4 Top Considerations When Applying for a New RDH or Dental Assistant Job

If you’re a registered dental hygienist or a dental assistant considering a new opportunity in the dental industry this year, you’re in good company. Our latest Dental Salary Report revealed that 41.39% (10% increase from last year’s survey) of Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) and 56.76% (a nearly 30% jump from last year’s survey!) of Dental Assistants (DAs) said they are actively looking for a new job or considering changing jobs this year. 

To help you search for your dream dental job, we look at the top things to consider when applying for a new dental position in 2024. 

1. Where Should You Apply For a New Job?

Location is one of the leading considerations for anyone starting a new job search. Are you willing to relocate for a new position or prefer to stay local and find a dental office hiring staff near you? If you want to increase your salary, look at dental jobs in areas where dental practitioners typically earn higher salaries. For example, our 2024 Salary Survey findings show that employees in metropolitan areas make more on average than rural or suburban employees. Also, consider how the cost of living will impact your salary. For example, though incomes are higher on the West Coast, living costs are also considerably higher in those areas. 

If you’re seeking a position with a new dental practice because you want to escape a toxic or hostile work environment, consider the type of practice you’ll apply to next (and keep in mind, the kind of practice can also affect the pay). Each employer will offer a different working environment, whether private, corporate, state-run, or specialized. If you’re unsure which is best for you, you can take a Workplace Culture assessment to hone in on the type of practice environment in which you’ll be most happy and productive.  

2. How Much Can You Make as a Dental Hygienist or Dental Assistant in 2024?

It all depends on where you are and your level of experience. As our annual Dental Salary Survey Report shows, dental salaries vary nationwide. Average salaries for Registered Dental Hygienists range nationwide. States on the West Coast (such as California, Washington, and Oregon) and a handful of states in the Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, and Delaware, for example) are the highest earners on average. RDHs in those areas can expect average incomes to range between $77,000 to $99,000. 

The type of practice that employs you is a big factor in determining the salary. In 2022, Dental Hygienists in General Private Practice typically earned less than their counterparts in corporate and specialized practices and public health and community centers.  

In our 2024 Dental Salary Report, 52.25% of dental assistants reported “better pay” as one of their primary motivations for changing jobs. How much dental assistants make also varies regionally. Again, the highest dental professional incomes are on the West Coast and New England, with average salaries ranging between $46,000 and $47,000. According to our findings, dental assistants who worked in “other” dental practice types, including university, hospital, and military practices, earned marginally more than those in other spaces. 

3. What Must You Consider When Applying for Dental Jobs?

When Should You Start Applying for a New Job?

When you decide to move to a different dental job and research the opportunities in the market, it’s time to brush up on your resume and start applying for open positions. Start as soon as possible and stay ahead of new job postings by signing up to receive daily or weekly job alerts, and keep relevant documents in a file for quick access when sending off your resume. An online resume, such as your DentalPost profile, can help you keep everything from job experience to skills and Continuing Education credits up-to-date so that when you’re ready to apply, it’s easy as one click-submission. 

What Should You Include on Your Resume Profile?

Before applying for a new dental job, check that your resume profile is up-to-date. Are your certificates valid? Have you completed any educational courses that you still need to add? Are there any spelling mistakes in your writing? If you want to stand out, consider adding a few more classes. DentalPost regularly shares national and local opportunities for PACE-approved courses for dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front office staff. Be sure to sign up for DentalPost’s email notifications, so you don’t miss out on free online courses and opportunities near you!

What to Consider Based on Your Interviewer

If the working environment is why you’re looking to leave your current employment, pay special attention to the work environments of those interviewing you. Take note of the mood of the staff and patients. Do they seem happy, and is everything well-organized? Is the practice clean and well-maintained? These aspects can give you insights into the day-to-day running of the dental practice or organization and indicate red flags for a negative working environment. 

4. Does the Dental Industry Offer Good Careers?

If you’re a newly qualified RDH or DA and you’re wondering what your prospects are, the news is good, as the dental industry offers excellent opportunities for a satisfying career. Whether you begin your career in general dental practice and move towards a specialization or expand your knowledge through certification programs, you will likely find plenty of growth opportunities. 

Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene are great career choices for those looking to experience continuous growth while performing effective, valuable work. Both career paths offer advancement opportunities, professionally and financially (on average, over 50% of employees in either job role received pay raises in 2023). If elements in your current position leave you less than satisfied, look for a new opportunity. Notably, 80% of DAs stated a job change improved their job satisfaction. 

There are many opportunities on the market. Research conducted by the American Dental Association in 2022 highlighted that 1 in 4 dental practices was currently or had recently recruited dental assistants and dental hygienists. 

Use the Resources Available to You

We want you to find your dream dental job as a DA or RDH, and we’re here to help that dream become a reality. Use resources like our blog that contains helpful tips and advice, such as our Top 10 Helpful Tips for Job Seekers. And, whether at the start of your job-change journey or already interviewing, consider these steps before signing the bottom line, and bring yourself one step closer to working your dream job.