Career Outlook & Completion Rate

Employment opportunities are available as an entry-level Dental Hygienist in private general and specialty dental practices, community dental health centers, and public health agencies/facilities. See also: What can I do with this major?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Employment of Dental Hygienists is projected to grow 6% percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations and an average annual salary of $74,820.

 The job outlook is fantastic both nationally and locally here in Massachusetts.

The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages. As the large baby-boom population ages and people keep more of their original teeth than did previous generations, the need to maintain and treat teeth will continue to drive demand for dental care.

Studies linking oral health and general health, and efforts to expand access to oral hygiene services, will continue to drive the demand for preventive dental services. As a result, the demand for all dental services, including those performed by hygienists, will increase. In addition, demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow as state laws increasingly allow dental hygienists to work at the top of their training, and they effectively become more productive.

Program Completion and Professional Examination Pass Rates

2022 to 2024:

• Program completion rates were 87% to 96%
• ADEX pass rates for first time test takers ranged from 90% to 95%
• NBDHE pass rates for first time test takers averaged 90%