Dental Hygienists

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow much faster than the average for all careers from 2023 to 2033. The outlook varies based on the type of employer. Here is the rate of growth for different employers:

• outpatient care centers: +50.2 percent (much faster than the average for all careers)
• local government agencies (excluding education and hospitals): +30.3 percent (much faster than the average for all careers)
• state government agencies (excluding education and hospitals): +28.4 percent (much faster than the average for all careers)
• federal government agencies: +25.1 percent (much faster than the average for all careers)
• offices of dentists: +8.9 percent (faster than the average)
• hospitals: +4.1 percent (about as fast as the average)

The demand for dental hygienists is expected to increase as younger generations that grew up receiving better dental care keep their teeth longer. The baby boomer generation will also need increased dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Population growth, increased public awareness of proper oral home care, and the availability of dental insurance should result in the creation of more dental hygiene jobs. Moreover, as the population ages, there will be a special demand for hygienists to work with older people, especially those who live in nursing homes.

The DOL reports that "opportunities are expected to be best for dental hygienists who are willing to work in underserved areas and for those who are open to working less than 40 hours a week."