Career longevity and satisfaction of dental hygienists

Dental hygienists play a vital role in promoting oral health, preventing disease, and supporting comprehensive patient care within the dental team. Although the dental hygiene profession offers meaningful patient relationships and employment opportunities, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding, which may lead to dissatisfaction and limited career longevity.

Since COVID-19, there has been a rise in research addressing burnout, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), job satisfaction, and career longevity. The purpose of this article is to understand factors relating to career longevity and provide strategies for sustaining a long, satisfying career in dental hygiene.

Burnout

In 2022, over 50% of RDHs were actively searching for new job opportunities due to physical fatigue, lack of appreciation, and limited support as leading reasons for wanting to leave clinical practice.¹ While half rated their job satisfaction as high, many noted modest wage increases, inconsistent benefits, and limited career development opportunities, leading to early retirement.

Burnout negatively affects the clinician’s personal and professional well-being. Burnout occurs when there is an imbalance in one’s professional responsibilities and self-care. In 2014, only 26% of dental providers were affected by burnout, which increased up to 55% during the COVID-19 years.² Signs of burnout include emotional and physical exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed with tasks, decreased sense of pride in one’s work, lack of self-confidence, and detachment,³ which directly affects an RDH’s ability to provide compassionate patient care that includes understanding, recognizing, and adequately responding to patients’ needs.⁴

Musculoskeletal disorders

Due to the repetitive physical motions required of RDHs, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common. Initial signs present as pain, inflammation, decreased strength, numbness, and tingling sensations,⁵ which may progress to disabling WMSDs. Common sites affected include the neck, wrists, shoulders, and hands. One-third of dental hygienists report symptoms that negatively impact their ability to work.⁶ Injuries have been shown to cause a decrease in daily production, negatively affect wages, increase the cost of medical expenses, and have led some providers to pursue different occupations.⁴

Job dissatisfaction

Job dissatisfaction is often associated with a negative environment, lack of benefits, repetitive work, and lack of recognition. A high-stress environment contributes to high cortisol, anxiety, fatigue, low self-worth, and feelings of constant worry. For example, an accelerated schedule often leads to repetitive work with little interaction with patients. To promote career sustainability, it is important to recognize the signs of mental and physical exhaustion before they progress.

Ergonomic practices

Proper ergonomic practices are essential and have been shown to reduce the risk of developing WMSDs. Ergonomic practices may include evaluating the clinician and operatory for posture and positioning adjustments, short breaks, and the use of equipment designed to support healthier body mechanics.

Dental magnification loupes help prevent head tilting, allowing dental hygienists to work in a more neutral neck position. It is important to evaluate the magnification needed, lens mounting, and overall weight of the loupes. Evaluating multiple brands and fit to provide the maximum comfort is time well spent.

Alternative seating, such as a saddle-style chair, may help improve posture and reduce ergonomic strain. A systematic review found that saddle seats were associated with improved spinal alignment and body positioning during clinical procedures.⁵

Gloves should fit properly to maximize hand strength and reduce hand strain. Ideally, gloves should have a thin construction, textured fingertips to improve grip, and anatomical shaping to support natural hand movement. Consider the following practical intervention strategies to help prevent these problems.

Intervention strategies

Strategic appointment scheduling is a strategy often employed by dentists, but not hygienists. To help reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal strain, it is recommended to alternate patient appointments based on calculus levels rather than scheduling several heavy calculus cases consecutively.⁴ Short buffer periods of 10 to 15 minutes should be incorporated into the schedule for documentation, instrument sharpening, stretching, and recovery to further support musculoskeletal health.⁵

Career satisfaction develops when dental hygienists feel valued and supported in their professional roles. Working at the top of your license and professional growth is often associated with improved satisfaction.

In many states, RDHs can obtain additional certifications, endorsements, and permits for anesthesia, nitrous oxide, restorative functions, expanded practice, and dental therapy. These opportunities allow RDHs to continue to grow as professionals and support the overall success of the dental practice. Fostering an environment that targets growth ultimately improves the well-being of dental professionals and patient outcomes.

RDHs are encouraged to take proactive measures, including prioritizing self-care, practicing proper ergonomics, and advocating for supportive workplace environments. Dental hygienists who feel valued in their workplace, maintain a healthy work/life balance, and experience positive interactions with patients often stay in the career longer. Dental hygiene is a profession that is built on trust and connection with our patients, and protecting career satisfaction strengthens the compassion that we offer during patient care.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in RDH eVillage newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

References

1. Dental workforce shortages: data to navigate today’s labor market. American Dental Association Health Policy Institute. 2022. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/dental_workforce_shortages_labor_market.pdf
2. Negucioiu M, Buduru S, Ghiz S, et al. Prevalence and management of burnout among dental professionals before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Healthcare (Basel). 2024;12(23):2366. doi:10.3390/healthcare12232366
3. Knutt A, Boyd LD, Adams JL, Vineyard J. Compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout among dental hygienists in the United States. J Dent Hyg. 2022;96(1):34-42.
4. Michalak-Turcotte C. Controlling dental hygiene work-related musculoskeletal disorders: the ergonomic process. J Dent Hyg. 2000;74(1):41-48.
5. Gouvêa GR, Vieira WA, Paranhos LR, Bernardino IM, Bulgareli JV, Pereira AC. Assessment of the ergonomic risk from saddle and conventional seats in dentistry: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0208900. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208900
6. Natali KR, Lewando SJJ, Boyd LD, Vineyard J. The relationship of handedness, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and health-related quality of life among dental hygienists. J Dent Hyg. 2025;99(4):6-17.