Career Outlook

The Rio Grande Valley’s rapidly growing population has made quality medical care vital to the area’s existence. Dental Hygienists are in demand here in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout the nation. Most graduates receive placement immediately upon receiving licensure.

Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than average through 2012, in response to increasing demand for dental care and the greater utilization of hygienists to perform services previously performed by dentists. Job prospects are expected to remain excellent. In fact, the dental hygiene field is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through the year 2012.

Starting salaries for dental hygienists range from $40,000-$60,000 in the Valley and from $50,000-$60,000 out of the Valley.