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First, some facts. Of the Dental Hygiene graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 192 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 91%, Dental Hygiene graduates have a substantially higher likelihood (+24%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 17% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Dental Hygiene graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from Idaho State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRegistered Dental Hygienist Dental offices Jul 2016 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking through the profiles of people who graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene, it's clear that most of them have gone on to work as Registered Dental Hygienists. This makes complete sense, as that role is specifically designed for individuals with training in this field. About 80% of the jobs listed are as dental hygienists across various dental practices. From my analysis, it seems that these positions directly utilize the knowledge and skills gained from their respective programs, with daily responsibilities that range from conducting cleanings and assessments to educating patients about oral health care. This represents a strong alignment between their educational background and their professional work, confirming the degree's relevance.
However, while many individuals have remained firmly in the dental hygiene field, there are definitely some interesting exceptions. Some profiles showcased jobs that didn't have much to do with dental hygiene at all, like roles in real estate, or administrative positions that seem to stray completely away from caring for patients. For instance, one person worked as a Health Strategy Manager, which might touch on health overall but does not focus on dental practices specifically. These positions highlight that not all graduates stick strictly to their field, and the skills obtained during their studies can sometimes be applied to other areas. Nonetheless, the majority of jobs analyzed are indeed relevant to Dental Hygiene, validating the career pathway chosen by most graduates.
In conclusion, graduates of Dental Hygiene programs overwhelmingly pursue careers in roles directly related to their field, particularly as dental hygienists. This correlation demonstrates the program's utility in providing a clear path for employment within the dental healthcare system. Despite some instances of individuals taking alternate career routes, the expertise developed during their studies aligns closely with their primary professions, reinforcing the value and relevance of a degree in Dental Hygiene.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Dental Hygiene graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of Dental Hygiene graduates, it’s clear that most of them tend to follow paths that are directly related to their field right out of college. For many of these graduates, their first job post-graduation is often as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in various dental practices, where they immediately begin to apply their knowledge and skills. Roles like that of a self-employed RDH or working for established dentists seem to dominate the early years, providing a solid foundation for their careers. This is particularly notable among recent graduates—many of them secure positions as dental hygienists almost immediately after finishing their degrees, which suggests a demand for their skills in the industry.
Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, and the career paths start to show a more diverse picture. While many graduates remain in clinical roles as dental hygienists, a significant number branch out into other areas such as teaching, management, or even ownership of dental practices. Some transition into specialized roles, such as clinical instructors or coordinators for dental hygiene programs, indicating a shift towards sharing their knowledge and contributing to education in the field. Others take on more administrative or public health roles that leverage their expertise—like compliance officers or oral health coordinators—suggesting that there are viable pathways outside of traditional clinical settings. However, it's also apparent that a few graduates drift away from dental hygiene entirely, as seen with those transitioning to unrelated careers like real estate or administrative positions. This indicates that while the majority find fulfillment within the field, there’s a notable number who explore different vocations.
In summation, the vast majority of Dental Hygiene graduates embark on careers that align closely with their education, particularly in their early years. However, as time goes on, the field offers enough versatility for them to either deepen their involvement in dental practices or pivot to various professional roles. It seems like a successful and relevant career choice for many, though, as always, individual experiences can vary widely. The journey is not without its challenges, but for most, it appears to be rewarding.
A Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene can be pretty challenging, but it's not the most difficult degree out there. You'll definitely encounter some tough science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy, which require a solid understanding of the material and good study habits. Plus, there’s a hands-on clinical component where you’ll be working with real patients, which adds another layer of complexity. While it might be easier than, say, a degree in engineering or medicine, it still demands commitment and a lot of hard work, especially if you're not super into science. Ultimately, if you’re dedicated and have a genuine interest in dental health, you can totally manage it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene.
When it comes to the dental hygiene graduates from different colleges, it’s interesting to see how their careers have progressed after graduation. Many of them seem to be consistently employed, with positions as registered dental hygienists or in other related roles. For instance, graduates from schools like Weber State University and West Los Angeles College started their careers in 2019 and are still actively working in the field, which is a good sign since it indicates job stability. However, what’s also notable is the variety of job roles they have taken on, particularly those who worked in multiple practices. This can often lead to better earning potential, especially if they are self-employed or have their own clientele.
On the flip side, some profiles show less traditional paths, like those combining dental hygiene with teaching or management roles, which might not yield the highest incomes compared to pure clinical work but can provide personal fulfillment and steady income. Overall, while it's hard to pin down exact salaries without more specific info, it looks like a lot of these graduates have built solid careers in dental hygiene, which typically pays fairly well, especially in areas with a higher cost of living or in more advanced roles. So, if you're considering a career in dental hygiene, it seems like there’s a good chance of earning a decent wage if you're diligent and keep growing your skills and experience!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene (ordered by the average relevance score of their Dental Hygiene graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of New England
|
100 | 11 |