2 answers
Sharindelle
Student
Manchester, New Hampshire
1
Question
Updated
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How can I land a good dental hygiene job after graduation How can I know that what I will be offered is good enough considering my lack of experience in the field? #Spring26?
Question about getting a good job in dental field
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2 answers
Colleen Cormier
Dental Hygienist
4
Answers
Altamont, Tennessee
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
You probably won’t land the perfect hygiene job right out of the gate—and that’s okay. Instead of chasing “perfect,” focus on what actually fits you, because what works for someone else may not work for you.
Take a minute to think about your priorities. How far are you willing to drive? Do you see yourself in a small, family-style office or a larger corporate setting? Are you looking for full-time, or something more flexible? And remember, it’s not always about who pays the most. An office can look great at first, but what matters is how it feels day to day.
Do your research so you have a realistic idea of what hygienists are earning in your area. There’s often not a huge gap between new grads and experienced hygienists, but you may be offered a little less starting out—and that’s normal.
Before you even interview, look up the offices you’re applying to. Check reviews on sites like Glassdoor and see what employees are saying. It can give you a clearer picture of the environment you’re walking into.
When you interview, ask questions—don’t hold back. You’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you. Pay attention to how they answer. If something doesn’t sit right, trust that. You’re not going to change an office once you’re in it.
If you’re unsure where to start, temping can be a great option. It gives you experience, lets you see different systems and personalities, and helps you figure out what you like and what you don’t. It also often leads to permanent opportunities in offices that are a good fit.
And don’t undersell yourself. I’ve personally seen new grads come out asking for $25 an hour, and when that keeps happening, it starts to bring the whole profession down because offices expect to hire at that rate. Don’t do that to yourself—or to the profession.
Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you don’t have value. You worked hard to get here. Walk in with confidence, be honest about your experience, and don’t let anyone make you feel less than or take advantage of you.
Know your worth.
Take a minute to think about your priorities. How far are you willing to drive? Do you see yourself in a small, family-style office or a larger corporate setting? Are you looking for full-time, or something more flexible? And remember, it’s not always about who pays the most. An office can look great at first, but what matters is how it feels day to day.
Do your research so you have a realistic idea of what hygienists are earning in your area. There’s often not a huge gap between new grads and experienced hygienists, but you may be offered a little less starting out—and that’s normal.
Before you even interview, look up the offices you’re applying to. Check reviews on sites like Glassdoor and see what employees are saying. It can give you a clearer picture of the environment you’re walking into.
When you interview, ask questions—don’t hold back. You’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you. Pay attention to how they answer. If something doesn’t sit right, trust that. You’re not going to change an office once you’re in it.
If you’re unsure where to start, temping can be a great option. It gives you experience, lets you see different systems and personalities, and helps you figure out what you like and what you don’t. It also often leads to permanent opportunities in offices that are a good fit.
And don’t undersell yourself. I’ve personally seen new grads come out asking for $25 an hour, and when that keeps happening, it starts to bring the whole profession down because offices expect to hire at that rate. Don’t do that to yourself—or to the profession.
Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you don’t have value. You worked hard to get here. Walk in with confidence, be honest about your experience, and don’t let anyone make you feel less than or take advantage of you.
Know your worth.
martha price
6
Answers
Updated
martha’s Answer
First off don’t doubt yourself! For so long the dental field has been flooded by the lie of “fake it till you make it”. You’ve done the leg work, you’ve had the hands on experience. You got this!
As for pay, it depends on where you are, I’ve seen places where $30 is max and others where $80 is pretty good. Glassdoor usually does a good comparison of rates but keep digging into your area to find out.
As for pay, it depends on where you are, I’ve seen places where $30 is max and others where $80 is pretty good. Glassdoor usually does a good comparison of rates but keep digging into your area to find out.