{"id":12007,"date":"2025-08-20T17:21:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T17:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/?p=12007"},"modified":"2025-09-16T14:26:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T14:26:32","slug":"2025-state-of-work-dental-hygiene-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/news-trends\/2025-state-of-work-dental-hygiene-report\/","title":{"rendered":"GoTu\u2019s 2025 State of Work: Dental Hygiene Report"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b53718\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Abstract<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dental hygiene profession is undergoing significant transformation as workforce priorities shift toward financial stability, career flexibility, and burnout prevention. GoTu\u2019s 2025 State of Work Report analyzes employment trends and workplace satisfaction among registered dental hygienists, offering insights into the factors influencing retention and mobility. This cross-sectional study surveyed 2,087 registered dental hygienists nationwide to assess employment status, compensation satisfaction, and workplace challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Findings reveal that 79% of registered dental hygienists intend to remain in the field for at least another decade, while 21% anticipate leaving due to physical demands, burnout, and limited growth opportunities. Career mobility remains high, with 67% of hygienists having changed practices primarily for better compensation and flexibility. Financial concerns persist, as 44% of respondents reported no raise in two years, and 66% do not receive any form of monetary bonus. Additionally, 56% of registered dental hygienists have financial dependents, underscoring the need for stable employment and competitive wages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temporary and non-traditional work is becoming more prevalent, with the majority of registered dental hygienists having worked in temporary roles at some point in their careers. While this practice offers flexibility and financial benefits, challenges such as inconsistent scheduling,\u00a0 adapting to different office environments persist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To sustain a thriving workforce, the industry must adapt by enhancing wages to remain competitive, expanding benefits, and fostering supportive work environments. By prioritizing flexibility, competitive compensation, and job satisfaction, dental practices and industry leaders can better attract, retain, support hygienists and ensure long-term workforce stability.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b53bb4\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Literature Review<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The evolving dental hygiene workforce faces challenges related to job satisfaction, burnout, and employment stability. American Dental Association\u2019s Health Policy Institute reported in its 2023 Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry Specialist Report that, for majority of general practices, recruiting staff to fill dental hygienist roles has been extremely challenging, further emphasizing the need for retention of registered dental hygienists.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b9<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0A 2021 study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene found that job satisfaction and burnout were significantly linked to registered dental hygienists&#8217; intention to leave their jobs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Higher job satisfaction predicted a lower likelihood of leaving, while feelings of disengagement and exhaustion increased the likelihood of considering another job.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b2<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building on these findings, the 2025 State of Work Report examines employment trends, compensation satisfaction, and workplace challenges to provide insights for industry stakeholders on workforce sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b53f24\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Methods<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cross-sectional survey research design, a method effective for assessing the prevalence of characteristics within a specific population at a single point in time, was employed using a convenience sample of registered dental hygienists.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The electronic survey, administered via Typeform\u00a9, incorporated a mix of question formats, including multiple-choice and open-ended questions, to capture both quantitative and qualitative data, consistent with best practices in survey methodology.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2074<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To maximize reach, we distributed the survey through multiple channels, including email, the GoTu platform, social media, and the GoTu website. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the survey results, providing a clear overview of trends and patterns within the data.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b544a0\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Discussion<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The findings from GoTu\u2019s 2025 State of Work Report illustrate a workforce in transition, driven by evolving employment expectations, financial responsibilities, and industry-wide structural changes. The dental hygiene profession is now characterized by an increasing demand for flexibility, competitive compensation, and a supportive work environment. The growing interest in flexible work arrangements reflects a broader workforce trend favoring autonomy and work-life balance over rigid employment structures. Addressing these evolving needs will require a comprehensive approach that not only enhances employment conditions but also fosters long-term career sustainability within the field.<\/span><\/p>\n<section style=\"font-family: Nunito, Arial, sans-serif; background: #f9f9f9; padding: 30px;\">\n<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; text-align: left; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">Table I. Respondents\u2019 career longevity and job satisfaction (n=2,087)<\/h2>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Question 1 --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 20px; font-size: 18px;\">Do you anticipate working in the hygiene industry for more than 10 years?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #4fc0cf; color: #fff; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>1649<\/td>\n<td>79<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>438<\/td>\n<td>21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Question 2 --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">Why not more than 10 years?