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Georgia is well-known around the country for its excellent dental hygienist job opportunities. Of course, it is expected as aspiring dental hygienists to ask after their salary; we all have been there.
In fact, as an individual, when you think about what dental hygienists endure in caring for their teeth, you can’t help but think about how much they earn.
Well, your dental hygienist may earn slightly more than you imagine. Yeah, that’s right. Dental hygienists in Georgia earn a modest salary.
In addition, you will realize that these healthcare practitioners earn based on certain factors.
To quench your curiosity, this article seeks to equip you with the salary of a dental hygienist in Georgia in 2022, including those registered, as well as the salary scale of similar professionals. Here we go!
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What is Dental Hygiene?
Dental hygiene refers to the care and maintenance of teeth and gums to ensure they are in good condition or healthy.
To illustrate, this includes regular teeth brushing and scheduling procedures to remove tartar, stains, plaques, and other dental conditions.
By constantly practicing dental hygiene, you’ll keep the acid-excreting bacteria away and prevent tooth decay and other dentine complications.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental hygienists carry out several vital responsibilities, which include:
1. Check Dental History
Dental hygienists run background medical checks on their patients like other medical practitioners. They carry out this medical history check to properly understand their patient’s past dental journey.
This also helps them identify changes in their health, allergic reactions, and prescription meds.
Conducting these dental checks will prevent the patient from encountering medical emergencies and assess possible oral risks.
2. Screen Patients
The primary aim of most patients’ visits is to have a thorough check which can help them identify underlying problems before they get out of hand.
They check telltale regions such as the mouth, head, and neck for health indicators.
3. Dental Cleaning
Indeed, this is an essential part of a dental hygienist’s routine.
Dental hygienists use various instruments and techniques to manage dental issues and prevent other dentine issues like cavities and tooth decay.
4. Conducting Dental X-Rays
Conducting dental x-rays on patients is very vital. This is simply because this sort of x-ray can help them spot anomalies in a patient’s oral health.
Hence, it is vital in the preventive care of teeth.
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5. Preventive Care
They use fluoride and dental sealants to strengthen them and prevent tooth decay. In other words, preventive care helps patients in keeping their healthy.
6. Patient Education
Applying preventive care and conducting x-rays are not the only vital roles they play. They equally teach their patients how to take care of their mouths properly.
In addition, they instruct patients on the ways they can maintain good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing their teeth.
Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of dieting and dental health and provide recommendations such as the choice of toothbrushes and other oral devices.
7. Help Patients Maintain Good Dental Health
Dental hygienists advocate health habits for their patients to have healthy oral health.
They also provide them with the necessary information on maintaining good oral health.
8. Document Treatment Plans
These dental professional teams up with the dentist. Hence, he reports his discoveries (treatment procedures) to the dentist.
Additionally, they prepare patients for their visits to the dentist by informing them about their findings and treatment plans they can opt for.
Equally important, they keep dental records from their sessions with their patients.
Factors Affecting the Salary of Dental hygienists in Georgia
Certain factors affect or determine the salary scale of professionals in every field of endeavor. Hence, dental hygienists are no exception.
The salary of a dental hygienist in Georgia, registered or not, is determined by the following factors:
Certification/Skill
Certification, as well as skills, are factors that can determine how many dental hygienists get to make.
Experience
Experience plays a significant role in determining the salary of a dental hygienist. Therefore, the more experience he is, the more he is likely to earn.
Levels
Employees at a certain level are entitled to a special payment. The salary of dental hygienists in Georgia can also be influenced by the level he occupies.
For instance, a senior-level dental hygienist earns more than one in an entry-level position.
Locations
This is another factor that determines how many dental hygienists make in Georgia. For example, a dental hygienist in Albany may earn differently than those in Gainesville.
Are Dental Hygienists Well Paid?
Yes, dental hygienists are well-paid. The salary of a dental hygienist in Georgia range between $51,040 and can get as high as $60,150.
However, the area or city determines how much he earns.
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What is the Average Salary for a Dental Hygienist in Georgia in 2022?
Most people wonder what the average pay for a dental hygienist in Georgia is.
In Georgia, the average hourly pay for a Dental Hygienist is $38.42.
How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make in Georgia?
The table below shows dental hygienists’ salaries in Georgia by area:
| Areas | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
| Albany, GA | $24.54 | $51,040 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $28.02 | $58,280 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $33.37 | $69,410 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $28.28 | $58,810 |
| Brunswick, GA | $27.46 | $57,120 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28.87 | $60,040 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $26.82 | $55,790 |
| Dalton, GA | $31.08 | $64,640 |
| Gainesville, GA | $30.89 | $64,250 |
| Macon, GA | $24.74 | $51,450 |
| Rome, GA | $29.93 | $62,250 |
| Savannah, GA | $30.23 | $62,880 |
| Valdosta, GA | $24.79 | $51,560 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $28.92 | $60,150 |
Highest paying cities for Dental Hygienists in Georgia
While the salaries for dental hygienists in Georgia are high, some cities pay the highest. Little wonder, most people residing in Georgia have their eyes on those cities.
