Sample Career Pathway
Graduates of the dental hygiene program have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science degree from various colleges and universities in Indiana and throughout the country. Degree completion programs are designed to allow our associate degree graduates to work in the profession while pursuing a higher degree. A Bachelor of Science degree can provide employment opportunities in research, administration and education.
Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth ranks dental hygienists among the fastest growing occupations. This growing is in response to increasing demand for dental care and more use of hygienists.
The demand for dental services will grow because of population growth, older people increasingly retaining more teeth, and a growing emphasis on preventative dental care. To help meet this demand, facilities that provide dental care, particularly dentists' offices, will increasingly employ dental hygienists, often to perform services that have been performed by dentists in the past. Ongoing research indicating a link between oral health and general health will also spur the demand for preventative dental services, which are typically provided by dental hygienists.
Range of Salaries
The average annual salary for a dental hygienist in Indiana is $62,750. This is based upon 2080 working hours per year. The average hourly salary is $30.17/hour.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
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