*<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #bfefcf; color: #000; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Reason<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Physical Demand<\/td>\n<td>241<\/td>\n<td>55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Lack of Growth<\/td>\n<td>142<\/td>\n<td>32.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Income Opportunity<\/td>\n<td>91<\/td>\n<td>20.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Burnout<\/td>\n<td>186<\/td>\n<td>42.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Workplace Culture<\/td>\n<td>87<\/td>\n<td>19.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Other<\/td>\n<td>64<\/td>\n<td>22.6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Question 3 --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">What factors contribute to your overall satisfaction?**<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #4fc0cf; color: #fff; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Factor<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Competitive Salary<\/td>\n<td>1496<\/td>\n<td>71.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Job Security<\/td>\n<td>1166<\/td>\n<td>55.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Career Development<\/td>\n<td>638<\/td>\n<td>30.6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Positive Work Environment<\/td>\n<td>1232<\/td>\n<td>59<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Variety of Tasks<\/td>\n<td>517<\/td>\n<td>24.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Flexibility in Work Schedule<\/td>\n<td>1469<\/td>\n<td>70.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Question 4 --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">Have you experienced burnout in your professional career?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #bfefcf; color: #000; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>1321<\/td>\n<td>63.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>766<\/td>\n<td>36.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Question 5 --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">Have you encountered challenges in communication or collaboration?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #4fc0cf; color: #fff; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>1379<\/td>\n<td>66.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>708<\/td>\n<td>33.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><em>*Respondents were only asked the question \u201cCan you please share why?\u201d if they responded \u201cNo\u201d to \u201cDo you anticipate working in the hygiene industry for more than 10 years?\u201d<\/em><br \/>\n<em>**Respondents were able to select multiple options for the question \u201cWhat factors contribute to your overall satisfaction as a registered dental hygienist?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b547ca\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Career Longevity and Retention in the Dental Workforce<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">The dental hygiene profession exhibits a strong commitment to long-term career stability, with the majority of registered dental hygienists anticipating remaining in the field for over a decade based on responses.<\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">However, a significant portion of registered dental hygienists are anticipating leaving the profession within the next ten years, citing physical demands (55%) and burnout (43%) as primary concerns. It was noted in a 2020 study that physical stress, including joint pain and back pain, was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of leaving clinical dental hygiene within the next year.5 These statistics highlight the need for improved working conditions, including ergonomic advancements, reduced workload strain, and greater mental health support.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b54e9b\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Workplace Environment and Job Satisfaction<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While compensation is a key determinant of job satisfaction, workplace culture and professional support play equally significant roles. Burnout remains a significant challenge within the profession, with 63% of respondents reporting experiencing burnout at some point in their careers. Workplace stress, physical demands, and job dissatisfaction contribute to these high rates, emphasizing the need for better work-life balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<section style=\"font-family: Nunito, Arial, sans-serif; background: #f9f9f9; padding: 30px;\">\n<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; text-align: left; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px;\">Table II. Respondents\u2019 compensation and benefits (n=2,087)<\/h2>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Hourly Rate --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 20px; font-size: 18px;\">What is your hourly rate?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #4fc0cf; color: #fff; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Hourly Rate<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$20-$30 Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>52<\/td>\n<td>2.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$31-$40 Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>190<\/td>\n<td>9.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$41-$50 Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>714<\/td>\n<td>34.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$51-$60 Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>737<\/td>\n<td>35.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$60-$70 Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>335<\/td>\n<td>16.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$71-$80 Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>48<\/td>\n<td>2.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">$81+ Per Hour<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>0.53<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Pay Raise --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">Have you received a pay raise in the last 24 months?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #bfefcf; color: #000; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">In The Last 3 Months<\/td>\n<td>269<\/td>\n<td>12.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">In The Last 6 Months<\/td>\n<td>273<\/td>\n<td>13.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">In The Last 12 Months<\/td>\n<td>408<\/td>\n<td>19.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">In The Last 18 Months<\/td>\n<td>102<\/td>\n<td>4.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">In The Last 24 Months<\/td>\n<td>127<\/td>\n<td>6.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">I Have Not Received A Pay Raise<\/td>\n<td>908<\/td>\n<td>43.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Income Satisfaction --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">How satisfied are you with your current income as a registered dental hygienist?