Special Reports: Dental Hygiene Program Survey
Dental Hygiene Program Survey
Dental Hygienists are one of the most in-demand professions in healthcare, growing by 12 percent in the next ten years across the U.S. Federal data says that the United States needs nearly 21,000 more Dental Hygienists to meet current needs. By 2037, the country will be short nearly 30,000 Dental Hygienists. Overall, healthcare jobs are expected to grow by 14 percent in the same time period, indicating that Hygienists are largely keeping pace with the growth of the healthcare industry. Within oral health specifically, Hygienists are projected to experience more growth than Dental Assistants and Dentists.
This report highlights results from a 2024 survey of dental hygiene degree programs across the United States (U.S.). 328 schools were surveyed regarding their clinical rotation experiences, with 157 responses recorded, or 48 percent of programs. The sample size is representative – meaning it accurately reflects the characteristics of the national dental hygiene program population. The results have been aggregated for analysis. We sought a systematic understanding of the nature of diversifying recruitment – both of students and faculty – across dental hygiene.
This work was made possible by the Delta Dental Foundation.
Additional Resources
Learn more about dental hygiene policies, workforce data, initiatives, career pathways, and more.
See where dental hygiene ranks in terms of "health" among 36 healthcare occupations.
Learn more about the current and projected dental hygiene workforce in Michigan.