Dental Hygiene salaries in the Alpharetta, Georgia area w/16+ years experience

I am a licensed dental hygienist in Florida and am considering moving to the Alpharetta, Georgia area...Cumming, Canton or something. i've been on indeed.com and got an average salary for that area but unsure of how many days it goes for or maybe an hourly rate - i'm unsure of what to ask for since being in florida the pay is so much less and the cost of living is definately better in this part of georiga i'm looking at. Thanks!

I live and work in Canton GA. I make $35 per hour and think that is average for this area. I sub sometimes and charge $38 per hour and have never had any complaints.

Thanks, how many days a week do you work?

Tina Dunham in Gainesville, Florida said: Thanks, how many days a week do you work?

I work three days and occasionally sub on the 4th.

tracyjacobs@comcast.net in Woodstock, Georgia said: I work three days and occasionally sub on the 4th.

if you don't mind, how many years of experience do you have and can you tell me about your benefits, if any? thanks

Tina Dunham in Gainesville, Florida said: if you don't mind, how many years of experience do you have and can you tell me about your benefits, if any? thanks

I have 10 years experience. I currently do not have any benefits but my office is only 4 miles from my house, we get one hour per patient and I only see about 7-8 patients per day. It is very low stress and I love it.

My last job (in Marietta GA) did not have medical insurance but we had 401 K which was matched by the employer and it was a salary position. I got a check 52 weeks a year. He usually closed the office about 4 weeks per year. I only made $30 per hour there but that was a couple of years ago.

check out www.dentalpost.net for jobs in this area

I will be happy to give you any advice that I can. Some areas in and around Atlanta may pay slightly more but the cost of living and traffic offset that benefit.

Feel free to send me a direct e-mail at tracyjacobs@comcast.net

Tracy

Tina Dunham in Gainesville, Florida said: I am a licensed dental hygienist in Florida and am considering moving to the Alpharetta, Georgia area...Cumming, Canton or something. i've been on indeed.com and got an average salary for that area but unsure of how many days it goes for or maybe an hourly rate - i'm unsure of what to ask for since being in florida the pay is so much less and the cost of living is definately better in this part of georiga i'm looking at. Thanks!

hi tina my name is cristiane and i would like to know if you could give me some help: i want to be a dental higienist and i live in florida. were is the best place to study there.
thanks
cris

Well, it would depend on where you are living at in Florida and which college is close to you. You can do a google search to find the nearest location.

Hello Tina,

Can you give me any info on financial aid for school and how much two years will cost me.What salary range can I except after I get my license.I live in the Sarasota area.

There should be a financial aid department at every school - i would ask them where to begin. It has been a long time since i was in Dental Hygiene school so i couldn't begin to tell you how much the two years would cost you. I am taking classes now for my Bachelor Degree and i've noticed the cost per credit hour has gone up quite a bit in the last 17 years...There is a search on this indeed.com that you can find on the home page that will tell you what the schools are and how much starting pay is in the Sarasota area. Good luck!

Thank you for your help Tina. I'm from Brasil so I'm not familar with the process. I've only been in the US for 1 year. Thanks for your help

Can someone tell me some schools in north atlanta that are good?

tracyjacobs@comcast.net in Woodstock, Georgia said: I live and work in Canton GA. I make $35 per hour and think that is average for this area. I sub sometimes and charge $38 per hour and have never had any complaints.

Wow! how many years of experience do you have? I can't get pass 20$ without them (the dentist) looking at me like I was crazy.

cavitron in miami, Florida said: Wow! how many years of experience do you have? I can't get pass 20$ without them (the dentist) looking at me like I was crazy.

10 years but no one has ever asked about my experience. When I drop off my resume and let them know I am available for "filling in", I direct ALL my attenion (and charm) to the lady at the front desk. I make sure that I look presentable but not overly attractive. I want the ladies at the front to like me AND remember me. Most of the time, the dentist relies on them to find a sub. The way I knew what the average rate was in the area when I started is that I shyly asked my new friend the office manager for advice on what to charge. She knows what they have paid in the past. I usually ask for slightly less than the max to make sure they invite me back. I guess it sounds a little sly but it works. The best part is that the ladies in the local offices actually DO become my friends and when another office asks them who they use for a sub, the give them my name.

