffic around here is bad as Charlotte has grown so much and roads haven't. One interview 16miles took 55min!! I got license thru credentials and it was a lot of paperwork and $750.00 and about 4 months time. Good luck if you move to NC. You will find a job they're just not as plentiful as in FL. Temp agency pays $38.00 hr and she quoted the $35.00 hr for F/T employment. My experience is that is a little high. They say they can keep me busy temping but in the last 10weeks I've only been called four times. Good luck to you!

I live in Broomfield and work in Westminster. The northern part of the City of Denver makes average about 35 per hr...

janet moe in Waxhaw, North Carolina said: Hi RDH in Tampa,
I lived in Jupiter FL for 16yrs and worked for the same DDS. I made $33hr and had 1hr prophy. I've been on three interviews all only looking for P/T help. They pd between $30 and $32hr and want you to do alot for the $. Impressions for bleach trays, digital photos, oral cancer rinse with light. The traffic around here is bad as Charlotte has grown so much and roads haven't. One interview 16miles took 55min!! I got license thru credentials and it was a lot of paperwork and $750.00 and about 4 months time. Good luck if you move to NC. You will find a job they're just not as plentiful as in FL. Temp agency pays $38.00 hr and she quoted the $35.00 hr for F/T employment. My experience is that is a little high. They say they can keep me busy temping but in the last 10weeks I've only been called four times. Good luck to you!

janet moe,
license thru credentials is just a two year license have you looked at what is required to get a perm NC rdh license? I'm sure we will both have to take clinicals...yes??? Remember that day i'll be thrillllllllled to go thru that again!! please excuse the holiday sarcasim. Merry Christmas : )

Hey,
I'm an RDH and going for my DDS degree. I would say that you should start as a temp and then once you get to know some offices and they know you are good, then you wouldn't have any problems looking for a job.
Every break, I call different offices and they'll book me patients right away...California has plenty of jobs if you are willing to work hard and be nice to the patients.

Hi Kelley,

You can try california or Chicago<IL.

In response to DLW enterprises earning $5K/wkly, Just remember....

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

You're much better off earning a living with a REAL job making REAL money!

I am having one heck of a time finding a job! I graduated in April of 2007, have sent out and delivered many resumes, and havent found a thing! Any advice would be great, and I am also willing to relocate to just about anywhere at this point in my life. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your help.

Kacey in Owosso, Michigan said: I am having one heck of a time finding a job! I graduated in April of 2007, have sent out and delivered many resumes, and havent found a thing! Any advice would be great, and I am also willing to relocate to just about anywhere at this point in my life. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your help.

try with job placement companies that specialize only for hygiene or dentist. That's how I started.
It's hard to get a job when you have no connections. Sometimes there are job postings in school too.
you can also relocate to California but you might have to retake the state boards.

Very difficult to find dental hygiene jobs in Minnesota. (at least in the metro area).Too many schools with the dental hygiene program pouring hygienists into the market. I guess this is what dentists wanted.High school counselors need to be informed that for now this is not the field to go into unless you have connections when you get out.

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

try new orleans, louisiana....hygienists are in big demand

We are a busy general dental practice in a small town setting and are looking for a full-time dental hygienist. We would love to find an energetic team player to join our practice. Please e-mail me @teethrus@mchsi.com.

Come to Connecticut. We have jobs for all of you here.

I want to practice in California!! But, I'm in MI!! I will be graduating from University of Detroit School of Dentistry in May of this year. Would I HAVE to take the clinical boards there to practice there?

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I would like to respond to MJSchooley in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I am an RDH in California who makes $50+ an hour.

I grew up on Oregon, and earned my BS in Dental Hygiene from attendeding OIT in Klamath Falls, OR.

I took my dental hygiene clincal boards at UCSF - San Francisco, California; passed my boards and had a job in California within weeks upon receiving my RDH license. Keep in mind, I still lived in Oregon until I had been hired in California. I took 1 week leave of absence where I drove my car from Oregon to California just to find a job.

I used yahoo to find dental offices in California who had more than 1 dentist practicing in the offices - I wanted to work in a large office to insure longevity in employment. I randomly chose places where to send my information without even knowing if they were hiring. I sent out my resume w/cover letter telling of my availability for a working interview. I mentioned that even if they were not hiring, if a colleague was, to please pass my name along.

