We surveyed 1,194 dental hygienists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical dental hygienist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a dental hygienist?
Low
High
Working as a dental hygienist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a dental hygienist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a dental hygienist typically depends predominantly on qualities you’re born with, with a small aspect of skills you can learn.
Is it easy to get a job as a dental hygienist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a dental hygienist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for dental hygienists.
Do dental hygienists work full-time or part-time?
64% of dental hygienists work in full-time roles while 36% work part-time.
Is being a dental hygienist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst dental hygienists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a dental hygienist?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a dental hygienist.
How competitive is the workplace for dental hygienists?
Low
High
Dental hygienists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a dental hygienist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Dental hygienists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are dental hygienists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Dental hygienists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do dental hygienists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Dental hygienists have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a dental hygienist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a dental hygienist requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are dental hygienists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Dental hygienists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a dental hygienist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a dental hygienist.
Does being a good dental hygienist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as dental hygienists.