Does anyone know what the average pay rate of either starting out or low experience is for jacksonville florida as a dental hygienist?

I just moved here a month ago with only 3 mo experience, and faced the same question. After asking several dental office managers and talking to someone at a temp agency, I got that it seems to start at about $25/hour.

i live in carrollton ga. I am wondering what salary i should expect when i graduate. Thanks

janis in Marietta, Georgia said: i live in carrollton ga. I am wondering what salary i should expect when i graduate. Thanks

I guess Carrollton would be close to the pay in my area. I make $35 per hour. You may get slightly less since you will be a new graduate but I would make sure to ask for an evaluation in about six months. If you are doing a good job, you should get the going rate since your production will be the same as a seasoned hygienist. I just live in Canton if you ever need any advice. tracyjacobs@comcast.net

HI
thanks for your response. Where is Canton? Carrollton is west of douglasville area. Do you think i would get at least 30 dollars an hour as a new graduate? and is it standard to work m-f, 8 hours per day? Thanks again!

janis in Marietta, Georgia said: HI
thanks for your response. Where is Canton? Carrollton is west of douglasville area. Do you think i would get at least 30 dollars an hour as a new graduate? and is it standard to work m-f, 8 hours per day? Thanks again!

Canton is northwest of Atlanta---I 575 north just north Woodstock. I think you should be able to get $30 per hour and Mon-Thur is usually standard but some offices are open on Fridays. If you work full time and get benefits such as insurance and paid vacations, the salary could be slighly less but the benefits certainly balance that out. The best thing to do is speak to a hygienist in your area. If you do not know one, just call a local office and tell them your situation. Most hygienists will be happy to call you and give you advice. Good luck. Let me know if I can help anymore.

hELLO i WAS JUST THINKING ABT BECOMING A DENTAL HYGIENIST AND WAS WONDERING WHAT THE PAY WOULD BE LIKE IN THE ROCHESTER AREA FOR STARTERS???? ALSO WOULD IT BE BEST TO WORK FOR AN AGENCY WITH BETTER PAY OR A PRIVATE OFFICE????

I'm a recent graduate in the Atlanta area and make $38.00 per hour. I asked for $35.00 per hr to start out with and an evaluation at 90 days, with the understanding that if I was "up to speed" that my hourly rate would increase to $38.00 per hour.
Most of my classmates are making anywhere from $35.00-$42.00 per hour. Beware of the Dentists that are trying to pay you anything below the going rate of $35+ per hour. You already have 2 or more years of clinical experience in school and will just need about 3 mos. to increase your clinical speed.

Good Luck! We all worked too hard in hygiene school to be making anything less than the "going rate".

Hygiene Girl in atlanta said: I'm a recent graduate in the Atlanta area and make $38.00 per hour. I asked for $35.00 per hr to start out with and an evaluation at 90 days, with the understanding that if I was "up to speed" that my hourly rate would increase to $38.00 per hour.
Most of my classmates are making anywhere from $35.00-$42.00 per hour. Beware of the Dentists that are trying to pay you anything below the going rate of $35+ per hour. You already have 2 or more years of clinical experience in school and will just need about 3 mos. to increase your clinical speed.

Good Luck! We all worked too hard in hygiene school to be making anything less than the "going rate".

EY THANKS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO STARTING DENTAL HYGIENIST SCHOOL IN ORLANDO FLORIDA AND REALLY APPRECIATE THE RESPONSES THAT YOU AND OTHERS LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVING

I plan to move to Goergia in the summer. Do I have to take the Georgia State Board exam when I get there? And I am now making $35/hr and have 6 years experience. What should I ask for when I get to Goergia?

What a joke. Paying $35 an hour to people who clean teeth. No different than a janitor. And please don't preach to me about sacrificing two whole years at school. This is part of the problem with this country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics a Dental Hygienist average pay is $56,738 a year. How hard is it to clean teeth? With the new Sonic toothbrushes I frankly see no need for the Dental Profession at all, if the ignorant masses would simply clean their teeth. Fortunately they don't for your profession so I salute you for taking their money because they are that ignorant. Probably the same ignorant masses who thought buying a home with an interest only loan was a good idea. 52 % of Atlanta mortages from 2004-2006 were interest only. That tells you the intelligence of Atlanta's community. Only in America. The land of honey and stupidity.