I contacted 45 offices within a 25 mile radius and had 15 interviews lined up during my 1 week visit. I came out with a job in that week.

Four years after working in private practice, I returned back to night school to earn my MBA in Healthcare Administration. This took me less than 2 years to accomplish. I continued to work Full-time as a single mom with 2 children living with me.

You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Samantha, Yes,you will have to take the California Dental Hygiene Board in addition to the National Board. The California Dental Hygiene Clinical Boards are held at UCSF - a university in San Francisco. They schedule A.M. testing and P.M. or afternoon testing. Parking is horrible in San Francisco and the city strictly enforces the parking laws. I know, I received a ticket while eating breakfast there at 6 a.m. just prior to taking my clinical board exam.

I am more than happy to give any more info/advice; just ask!

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Pay is continually going down for hygineists due to the overall saturation. There is no longer a demand like there was a few years ago. Too many schools, too many hygienists, not enough jobs. I would say you could find a job in any rural community easier than a larger city. But, the questions is, do you want to live in a small community not close to a bigger city? How badly do you want a job???

Kelley in Duluth, Minnesota said: I have recently graduated from dental hygiene school and am finding it really hard to find a job... I have sent out resumes, called, and even went in person to places... I have my license for two states... Does anyone know if any place in the United States really are in need of hygienist?? I would be willing to move to where the job was... I would be also grateful for any hints that would help me get a job... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

I have also heard Colorado is a great place to find a dental hygiene position...I am thinking of moving there in a couple years hopefully!

rdh7501 in New Port Richey, Florida said: I am a dental hygienist working in Tampa. Hubby just got offered a nice promotion but it requires a move to North Carolina. After viewing the requirements to obtain liscensure in N.C. and reading your experience with the dismal employment prospects as an rdh I'm apprehensive. Rdh market here in Tampa is hot re: job availability but i don't know any office paying your quote of 35.
I am afraid of regretting this move sounds like you do and i wish you luck!

I'm in Palm Harbor needing to land a job. Would you mind discussing the position you are leaving in N. Tampa?

Trisha in Sacramento, California said: Samantha, Yes,you will have to take the California Dental Hygiene Board in addition to the National Board. The California Dental Hygiene Clinical Boards are held at UCSF - a university in San Francisco. They schedule A.M. testing and P.M. or afternoon testing. Parking is horrible in San Francisco and the city strictly enforces the parking laws. I know, I received a ticket while eating breakfast there at 6 a.m. just prior to taking my clinical board exam.

I am more than happy to give any more info/advice; just ask!

Trisha,
I have also been wondering about the requirements to practice in California. I will be graduating from a 2 year program in WI in a few months, and I'm considering moving to CA. I'll have taken the National Board and a clinical exam from CRDTS. From what I've read, it really seems like CA is the most difficult state to get a license in. I'm interested in any advice you have to offer on the matter. I'll be certified to give local anesthetic but hygienists in WI aren't licensed to administer nitrous oxide or perform tissue curettage. Will I need supplemental education, as well?

Samantha (Misty in Madison Wisconson):

You ask some very good questions:

First - You are correct in your assumption on California being a difficult state to be awarded an RDH license in.

Patient selection is key. You can receive information on this from CDHA.org (Califronia Dental Hygiene Association).

Second, as far as being licensed to administer nitrous oxide or performing tissue curettage, there are CE courses offered in California you can take for a fee which will enable you to become licensed to perform these tasks. I strongly recommend to look into both of these as dentists require their RDH's to have this knowledge/skill prior to being hired.

Third, check out the Dental Board of California Committee on Dental Auziliaries - 916-263-2595 - 1428 Howe Ave, Suite. 58, Sacramento, Ca 95825-3222

This is the committe who issues RDH licenses. They can provide all kinds of valuable info. I am not up on all of the legislative news concerning RDH's you will need to know about prior to making your decision to obtaining a CA license.