The following are the highest-paying cities for dental hygienists in Georgia:
| State | Hourly Pay |
| Marietta, GA | $41.00 |
| Cumming, GA | $40.38 |
| Atlanta, GA | $40.17 |
| Sandy Springs, GA | $38.76 |
| Roswell, GA | $38.53 |
| Savannah, GA | $33.85 |
| Woodstock, GA | $33.53 |
| Macon, GA | $32.45 |
| Columbus, GA | $32.30 |
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Registered Dental Hygienist Salary in Georgia
The average annual salary of a registered dental hygienist in Georgia is around $69,194 and can eventually grow to $69,410 as a top earner.
Therefore, if you are a registered dental hygienist in Georgia, this could be your salary.
Monthly Earnings For Dental Hygienists in Georgia
The salary for a dental hygienist in Georgia in 2022 is not specific. However, the area or city determines just how much they can earn.
The monthly payments for dental hygienists in Georgia range from $51,040 to $69,410.
How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make Per Hour?
In Georgia, dental hygienists earn an hourly wage that ranges from $24.54 to $33.37.
So, if you wonder how much they get paid hourly, here it is.
Salary for Dental Hygienists in Georgia Based on Level
Regarding the subject – of salary, you need to understand that your level can also determine how much you can earn.
In other words, an entry-level employee carrying out the exact responsibilities will not earn the same amount as another employee in the same position at the senior level.
For instance, a dental hygienist in a senior-level position will earn more than one in an entry-level position.
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How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make Based on Entry Level?
As mentioned earlier, there is a difference in salaries regarding experience.
Entry-level dental hygienists make about $56,217 in Georgia.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make at the Senior Level?
With about 8 years of experience and more senior-level dental hygienists in Georgia earn about $95,214. That’s huge.
Well, that’s how much senior-level dental hygienists earn in Georgia.
Salaries For Similar Professions in Georgia
You might also want to know how much those in similar professions earn. If you are one of those in search of this information, here you go:
- Dentist – $210,791
- Clinical Laboratory Technicians – $55,990
- Registered Nurses – $80,010
- Dental Assistant – $42,310
- Dental Nurse – $45,149
- Hygiene Manager – $18.30 per hour
Are There Other Benefits of Being a Dental Hygienist Aside From the Salary?
Yes! Other than salaries, dental hygienists stand a chance to receive certain benefits that come along with the job. The following are such benefits:
- Insurance coverage
- Financial support for continued education
- Sick leave
- Dues for professional memberships
- Paid vacations
What is the Dental Hygienist Job Prospects?
There is a pool of career options available to dental hygienists. Therefore, not everyone with a dental hygienist degree will be in a dental office or clinic.
Consequently, you can apply your dental expertise in certain areas. In other words, you can use your degree outside the dental clinic. The following are the sectors with good job prospects:
- Public health
- Administration
- Education
- Research
- Corporate business
In addition, you can settle for jobs in these fields with your qualification.
Conclusion
Dental hygienists play a vital role in maintaining and managing their patients’ oral health. Consequently, you will constantly find people scheduling appointments to check their teeth.
Therefore, it is not out of the ordinary to be curious about the salary scale of a dental hygienist in Georgia in 2022. Well, you have it.
We hope this article met your expectations. Reach us through the comment section for feedback or @ makedailyprofit.com.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Hygienist Salary Georgia
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Hygienist in GA?
It can take as long as 2 years with an associate for you to become a dental hygienist in Georgia.
How Much Does Dental Hygiene School Cost?
The average estimated total cost of the fees for dental hygienist school, according to the American Dental Hygienist, is around $22,692. A baccalaureate degree costs about $36,382, and $30,421 for a master’s degree.
What Colleges in Georgia Offer Dental Hygiene?
The following are some of the colleges and universities in Georgia that offer dental hygiene:
- Clayton State University
- Central Georgia Technical College
- Georgia State University-Perimeter College
- Savannah Technical College
Can a Dental Hygienist Open their Practice in Georgia?
Absolutely! Dental hygienists in Georgia can choose to manage their collaborative dental practice.
Can a Dental Hygienist Do a Filling?
Dental hygienists don’t do fillings and any other dental procedure that involves a dental degree.
Why Do Teeth Turn Black?
Your teeth can turn black due to poor oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene can eventually lead to tooth decay if not handled on time, resulting in a black tooth.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in GA?
It can take as long as 2 years with an associate for you to become a dental hygienist in Georgia.
How much does dental hygiene school cost?
The average estimated total cost of the fees for dental hygienist school, according to the American Dental Hygienist, is around $22,692. A baccalaureate degree costs about $36,382, and $30,421 for a master’s degree.
What colleges in Georgia offer dental hygiene?
The following are some of the colleges and universities in Georgia that offer dental hygiene:
- Clayton State University
- Central Georgia Technical College
- Georgia State University-Perimeter College
- Savannah Technical College
Can a dental hygienist open their practice in Georgia?
Absolutely! Dental hygienists in Georgia can choose to manage their collaborative dental practice.
Can a dental hygienist do a filling?
Dental hygienists don’t do fillings and any other dental procedure that involves a dental degree.
Why do teeth turn black?
Your teeth can turn black due to poor oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene can eventually lead to tooth decay if not handled on time, resulting in a black tooth.
References
- dentalassistantedu.org – Become a Dental Hygienist in Georgia
- ziprecruiter.com – Registered Dentist Annual Salary
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