Are you considering a dental hygienist program?
If so, you have a lot to look forward to. Aside from a rewarding career path, dental hygienist jobs offer a high level of job satisfaction too.
Wondering if it’s the right career for you? Here are five reasons why dental hygienist job satisfaction is sky high.
1. Excellent Job Outlook
One reason dental hygienists wake up with a smile every morning? They can rest easy knowing they have exceptional job security.
Consider a few quick facts:
- Dental hygienists are in Canada’s top 10 projected growth professions.
- The number of hygienists in Canada has grown by 30% since 2012.
- Salaries have increased an average of 12% in the same time period.
The bottom line is this: The demand for qualified dental hygienists is growing rapidly–and they’re paid well for their skill sets.
2. Generous Salary
Speaking of pay, what can you expect to earn as a dental hygienist?
As of 2014, the average salary across Canada was just over $70,000 a year. This works out to about $40 per hour for full-time employees.
Considering you can complete your education and start working in under two years, this is a remarkable return on investment.
3. Flexible Schedules
If you crave variety or have obligations outside of work, the flexible scheduling could be a real perk of becoming a dental hygienist.
Of course, many hygienists work a full-time, 9 to 5 schedule. But others are able to work part-time, weekends only, or divide their hours between several offices.
Whatever type of schedule you require in your personal life, there’s a dental hygienist position that will suit your needs.
4. Make a Real Difference in Patient Health
Jobs with the highest levels of satisfaction come from knowing that you’re making a real difference in somebody’s life.
As a dental hygienist, you can do that for every single patient that sits in your chair. Far more than just cleaning and flossing, it’s your responsibility to educate patients on how to properly care for their teeth and gums.
Dental hygienists are often the first to spot signs of gum disease, cavities, or other common conditions. When you pass your observations along to the patient and the dentist, you’ll know you’re setting that patient on the road to better health.
5. Plenty of Advancement Opportunities
A final point on our list of dental hygienist benefits is the opportunity for advancement.
Those who love the dental field and want to learn more have plenty of chances to do so. Many hygienists choose to continue their education with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field.
With more education comes the opportunity to move into research or become an instructor for future hygienists. When it comes to career options, the sky truly is the limit for dental hygienists.
Final Thoughts on Dental Hygienist Job Satisfaction
As you can see, a day in the life of a dental hygienist is a rewarding one.
Dental hygienist job satisfaction rates are among the highest in the healthcare industry–and it’s not hard to see why.
Ready to learn more? Click here to find what it takes to become a dental hygienist or assistant.
We also invite you to request free information about the program you’re most interested in.