Dental hygienists
SOC Code: 29-1292
Dental hygienists carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $94,260 and +7.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 221,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 221,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $94,260, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Dental hygienists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Record and review patient medical histories.
- 2. Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 3. Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 4. Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 5. Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 6. Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 7. Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 8. Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
- 9. Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
- 10. Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Chemistry
- Law and Government
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Dental hygienists?
Dental hygienists has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Dental hygienists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Dental hygienists is projected to grow by 7.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 221,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Dental hygienists?
Key skills for Dental hygienists include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Dental hygienists earn?
The median annual wage for Dental hygienists is $94,260, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Dental hygienists?
The typical entry-level education for Dental hygienists is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Dental hygienists?
Dental hygienists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).