Precious in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: I plan to move to Goergia in the summer. Do I have to take the Georgia State Board exam when I get there? And I am now making $35/hr and have 6 years experience. What should I ask for when I get to Goergia?

i am pretty sure you do have to take the GA Board--i think the salary is slightly higher in the city but I live just northeast (Canton, Woodstock, Marietta area) and I make $35 per hour--some people make slightly more or less

Seems far from a janitorial position to me. I think dental hygiene sounds like a great career personally! Best of all it's helping people! I have been working in an office at a boring desk job for the past two to three years and I've had enough. I have a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Business and if you were to average my salary out, it wouldn't even amount to $20 an hour. It would take years of sitting behind a desk, having random office jobs and possibly a Master's degree in order to amount to a hygienists salary. I'm taking the necessary classes to get in dental hygiene school and I'm very excited about it. Does anyone know what the average salary would be for someone in the St. Louis, MO area?

That was for CE in Cleveland...not Tracy. Tracy is right. (Typed the wrong person's name)

Does anyone know the avg hygiene pay in Columbus or LaGrange, GA?

cavitron in miami, Florida said: Wow! how many years of experience do you have? I can't get pass 20$ without them (the dentist) looking at me like I was crazy.

I am surprised you can't get more then $20 per hour. I worked in Boynton Beach and made $29 plus benefits starting and that was with 1 hour per patient

abbs1231 in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Seems far from a janitorial position to me. I think dental hygiene sounds like a great career personally! Best of all it's helping people! I have been working in an office at a boring desk job for the past two to three years and I've had enough. I have a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Business and if you were to average my salary out, it wouldn't even amount to $20 an hour. It would take years of sitting behind a desk, having random office jobs and possibly a Master's degree in order to amount to a hygienists salary. I'm taking the necessary classes to get in dental hygiene school and I'm very excited about it. Does anyone know what the average salary would be for someone in the St. Louis, MO area?

abbs1231-

Perhaps you should work on your grammatical skills rather than making unfounded remarks regarding this noble profession. Also, it sounds like you don't have any dental insurance. Don't forget to floss!

-Alex

Alex Lyevsky in Marietta, Georgia said: abbs1231-

Perhaps you should work on your grammatical skills rather than making unfounded remarks regarding this noble profession. Also, it sounds like you don't have any dental insurance. Don't forget to floss!

-Alex

My mistake, abbs1231. My preceding message was intended for CE in Cleveland, Georgia. Best of luck to you in your career pursuit.

-Alex

Hi Janis. My name is Carol. I was wondering if you could help me out on some information? I am wanting to go into Dental Hygeine, and I was wondering if you know of any good schools in this area. I am only 11 miles from the Carrollton area. Thanks for you help.

Carol Witt

Hygiene Girl in atlanta said: I'm a recent graduate in the Atlanta area and make $38.00 per hour. I asked for $35.00 per hr to start out with and an evaluation at 90 days, with the understanding that if I was "up to speed" that my hourly rate would increase to $38.00 per hour.
Most of my classmates are making anywhere from $35.00-$42.00 per hour. Beware of the Dentists that are trying to pay you anything below the going rate of $35+ per hour. You already have 2 or more years of clinical experience in school and will just need about 3 mos. to increase your clinical speed.

Good Luck! We all worked too hard in hygiene school to be making anything less than the "going rate".

Hello Hyg Girl, which school did you attend in Atlanta?

I am going to Georgia Perimeter for an associates degree in the dental hygine program. I am wondeing if job placement is fair or does the school you've chosen impact employers opions greatly?
Is this career rewarding?
Would ou chose it all over agian?
Thank you kindly to all responses!

tracyjacobs@comcast.net in Woodstock, Georgia said: I have 10 years experience. I currently do not have any benefits but my office is only 4 miles from my house, we get one hour per patient and I only see about 7-8 patients per day. It is very low stress and I love it.

My last job (in Marietta GA) did not have medical insurance but we had 401 K which was matched by the employer and it was a salary position. I got a check 52 weeks a year. He usually closed the office about 4 weeks per year. I only made $30 per hour there but that was a couple of years ago.

check out www.dentalpost.net for jobs in this area

I will be happy to give you any advice that I can. Some areas in and around Atlanta may pay slightly more but the cost of living and traffic offset that benefit.