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #4fc0cf; color: #fff; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Satisfaction (0\u20135)<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">0<\/td>\n<td>98<\/td>\n<td>4.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">1<\/td>\n<td>113<\/td>\n<td>5.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">2<\/td>\n<td>314<\/td>\n<td>15.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">3<\/td>\n<td>508<\/td>\n<td>24.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">4<\/td>\n<td>645<\/td>\n<td>31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">5<\/td>\n<td>409<\/td>\n<td>19.6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><!-- Financial Dependents --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color: #4fc0cf; margin-top: 24px; font-size: 18px;\">Do you have any financial dependents?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #bfefcf; color: #000; font-size: 14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>1,174<\/td>\n<td>56.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>913<\/td>\n<td>43.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"font-size: 12px; margin-top: 16px; color: #555;\">*Respondents were able to select multiple options for the question \u201cWhat benefits are you receiving in your current role?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"> Financial stability remains a central concern for registered dental hygienists, with 56% reporting financial dependents. This figure highlights the critical role of income security in career decision-making, reinforcing the importance of reliable wages, predictable employment, and access to essential benefits.<\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">Despite relatively strong earning potential, with 70% of hygienists earning between $41-$60 per hour, income satisfaction varies significantly. While 31% rate their earnings positively, 25% express dissatisfaction, with concerns about stagnant wages and the absence of regular pay increases. Alarmingly, 44% of surveyed hygienists reported not receiving a pay raise in the past two years. The lack of consistent wage growth, combined with rising living costs, could contribute to increased attrition in the profession. <\/p>\n<section style=\"font-family: Nunito, Arial, sans-serif; background:#f9f9f9; padding:30px;\">\n<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color:#4fc0cf; text-align:left; font-size:22px; margin-bottom:20px;\">\n    Table III. Respondents\u2019 workplace experience and career changes (n=2,087)<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">  <!-- Left one practice --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color:#4fc0cf; margin-top:20px; font-size:18px;\">Have you ever left one practice to work for a different practice?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:8px; text-align:left;\">\n<tr style=\"background:#4fc0cf; color:#fff; font-size:14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>1390<\/td>\n<td>66.6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>697<\/td>\n<td>33.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">  <!-- Considering job change --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color:#4fc0cf; margin-top:24px; font-size:18px;\">Are you considering a job change?*<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:8px; text-align:left;\">\n<tr style=\"background:#bfefcf; color:#000; font-size:14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>513<\/td>\n<td>49.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>523<\/td>\n<td>50.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">  <!-- Why job change --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color:#4fc0cf; margin-top:24px; font-size:18px;\">Why are you considering a job change?**<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:8px; text-align:left;\">\n<tr style=\"background:#4fc0cf; color:#fff; font-size:14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">Reason<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">I want to increase my income.<\/td>\n<td>376<\/td>\n<td>73.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">I would like better benefits from my employer.<\/td>\n<td>205<\/td>\n<td>40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">I want more flexibility in my schedule.<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<td>30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">I am unhappy with my current office dynamics.<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">  <!-- Worked as temp RDH --><\/p>\n<h3 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"color:#4fc0cf; margin-top:24px; font-size:18px;\">Have you ever worked as a temporary registered dental hygienist?<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:8px; text-align:left;\">\n<tr style=\"background:#bfefcf; color:#000; font-size:14px;\">\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">Response<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">n<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:8px;\">%<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td>1914<\/td>\n<td>91.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f3f3f3;\">\n<td style=\"padding:8px;\">No<\/td>\n<td>173<\/td>\n<td>8.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"font-size:12px; margin-top:16px; color:#555;\">\n    *Respondents were only asked the question \u201cAre you considering a job change?\u201d if they responded \u201c3\u201d or lower to \u201cHow satisfied are you with your current income as a registered dental hygienist?\u201d<br \/>\n    <br \/>\n    **Respondents were only asked the question \u201cWhy are you considering a job change?\u201d if they responded \u201cYes\u201d to \u201cAre you considering a job change?\u201d<br \/>\n    <br \/>\n    ***Respondents were able to select multiple options for the question \u201cWhat factors would influence your decision to take on temporary registered dental hygiene assignments?\u201d\n  <\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b551b3\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Workforce Dynamics and Employment Trends<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">67% of surveyed hygienists have transitioned between dental practices, often in pursuit of better pay, improved benefits, and more flexibility. Practices that fail to meet evolving expectations risk higher turnover rates, which can disrupt patient care and operational stability.<\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">Furthermore, the role of non-traditional employment in dental hygiene is expanding. The majority of hygienists (92%) have worked as temporary professionals at some point in their careers, emphasizing the appeal of flexibility and financial autonomy. However, despite these benefits, challenges such as inconsistent scheduling, lack of benefits, and adapting to different office environments persist.