Hope this information will prove to be helpful for you. (Trisha)

I was hoping you can give some more specific information about what exactly to do to get your resume to turn into an interview. I to have several degrees and will be finishingyet another degree in DH in about a year. I currently live in MI but am planning on returning to CA (central coast area ideally) after graduation. Any info on specific areas of Northern California that have many DH jobs? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Trisha in Loomis, California said: I have been an RDH for 9 years in northern California. My hourly wage is $50+. I have spent 9 years in college earning two AS degrees, a BS degree, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. I work in two offices, a total of 5 days/week with occasional Saturdays added to this.

For those of you unable to find perm employment - try temping from job agencies. It's a good way to get your good name and reputation out in your industry in addition to building knowledge and skill.

There is plenty of RDH jobs available, one just has to know how to present oneself in print and on the phone to get the job interview. Be persistent and never give up!

Trisha,
Thanks so much for your help. I'm pretty overwhelmed in my last semester, and the process of getting licensed elsewhere is pretty daunting. It seems nearly impossible to begin my career in California, and not much less difficult to move it there. I'd either need to live there for awhile with some sort of low-paying job, or start practicing here in order to find a qualifying patient, and ....fly the patient to California to take my board exam? I'm not sure how I'd find a qualifying patient IN California. None of this is very conducive to getting out of debt... Do you think this is a pretty accurate assessment of what would need to happen?

Misty in Madison, Wisconsin said: Trisha,
Thanks so much for your help. I'm pretty overwhelmed in my last semester, and the process of getting licensed elsewhere is pretty daunting. It seems nearly impossible to begin my career in California, and not much less difficult to move it there. I'd either need to live there for awhile with some sort of low-paying job, or start practicing here in order to find a qualifying patient, and ....fly the patient to California to take my board exam? I'm not sure how I'd find a qualifying patient IN California. None of this is very conducive to getting out of debt... Do you think this is a pretty accurate assessment of what would need to happen?

Alaska needs dental hygienists, and the pay is very competative, not everyone would love Alaska but I was born and raised here so I do. Beautiful mountains, coast, plenty of outdoor activites. I think it's awesome. I've been to Madison too, so I know you can handle the cold.
I think they need hygienists to travel to remote villages in AK if you're willing to do that for a few years, it would help you get out of debt.
As soon as I get my pre-requsites done I'm going to start the RDH program here.

To: Trisha in Sacramento, California

After talking to my college instructor at a local city college in Clovis, I learned that becoming a RDH made quit a bit of money for the education. After researching and reading these blogs I am not as encouraged. I read some other blogs from another website that RDH had posted from the years 1999-2007 making is sound like the market was going well;

example: I work in Sonoma county which is about an hour north of San Francisco. I have expanded functions. I work on an hourly basis 8 pts a day and 3 days a week. I am paid $57 an hour. I get a $40 bonus per quadrant on all the root planing, and 1/3 of the x-ray fees, we use a fair amount of Arestin for our pts and again I get a small bonus on that as well as bleach trays etc if I have explained all to the pt and they decided to purchase. I have been here 4 years and have 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 holidays, one week sick leave a year. I have never used my sick leave and my boss will usually give me one or 2 days of it as a bonus for being healthy. I have a portion of my health care insurance paid about 1/2, a 401 that my boss matches my contribution. I get a very nice end of the year bonus which is at least weeks salary. My boss shares the cost of CE Units, and has twice sent me to classes he wanted me to take and picked up the hotel and flights besides. My dental and my husbands dental are covered here. Next year my vacation will go to 3 weeks paid. I would say that I am average as far as salary etc. going by what other hygienists I know have told me they receive. (8/2007)

After reading many of these blogs, I decided that I wanted to go into becoming a RDH in the Sacramento area because most of the blogs were posted from there and had great incentives. As a RDH you must have alot of imformation that you could help me with in making my decision. If you don't mind contacting me at my email, that would be great. need4speedcmc@gmail.com Thanks

CMC

I am from Portland, Maine and the job market is non-existant. I am considering Virgina. Anyone know anything about the area. Any job openings? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

www.indeed.com/jobs?q=RDH&l=Virginia&radius=50

This website has openings for RDH in Virginia.

CMC

Try www.newhealthjobs.com a new website for dental and medical jobs based our of Phoenix, AZ