Feel free to send me a direct e-mail at tracyjacobs@comcast.net

Tracy

Tracy you are most informative and seem happy with this career choice. I am a new-comer at Georgia Perimeter, pursuing the program. You have motivated me very much.
Thank You!

Tracy in Woodstock, Georgia said: I guess Carrollton would be close to the pay in my area. I make $35 per hour. You may get slightly less since you will be a new graduate but I would make sure to ask for an evaluation in about six months. If you are doing a good job, you should get the going rate since your production will be the same as a seasoned hygienist. I just live in Canton if you ever need any advice. tracyjacobs@comcast.net

Im graduating in May and we have this "new" Regional Board that doesnt include Georgia! I want to move to GA but Im confused on what I need to do to find out state board test dates, material, and patient requirements....please help.

you just need to contact the GA Dental Hygiene Association or the GA borads and ask

the instructors at your school should be able to help--ask them first

Koria in Marietta, Georgia said: Tracy you are most informative and seem happy with this career choice. I am a new-comer at Georgia Perimeter, pursuing the program. You have motivated me very much.
Thank You!

you are welcome---there are to many negative people in this world--i have not been looking at these forums much lately because many people seem so unhappy and negative---i think if you are unhappy with your choice of career, you should just change it and not bring down those who are happy - i will continue doing DH until i am to old or physically unable--my very good friend is 61 and still works (and is quite happy)--about the money complaints i am hearing---this same good friend had a husband who was unemployed much of thier marriage due to depression but despite that, she raised two children, put them both through college AND has over a million dollars in assets---it is not always about making a high dollar amount---it is about investing wisely, living within your means, and loving your life and job (the more you love it, the more productive and valuable you are as an employee--which leads to great job security) -- life is better when you are happy and happiness is a choice not a gift

Tracy in Woodstock, Georgia said: you are welcome---there are to many negative people in this world--i have not been looking at these forums much lately because many people seem so unhappy and negative---i think if you are unhappy with your choice of career, you should just change it and not bring down those who are happy - i will continue doing DH until i am to old or physically unable--my very good friend is 61 and still works (and is quite happy)--about the money complaints i am hearing---this same good friend had a husband who was unemployed much of thier marriage due to depression but despite that, she raised two children, put them both through college AND has over a million dollars in assets---it is not always about making a high dollar amount---it is about investing wisely, living within your means, and loving your life and job (the more you love it, the more productive and valuable you are as an employee--which leads to great job security) -- life is better when you are happy and happiness is a choice not a gift

Hey I am thinking of becoming a DH, what is the starting pay rate in Georgia and North Carolina?

Georgis is mid 30's per hour in the areas around Atlanta at least--in Atl it is closer to $40 per hour
have idea about NC

AMEN!!

This may sound funny but "I love teeth because their beautiful!" the DH salary is the icing. Teeth (and shoes) say so much about you & 1st impressions are everything. I will be taking classes at Forest Park Com. College this summer in St. Louis, MO. Next year I'm moving to Decatur, GA & am considering Perimeter College to finish my Associates & start my career.

Can someone give me any advise? I'm open to any suggestions or wisdom you may offer on any subjects. If it matters I'm a 22yr old Black female & many people are intimidated by my looks so I aim to be the nicest/funniest person I can be so people don't label me as stuck up. I shared that info about myself because Tracy Jacobs in Canton, Georgia said she didn't want to look to attractive in her interview, although I always look professional. Thanks in advance & God Bless.

Mercedes,

I feel it works to my advantage to not "overdo" my looks when I present my resume to the front desk staff. Most women have some insecurities about their appearance (including myself). If you want that remume to reach the dentist, your don't want to look to good because the ladies at the front desk may not want to be around you all day every day if they feel less attractive. Of course, this is not always the case. There are many women who are very confident with themselves and that would never enter their mind. I just play it safe in case I am face to face with the other less confident ones. If anyone does not agree with me then that is great!! There is no need to reply with negative comments about my methods because I choose to do this likely because I am one of the less confident ones. Every person has their own opintion and I would love to live in a world where looks did not effect things (positively and negatively) but unfortunately that has not been my experience.

Good luck Mercedes,

Tracy

If I was you I would consider other locations besides Decatur, GA. Do the research on the county and city.

