How to hire a dental hygienist?

Why is there a demand to hire dental hygienists?

With rising awareness of oral health and the importance of disease prevention, the healthcare sector is increasingly focusing on preventive care strategies. This has led to a substantial rise in demand for dental hygienists. However, despite this demand, many regions of the USA still face shortages of skilled professionals, resulting in quality oral healthcare remaining 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 inaccessibility to dental health care services for a significant portion of the 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 practical skills in action. In addition, vetting, conducting background checks, and contacting references are important steps in the process of recruiting a dental hygienist

Craft a competitive offer that highlights the benefits and growth opportunities 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, indeed, an auspicious career. 

Understanding how staffing platforms can help your facility ensures a faster, more efficient process for finding and hiring qualified dental hygienists

Contractual vs. full-time dental hygienist staffing

Dental hygienists can work in various settings, such as dental offices, primary health centers, and nursing homes. Facilities can also hire a dental hygienist on a contractual basis for their specific duration requirements. 

With the flexible recruiting option, contractual staffing for dental hygienists is a perfect solution for managing seasonal patient demand. It is also very cost-effective compared to hiring a full-time dental hygienist.

Contractual staffing also has drawbacks, including disruptions to facility-patient relationships and the unavailability of skilled professionals when needed. The decision to hire a full-time or contractual dental hygienist depends on various factors, including the facility’s operational needs, financial considerations, flexibility, and continuity of patient care.

As a healthcare recruiter, if your question is, how should I use a staffing platform to hire dental hygienists? Start by choosing a partner like MesdSquirrels, and you can see a demo that shows plans for hiring candidates ready to work.

Suppose you are exploring ways to improve workforce efficiency. In that case, 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.

The difference between dental hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants

While dentists are doctors who provide diagnosis and treatment for various oral healthcare needs, dental hygienists and dental assistants work alongside dentists to deliver these services effectively. These professionals primarily focus on preventive oral care and patient education. 

Dental assistants are diploma holders who assist both dentists and dental hygienists with various clinical and administrative tasks, such as setting up clinical instruments, tracking patient logs and appointments, and supporting patients.

Skills and qualifications to look for in dental hygienists

To hire a dental hygienist, the following educational qualifications and skill sets should be considered. Recruiting the right candidate starts with reviewing both educational background and practical competencies, as these directly affect the quality of patient care.

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. 

If you are asking where to find qualified candidates 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 the state dental or dental hygiene board in the jurisdiction where the Dental Hygienist works and must be renewed 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 candidate’s license is up to date to avoid compliance issues.

Dental hygienist job outlook and pay scale

The Dental Healthcare field is advancing in both manpower requirements and technology to improve patient care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong employment outlook for dental hygienists, with employment growing by 7 percent from 2022 to 2032. 

Over the decade, around 16,400 openings for dental dygienists are projected each year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2023 report, the median annual salary is $87,530. Job location, experience, education, and the facility setting will influence dental hygienists’ salaries. 

Entry-level positions start at $77,052 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $110,175 per year, with the highest salaries typically found in metropolitan regions such as Alaska, New Jersey, and California. 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

Recruiting 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 that roles align with state-specific scope-of-practice laws, and address workforce shortages in underserved 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 the 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 clearly define the required professional qualifications in the job description during the hiring process. For that, a detailed job description is crucial, and a supporting image has been added below for better understanding.