The dental industry could be seeing improvements in hygiene staffing as job satisfaction and retention rates are on the rise, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
Dentalpost’s annual report highlights various industry trends, including workforce, salary and practice management. Dentalpost surveyed nearly 3,575 dental professionals to create this year’s report. The survey was conducted from Aug. 29 until Sept. 30, 2025.
Dentalpost surveyed 2,609 hygienists for the report.
Thirteen dental hygiene notes from the report:
1. Seventeen percent of hygienists have switched jobs in the last year.
2. Seventy-three percent of hygienists said they plan to stay in their current role.
3. Seventy-one percent of hygienists said they are happy in their current role, up from 68% in 2024.
4. Survey results showed hygienists favor flexibility, autonomy over clinical decisions, trust from dentists and relationships with patients and colleagues.
5. Twenty-seven percent of hygienists said they are considering changing jobs, driven primarily by higher pay, better benefits and healthier work environments.
6. Twenty-one percent of hygienists have changed jobs in the last 12 months.
7. Eight-two percent of hygienists who switched jobs said the change met their goals.
8. The average income for hygienists increased by 9% between 2024 and 2025, hitting $72,000, while the median income rose 4% to $75,000.
9. Seventy-three percent of hygienists have received a pay raise in the last two years, while 46% have received one within the last 12 months.
10. Seven percent of hygienists said they have never received a raise.
11. More than half of responding hygienists receive paid vacation, paid holidays, dental coverage and/or retirement coverage.
12. The most desired benefits among hygienists are medical coverage, paid continuing education, retirement and paid sick leave.
13. Fifty-two percent of hygienists said they are satisfied with their total compensation, up from 50% in 2024.
