Comments on: Dental Hygienists Are Paid about $36 an Hour: Survey Results

By: colleen RDH

colleen RDH — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:07:44 +0000

I agree with Linda (above),
I started in this sprofession 25 years ago as a receptionist and part time dental assistant. I was never bored! Back then, there was harmony and hard workers in all the dental postions. Everyone worked hard. As a front desk person, I HAD TO MAKE SURE scehdule was filled for hygienist. Nowadays, I notice front desk people doing crossword puzzles, talking on phone, and hardly ever working. What’s up with that? When schedule is filled as it should be, I never stop, and I’m exhausted at end of day, while the others seem to be more concerned about their plans with their boyfriends for the evening. The immaturity and laziness level of many other staff members is maddening.

By: colleen RDH

colleen RDH — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:56:08 +0000

Also, your hygienist should be seeing 10 patients day (average 8 hour day), trying to help fill her own schedule, find work for the dentist, and be a team player. IF patients cancel, yes she/he should be paid since they committed their working day to the office and cannot just go out and find an hour’s pay somewhere else. The committment has to be honored. The problem I think is that a lot of dentists have lazy employees, and ones who don’t want to work for their money, then it jades their opinion of all hygienists. Its not fair

By: colleen RDH

colleen RDH — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:50:12 +0000

I think everyone has to look at each situation differntly.
If you are paying your hygienist 36.00 per hour with benefits, vacation, and she/he is not A TEAM PLAYER etc and not getting a good return, then yes you are overpaying. However most hygienists here in Pennsylvania get about 34 to 35 per hour and most dentists only want to hire part-time for as long as I’ve been in the profession. So 35/hr is not a lot in todays economy. Considering that it is hard to find work 40 hours per week since most dental offices only are open 4 days per week, also most dental offices do not pay benefits, 401K and vacation time. Bringing the average salary to about 25/hour. Now you can work in Walmart and get full benefits as a manger (with no college )and make about 45,000 to 50,000 per year, or with the potal office as a carrier and get 60,000 per year with overtime with full state benefits and pension. Hygienists on average bring in 1,000 to 1500 per day productivity, plus dental hygiene vists are the backbone to keeping the dentists chair time filled. Check up vists bring return visits from patients for future work needed. The real problem is not that hygienists are overpaid, but that most people in society are underpaid unless they are senators, docotors, surgeons or CEOs. I make about 50,000 per uear doing hygiene 4 days. I have no benfits or 401K or paid time off. I can only work 4 days since my back and neck are shot after 25 years. I really don’t think 50,000 per year with a college degree and license is a whole lot of money these days. Plus I have to pay my own health insurance, 401K etc etc. Can’t hardly ever find work on a Friday or a Saturday to get 40 hours in even if I wanted to. I make 35/hour, sound like a lot when I tell epople, but when I say I pay all my own benefits, their opinions change.

By: Linda RDH

Linda RDH — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:03:40 +0000

I am a Hygienist. I have been with the same Dentist 15yrs.I am paid a salary.I RARELY ask for any time off ,my vacations are when the Dr. is off.I provide excellant care to our patients.Recently I have 3-4 cancellations or no-shows per day (avg pts per day is 12)..the fee’s in our office are very low in comparison to other offices ( $24-$65 for prophy..w$85 being top w/ X-rays).Front desk rarely cares if the openings are filled.Instead she is talking on phone (personal phone calls,shopping,reading paper).The Dr. schedule is filled w/ rework (lost fillings, crowns off,failed RC’s).I reducing my hours in this office.I do NOT believe that MOST Hygienist are overpaid.I believe it is POOR MANAGEMENT of OFFICE!Because hygienist are generally highest paid staff it is easier for Dentist to look there for reasons to increase office income..HUGE MISTAKE!!

By: dawn rdh

dawn rdh — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:40:04 +0000

I believe you get what you ask for. Good communication is key. Discuss before you hire what is expected with every aspect: team work, expectations, duties, attitude, etc. I am sure there are hygienists worth 20/hr but many are worth much more in comparison to what they bring in, depending on time allowed for each appointment and services rendered. It also has to do with how you percieve things, positive attitude equals positive return.

By: Kay RDH

Kay RDH — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:10:53 +0000

I am a dental hygienist. You are all correct. Some hygienists are worth $20/hour and some $50/hour. Can she give anesthetic, can she sell needed dentistry, can she laser and root plane well? Doe she back you up when pts are doubtful? Do patients want to see her more than you? What would her services be worth if you had to perform her work? Does she put herself on a pedestal or does she jump in there as a team member? If you think she is overpaid your are probably correct…Go find one who is worth her keep. They are out there!