How to hire a dental hygienist?

Why is there a demand to hire dental hygienists?

With the rising awareness of oral health and the importance of disease prevention among people, the healthcare sector is increasingly focusing on preventive care strategies. This has led to a substantial uprise in demand for Dental Hygienists. However, despite this demand, many regions of the USA still confront shortages of skilled Dental Hygienists, due to which quality oral healthcare facilities remain a dream for residents in those areas. 

According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 20 percent of the people in the USA live in rural areas, whereas only 14 percent of dentists practice in such settings. This creates an inaccessibility of dental health care services to a significant population in the USA.

How to hire a dental hygienist for your healthcare facility

While planning to hire a dental hygienist, you must explicitly state the required qualifications and experiences you expect in your job description, along with what specific skills and certifications, in addition to state licenses, are required. Utilize reliable online resources or staffing platforms, such as MedSquirrels; this AI-powered platform allows you to hire better candidates with both technical skills and interpersonal skills, as well, because patient care is paramount.

 As a healthcare recruiter, if you are wondering how healthcare facilities recruit dental hygienists, most rely on digital staffing platforms like MedSquirrels that streamline sourcing, screening, and compliance in one place. 

Interviews may be conducted to see their practice of skills come alive. In addition, vetting or background checking and contacting references are important steps in the process of how to hire a dental hygienist. Craft a competitive offer that illuminates the benefits and scope for growth within your clinic. You can hire a contract or full-time dental hygienist based on your requirements. Significant reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics concerning the job outlook for dental hygienists indicate that it will expand much faster than average for all occupations – well, indeed, an auspicious career. To understand how staffing platforms can speed up your hiring process, read our blog on how staffing platforms help you hire dental hygienists faster.

Dental hygienists – contractual staffing vs full-time staffing?

Dental Hygienists can work in various settings, such as dental offices, primary health centers, nursing homes, etc. Facilities also have the option to hire a dental hygienist contractual basis based on their specific duration requirements. With the flexible staffing option, Dental Hygienist contractual staffing is a perfect solution while adhering to seasonal patient demand. It is also very cost-effective compared to hiring a full-time Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist contractual staffing also comes with its demerits, including discontinued facility-patient relationships and the unavailability of skilled professionals at the time of requirement. The decision to hire a full-time or contractual Dental Hygienist is all up to the facility’s way of functioning and depends on various factors such as financial considerations, flexibility, and patient care continuity.
As a healthcare recruiter, if your question is, “how should I use a staffing agency to hire dental hygienists?” Start by choosing a partner like MesdSquirrels, and you can see a demo that offers plans, which shows how you can hire candidates ready to work.

If you are exploring ways to improve workforce efficiency, our guide on flexible staffing models in modern healthcare explains how this approach can help dental and clinical facilities adapt to changing needs without compromising care.

Difference between Dental hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants

While dentists are doctors who perform the prognosis and diagnosis for various oral healthcare needs, dental hygienists and dental assistants associate with dental doctors to deliver these services effectively. Dental Hygienists mainly concentrate on preventive oral care therapies and educating patients. 

Dental assistants are diploma holders who assist both Dentists and Dental Hygienists in various clinical and administrative tasks, such as setting up clinical instruments, tracking patient logs and appointments, and providing support to patients.

Skills & qualifications to look for in dental hygienists

To hire a Dental Hygienist, the following are the educational qualifications and skill sets to be considered. Hiring the right candidate starts with reviewing both educational background and practical competencies, as these directly affect patient care quality.

Dental hygienists play a vital role in preventive oral care, so strong interpersonal and technical skills are equally important. In addition to licensing, employers should look for candidates who show professionalism, precision, and a patient-first mindset, and if you are asking, where to find qualified dental hygienists for hospital settings?—the fastest route is through specialized healthcare staffing platforms that give access to professionals with hospital experience and active licenses.

Below are the key qualifications and skills to evaluate during the hiring process:

• A three-year Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited university.
• Dental Hygienists have to be licensed to practice in every state in the USA. However, the license requirements vary by state. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) is mandatory for all U.S. licensing jurisdictions.
• Some states also mandate that Dental Hygienists complete a regional or state clinical board examination for licensure.
• A cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification
• Should be detail-oriented with good communication skills and fine hand-motor coordination to use clinical instruments.
• Even though not compulsory, relevant practical exposure in the field is desirable.

License and practice guidelines

The licensure of a Dental Hygienist is managed by individual state dental boards or dental hygiene boards of the state/jurisdiction in which a Dental Hygienist works, and must be renewed regularly every 1 to 2 years. Getting a license will include submitting an application and providing proof of education and examination scores. 

For most states, continuing education is a condition for license renewal. Before you hire a Dental Hygienist, ensure that the job description aligns with the scope of work established by your state. Even after hiring, the facility must frequently verify that the license of the Dental Hygienist hired is up-to-date to avoid any compliance issues.

Dental hygienist job outlook and pay scale

The Dental Healthcare field is advancing in terms of both manpower requirements as well as technologies for better patient care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong employment outlook for Dental Hygienists and says it will grow by 7 percent from 2022 to 2032. Over the decade, around 16,400 openings for Dental Hygienists are projected each year. 

As per the report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023, the median annual salary of Dental Hygienists is $87,530. Job location, experience, education, and the facility setting will influence the salary of Dental Hygienists. Entry-level positions start at $77,052 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $110,175 per year, with the most getting paid in metropolitan regions like Alaska, New Jersey, California, etc. The highest-paying industries for Dental Hygienists include offices of dentists, outpatient care centers, and employment services.

Checklist to hire a dental hygienist

Finding the right dental hygienist goes beyond reviewing resumes—it is about identifying someone who can contribute to both patient care and team cohesion. As key contributors to a dental practice’s success, hygienists should bring not only clinical knowledge but also the ability to communicate clearly and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. 

Their role requires attention to detail, empathy, and a strong understanding of preventive care. Ensuring the candidate aligns with your clinic’s standards and culture is just as critical as checking qualifications. 

The checklist below outlines essential steps to guide you through a compliant and effective hiring process

• Verify that the candidate’s Dental Hygiene degree is from an accredited institution.
• Adhere to state license requirements and any additional regulations.
• If licensed in another state, check for reciprocity and endorsement as applicable.
• Check whether the candidate has passed the CPR certification, if applicable, in your state.
• The candidate’s practical knowledge in the field needs to be evaluated.
• Assess familiarity with various dental instruments and software.
• Look for good communication skills.
• Ensure the candidate has no history of malpractice.

Challenges associated with hiring a dental hygienist in the USA

Hiring dental hygienists in the U.S. comes with multiple challenges that extend beyond basic recruitment. Employers must navigate strict and often varying licensure requirements across states, ensure role alignment with state-specific scope-of-practice laws, and address workforce shortages in undeserved areas. 

Additionally, missing license renewals or overburdening staff can lead to burnout and compliance risks. These issues make it essential for dental practices to stay proactive in workforce planning and credentialing management.

Here are some of the most common challenges you may face

• Compliance with the varying state licensing requirements
• Adhering to the scope of practice detailed for the particular state
• Regulatory issues if license renewal is missed
• Burnout due to the physically demanding nature of the job
• Shortage of qualified Dental Hygienists, particularly in non-metropolitan areas

Along with these challenges, employers must also clearly define the required professional qualifications during the hiring process in a job description. For that, a detailed job description is crucial, and a supporting image has been added below for better understanding.