Mercedes in Saint Louis, Missouri said: This may sound funny but "I love teeth because their beautiful!" the DH salary is the icing. Teeth (and shoes) say so much about you & 1st impressions are everything. I will be taking classes at Forest Park Com. College this summer in St. Louis, MO. Next year I'm moving to Decatur, GA & am considering Perimeter College to finish my Associates & start my career.

Can someone give me any advise? I'm open to any suggestions or wisdom you may offer on any subjects. If it matters I'm a 22yr old Black female & many people are intimidated by my looks so I aim to be the nicest/funniest person I can be so people don't label me as stuck up. I shared that info about myself because Tracy Jacobs in Canton, Georgia said she didn't want to look to attractive in her interview, although I always look professional. Thanks in advance & God Bless.

Please do your research on Dekalb county and Decatur, GA and consider other nicer, cleaner, less crime counties.

Tracy in Woodstock, Georgia said: you are welcome---there are to many negative people in this world--i have not been looking at these forums much lately because many people seem so unhappy and negative---i think if you are unhappy with your choice of career, you should just change it and not bring down those who are happy - i will continue doing DH until i am to old or physically unable--my very good friend is 61 and still works (and is quite happy)--about the money complaints i am hearing---this same good friend had a husband who was unemployed much of thier marriage due to depression but despite that, she raised two children, put them both through college AND has over a million dollars in assets---it is not always about making a high dollar amount---it is about investing wisely, living within your means, and loving your life and job (the more you love it, the more productive and valuable you are as an employee--which leads to great job security) -- life is better when you are happy and happiness is a choice not a gift

AMEN!

Hygiene Girl in atlanta said: I'm a recent graduate in the Atlanta area and make $38.00 per hour. I asked for $35.00 per hr to start out with and an evaluation at 90 days, with the understanding that if I was "up to speed" that my hourly rate would increase to $38.00 per hour.
Most of my classmates are making anywhere from $35.00-$42.00 per hour. Beware of the Dentists that are trying to pay you anything below the going rate of $35+ per hour. You already have 2 or more years of clinical experience in school and will just need about 3 mos. to increase your clinical speed.

Good Luck! We all worked too hard in hygiene school to be making anything less than the "going rate".

Did you tell me that you attended a school in Marietta, GA?

Tracy in Woodstock, Georgia said: Mercedes,

I feel it works to my advantage to not "overdo" my looks when I present my resume to the front desk staff. Most women have some insecurities about their appearance (including myself). If you want that remume to reach the dentist, your don't want to look to good because the ladies at the front desk may not want to be around you all day every day if they feel less attractive. Of course, this is not always the case. There are many women who are very confident with themselves and that would never enter their mind. I just play it safe in case I am face to face with the other less confident ones. If anyone does not agree with me then that is great!! There is no need to reply with negative comments about my methods because I choose to do this likely because I am one of the less confident ones. Every person has their own opintion and I would love to live in a world where looks did not effect things (positively and negatively) but unfortunately that has not been my experience.

Good luck Mercedes,

Tracy

Tracy in Woodstock, Georgia: When I referenced your comment I was not saying that in a negative way. To be honest I thought it was good advice. I only mentioned to see if others felt the same way because I was going to use your suggestion. So I apologize if I offended you & thank for the clarification on the matter. I definetly agree with you & fully understand what you mean when say they may not want to be around me all day. I've had times when women were angry with me for no reason yet I have a great personality. I didn't mean that you are unprofessional, I was saying I don't display high fashion on interviews either.

Jay in Jonesboro, Georgia: Sidebar - My husbands name is Jay:) & he is from Decatur GA so I think he just wants to be close to family. I have the final word so my other choices are: Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Riverdale, Stockbridge, Avondale Estates & Etc. Can you suggest a better area?

Stockbridge,Ga(Henry County) is nice. I think its the county and low taxes(if your buying a home) and a great school district that you need to consider. Henry County is one of the fastest going counties in GA. I heard their school system is excellent and the home taxes are low. Its very clean, low crime and sorry to say but no "hoods". The area is 75 south about 15 mins from downtown Atlanta and 20-30 min from Decatur, GA. I live in Stockbridge, GA myself, but I'm in Clayton County. Not so good school district. My next move will be headed to Henry County.