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b554d8\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">Recommendations<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dental hygiene profession stands at a crossroads, shaped by shifting workforce priorities, evolving financial realities, and growing demands for flexibility and support. GoTu&#8217;s 2025 State of Work Report reveals a workforce with strong long-term commitment but significant underlying challenges that threaten retention and overall job satisfaction.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compensation remains a key driver of satisfaction and career stability, yet nearly half (44%) of surveyed hygienists reported not receiving a pay increase in the last two years, despite increasing workloads and rising living costs. This stagnation, combined with inconsistent access to benefits like health insurance (32%) and CE reimbursement (29%), underscores the urgent need for more competitive compensation models and enhanced benefit structures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burnout is a persistent challenge, with 63% of hygienists reporting experiencing it at some point in their careers. Emotional demands, physical strain, and lack of support may contribute to these high rates, making it essential to address workplace culture and implement strategies that promote better work-life balance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure long-term sustainability, the industry should enhance compensation structures, expand career development opportunities, improve workplace conditions, and support flexible work arrangements. Strategic efforts such as structured pay raises, leadership training, ergonomic improvements, and phased retirement programs will create a more stable and rewarding career path, improving both professional satisfaction and patient care outcomes. The future of the profession hinges on the ability of employers and industry stakeholders to adapt to these workforce shifts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-69392d4b55e1c\" class=\"component wysiwyg wysiwyg--default spacer-t--sm spacer-b--sm\" data-bs-theme=\"light\" >\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"row wysiwyg__row\">\n\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"col wysiwyg__col component__header\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__heading\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" class=\"wysiwyg__header h4\">References<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"wysiwyg__content\">\n\n\t\t\t<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\" style=\"font-size:13px; line-height:1.4; color:#333;\">\n  <b>References:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol data-aos=\"fade-up\" data-aos-delay=\"100\">\n<li style=\"font-weight:400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n      American Dental Association Health Policy Institute. Economic outlook and emerging trends in dentistry: results from a survey of specialists [Internet]. Chicago (IL): American Dental Association; 2023 Nov [cited 2025 Mar 7]. Available from:<br \/>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/-\/media\/project\/ada-organization\/ada\/ada-org\/files\/resources\/research\/hpi\/nov2023_hpi_economic_outlook_denitstry_report_specialist.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n        https:\/\/www.ada.org\/-\/media\/project\/ada-organization\/ada\/ada-org\/files\/resources\/research\/hpi\/nov2023_hpi_economic_outlook_denitstry_report_specialist.pdf<br \/>\n      <\/a>.\n    <\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight:400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n      Patel BM, Boyd LD, Vineyard J, LaSpina L. Job Satisfaction, Burnout, and Intention to Leave among Dental Hygienists in Clinical Practice. J Dent Hyg. 2021 Apr;95(2):28-35. PMID: 33875527.\n    <\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight:400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n      Setia MS. Methodology Series Module 3: Cross-sectional Studies. Indian J Dermatol. 2016 May-Jun;61(3):261-4. doi: 10.4103\/0019-5154.182410. PMID: 27293245; PMCID: PMC4885177.\n    <\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight:400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n      Patten ML, Newhart M. <i>Understanding Research Methods: An Overview of the Essentials.<\/i> 10th ed. New York: Routledge; 2017.\n    <\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight:400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n      Malcolm, N., Boyd, L., Giblin-Scanlon, L., &amp; Vineyard, J. (2020). Occupational stressors of dental hygienists in the United States. Work, 65(3), 517\u2013524.<br \/>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3233\/WOR-203106\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3233\/WOR-203106<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12023,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[84],"tags":[50],"class_list":["post-12007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-trends","tag-blog"],"acf":[],"card":{"rendered":"\t\t<div class=\"col archive__col\">\n\t\t<div id=\"blog-post-12007\" class=\"blog-post card post-12007 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news-trends tag-blog\" data-mobile=\"swiper-slide\">\n\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/gotu.com\/news-trends\/2025-state-of-work-dental-hygiene-report\/\" class=\"card-img-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t<img width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/State-of-Work-Year-2-1-600x300.webp\" class=\"card-img-top card-image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" \/>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-body\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"card-subtitle blog-card__catgeory\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-tax\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/gotu.com\/types\/blog\/\">Blog<\/a><span> \u2022 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gotu.com\/topics\/news-trends\/\">News &amp; Trends<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<a class=\"card-more btn btn-tertiary\" href=\"https:\/\/gotu.com\/news-trends\/2025-state-of-work-dental-hygiene-report\/\">\n\t\t\tRead Article\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<h2 class=\"card-title blog-card__title\">\n\n\t\t\tGoTu\u2019s 2025 State of Work: Dental Hygiene Report\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-text blog-card__excerpt\">\n\n\t\t\tAbstract The dental hygiene profession is undergoing significant transformation as workforce priorities shift toward financial stability, career flexibility, and burnout prevention. GoTu\u2019s 2025 State of Work Report analyzes employment trends and workplace satisfaction among registered dental hygienists, offering insights into the factors influencing retention and mobility. This cross-sectional study surveyed...\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12007"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12007\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12024,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12007\/revisions\/12024"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gotu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}