The Great Dental Hygienist Shortage: How Dental Assistants Can Leverage This Career Goldmine

The dental world is in crisis – dental hygienists are in short supply and paychecks are surging. Ready to make your move? If you’re a dental assistant, you’re closer than anyone to a dental hygiene career goldmine. It is one of the most in-demand and highest-paying careers in healthcare today. 

This isn’t a mere staffing shortage, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform your career for higher pay, greater autonomy and a faster dental hygiene online program than you might think. In this guide, we’ll uncover the reasons for this shortage, ways dental assistants have the winning edge and the best ways to make the dental hygienist (registered dental hygienist) leap. Whether you’re wanting a bigger paycheck, an autonomy boost or simply a career upgrade, we’ve got you covered. 

And remember, Achieve is here for you if you’re wanting to go from dental assistant to dental hygienist with an online dental hygiene program that’s faster, more affordable and convenient. Our flexible credit-by-exam support ensures you’re on the easiest track to earning your dental hygienist license sooner.  

Why the Dental Hygienist Shortage Is a Big Deal (and Growing)

The dental industry is experiencing a hiring crunch, and dental hygienists are at the heart of it all. With thousands of positions unfilled, this is not just news for dental assistants, it’s leverage. Salaries are surging for dental hygienists in response to the unprecedented demand. Here’s a closer look: 

By the Numbers: What the Data Says About the Hygiene Shortage

The dental industry is struggling to keep up with their real need for more dental hygienists – so much so that real opportunity and allure exists for dental assistants to cash in on this demand now.

Here’s what the data reveals:

• 9% Job Growth Until 2033: Dental hygiene is the fastest growing sector in healthcare by these rates.
• 16,400 dental hygienist Openings Per Year: This provides an dental hygienist surge in both growth and replacement needs.
• 60% of Dental Practices Report Hiring Strain: According to the ADA, dental hygiene is the most difficult position to fill today.
• Up to 66% Vacancy in Rural Areas: Noting that 66% of dentists report it is “very difficult” to recruit dental hygienists, with 100% in North Eastern Montana.

With nearly double the average growth rate nationwide, smart dental assistants are stepping in to fill the need.

What's Causing the Shortage?

The talent vacuum is being fueled by a confluence of several factors:

• Pandemic-Related Retirements and Burnout: Citing safety concerns, fatigue and early retirement, many dental hygienists have left the profession.
• Fewer Hygiene Program Grads: The talent pipeline has shrunk due to fewer online dental hygiene program enrollments, with a number of programs closing entirely. 
• Shift Toward Preventive Care Surging Demand: With many insurances covering greater intervention into preventive oral care and with greater public awareness, demand for hygiene services has never been higher.

From Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist: Why You’re Already Halfway There

Think you need to start from scratch to become a dental hygienist? Think again – As a dental assistant, you have a strong command of high-value, transferable skills. That’s a major jumpstart on your dental hygiene online program journey. In fact, many dental assistants who have made the transition report that it is smoother and easier than they had expected. Here’s why:

The Overlapping Skills No One Tells You About

You don’t simply have relevance to make your dental hygienist transition, you have sought-after transferable skills that prime you for success. You’ve already mastered:

• Patient care and chairside communication
• Infection control and sterilization protocols
• Charting, radiographs and procedure prep
• Understanding the dental office flow and clinical pace

That means you’re not starting from zero, you’re more than halfway there with an edge that other dental hygienist students wish they had!

The Career Upgrade: Pay, Autonomy, and Opportunity

You’re not only upgrading your role, you’re boosting many benefits that come with being a dental hygienist. Here are just a few:

• Nearly Doubling Your Salary: Dental assistants make $47K on average yearly while dental hygienists make about $82K annually which is a major boost in earnings. 
• Greater Autonomy: dental hygienists are empowered to make more patient care decisions independently.
• Increased Flexibility: With part-time and per diem roles, dental hygienists enjoy a better quality of life.
• Greater Upward Mobility: dental hygienists are chosen for higher specialties, educational roles and even practice leadership positions. 

How to Make the Move: Training, Time & Cost Breakdown

Becoming a dental hygienist isn’t a lofty dream – it’s a practical next step. With the proper roadmap and the right online dental hygiene program support, you can become a dental hygienist without hitting pause on your career or life. Here’s how: 

What to Expect on the Road to from Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist

It typically takes two to three years to obtain dental hygienist licensure after being a dental assistant. Key steps include:

• Earning or transferring college credit
• Applying to and completing an accredited hygiene program
• Passing national and state board exams
• Securing licensure in your state

Balancing life, work and study is doable, and many dental assistants apply these strategies:

• Choose night or weekend-friendly dental hygiene online programs
• Use employer-sponsored tuition assistance
• Take lighter course loads to reduce stress

Planning from the start helps you train while you earn, so you can preserve your priorities uninterrupted and prevent burnout. 

How Achieve Helps You Fast-Track the Journey from Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist

Achieve’s flexible, cost-effective and online dental hygiene program is designed for working dental assistants like you. With personalized degree planning, we help you shorten your education timeline and reduce tuition costs. Here’s how we can fast-track your dental hygiene online program:

• Test out of general education courses through credit-by-exam
• Access a flexible dental hygienist school online that works with your schedule
• Map your degree plan to save time and money

We’re with you every step of the way, from course selection, credit transfer, admission guidance and academic coaching. 

Ready to Turn Your Dental Assistant Experience Into A High-Paying, High-Impact Career As A Dental Hygienist?

There’s never been a better time to make your move. The dental hygienist shortage isn’t just a challenge for the industry – it’s a breakthrough opportunity in your career. Whether you're looking to double your salary, access more autonomy or simply grow into your next career chapter, Achieve is here to help you get there faster. Let us show you how to go from dental assistant to dental hygienist with an online dental hygiene program without starting over – just starting smart. Contact us today!