Where are there RDH shortages?

I live on Vancouver Island, Canada. There is definetely a shortage of RDH's here in BC. In my office we actively looked for a hygienist for monthsbefore finally even getting a resume. The dentist had to offer a signing bonus!! Is that the case in other places as well? I wonder if places like HAWAII have a need and shortage for RDH's.
Thanx in advance for all your responses!!

I'm not sure what the signing bonuses or incentives are like for RDHs in CA, but I do know that they are in great need. New RDH graduates that I have talked to are getting hired right when they get their lisc. and making amazing money. In Southern CA I hear that the average starting pay is around $450 a day. That breaks down to over $55 an hour. And this is just the average! I've heard of higher salaries!

What about in other places?

You're in Courtenay?

I've just finished my training out here in Ottawa, ON. I was originally from Comox( Graduated from Highland Secondary) and are looking to head back that way by March, 2009.

Any details you could offer me would be wonderful.

Hi Laura,
You will obviously be on a conditional license until you can perform LA. I believe you'll have 2 yrs to complete that task. There is nowhere here on the Island you can complete your certification, so you will have to travel to UBC. The job market here is good. Most RDH's find a job immediatley...without delay. So good luck in your future endeavours!

Buffy,

I am in Hawaii and looking to become a Dental Hygienist. The market seems pretty good here. Lots of ads in the papers. More so for dental assistant but perhaps that is because DH don't want to give up their jobs. I am thinking about applying to the DH program here in HI. It would give me a BS in DH but I'm scared of the costs, loans, crazy study hours I've heard of. Any insight?

Buffy in Courtenay, British Columbia said: I live on Vancouver Island, Canada. There is definetely a shortage of RDH's here in BC. In my office we actively looked for a hygienist for monthsbefore finally even getting a resume. The dentist had to offer a signing bonus!! Is that the case in other places as well? I wonder if places like HAWAII have a need and shortage for RDH's.
Thanx in advance for all your responses!!

How is everyone finding the job market in Victoria? Is it still the situation to the North where we're in need?