Do Dental Assistants Get Better Benefits Than Dental Hygienists?
Do Dental Assistants Get Better Benefits Than Dental Hygienists?
Comparing Two Key Dental Careers
Dental assistants and dental hygienists both play vital roles in dentistry. But when it comes to benefits, how do the two compare? The answer depends largely on the employer, job type, and whether the role is part-time or full-time.
Dental Assistant Benefits
Health Insurance: Often provided in full-time roles
Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick days, and holidays
Retirement Plans: Available in larger practices and DSOs
Continuing Education: Employers often cover costs for CE and CDA renewal
Uniforms & PPE: Frequently supplied or reimbursed
Stable Hours: Most work weekday schedules
Dental Hygienist Benefits
Dental hygienists, with more advanced education and licensure, often receive more robust benefit packages, especially in larger practices. Common benefits include:
Health Insurance: Widely available in full-time positions
Retirement Plans: More common than for dental assistants
Paid Time Off: Often more generous than for assistants
Continuing Education Support: Many employers pay for CE courses needed to maintain licensure
Higher Pay: Median annual salary is around $81,000, compared to $47,000–$50,000 for dental assistants (BLS data)
Key Differences
Benefit TypeDental AssistantsDental HygienistsSalary$47K–$50K median$80K+ medianHealth InsuranceCommon for full-timeVery common for full-timeRetirement PlansAvailable in larger practicesMore widely offeredCE SupportOften for CDA certificationAlmost always for license renewalPaid Time OffStandard, varies by employerTypically more generousWork HoursPredictable weekdaysPredictable weekdays
Which Career Offers Better Benefits?
Dental hygienists usually receive better benefits overall due to higher pay and licensure requirements.
Dental assistants still enjoy strong benefits, especially in DSOs and hospital systems, with the added advantage of a faster path into the field (often less than one year of training).
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Final Thoughts
If you want a career with excellent benefits and a higher salary, dental hygiene has the edge. But if you prefer faster training, steady work, and solid benefits in under a year of schooling, dental assisting is a smart choice.
