Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) -- much faster than the 3% average for all occupations.
The BLS expects about 15,000 hygienist openings each year over the decade, driven mostly by the need to replace workers who change occupations or leave the labor force rather than by new positions. Meanwhile, 27% of hygienists surveyed for Dentalpost’s "2026 Dental Salary Survey Report" said they were considering changing jobs, citing higher pay, better benefits, and healthier work environments.
Total enrollment in dental hygiene programs has risen 15% since 2021, according to the ADA, but new graduates may not close near-term gaps. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has described the shortage as a retention problem rather than a supply problem.
