Dental hygienists who work full time and in one office setting are more likely to receive a pay raise, according to a survey conducted by RDH eVillage.
The survey asked dental hygienists about when they last received a pay raise. Overall, the national results indicated:
- 42% have not received a raise for more than five years
- 32% received a raise more than a year ago
- 14% received a raise within the past 12 months
- 9% have never received a raise
- 3% said the question was not applicable to them since they have not worked at current employer long enough to discuss a raise.
Hygienists who work full time enjoy a clear advantage over part-time hygienists. Among the hygienists who have not received a raise in more than five years, 47% of them work three days a week or less. In comparison, only 39% of hygienists who four days a week or more have not received a raise in five years.
Hygienists who work four days or more a week were more likely to be among those receiving a raise within the last 12 months (17%). In comparison, 10% of hygienists who work three days or fewer received a raise within the last 12 months.
In addition, 52% of dental hygienists who work in three or more dental offices have not received a raise in more than five years (compared to 40% of hygienists who work in one office).
Experience doesn’t count, apparently
Fifty percent of hygienists who have been practicing for than 20 years have not received a raise in more than five years. In comparison, 22% of hygienists who have been practicing for less than 10 years have received a raise within the last 12 months. In addition 17% of hygienists practicing for 10 to 20 years have received a raise within the last 12 months. Both percentages for the less experienced dental hygiene professional is higher than the national average cited above.
The value of a bachelor’s vs. associates degree
When it comes to pay raises, the degree earned by the dental hygienist is not a critical factor.
It pays to be out in the country
The survey also asked if hygienists practice in a “metropolitan area including suburbs” or in a “small town or rural” area. Pay raises do favor dental hygienists who are based in less populated areas.
