Career Guide for Dental Hygienists in Aurora, CO

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Denver metro for over a decade, I’ve watched Aurora transform from a suburban sprawl into a major economic hub in its own right. For dental hygienists, this isn't just another city—it's a complex landscape of healthcare systems, diverse populations, and a cost of living that demands a strategic approach. This guide is your local, no-nonsense roadmap. We’re using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Colorado’s dental board, and real-time market observations to give you the full picture.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. The median salary for $88,974/year in the Aurora metro places it firmly above the national average of $87,530/year. This is a key indicator: you’re entering a market that values your skills. The hourly equivalent is $42.78/hour, which offers flexibility for part-time or full-time roles.

However, Aurora’s position within Colorado is nuanced. It sits in the shadow of Denver, where salaries can be slightly higher, but competition is fiercer. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area has 789 active jobs for dental hygienists, a healthy number that signals constant demand. The 10-year job growth projection of 9% for the profession is steady, mirroring national trends driven by an aging population and increased focus on preventive care.

Here’s how experience breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Aurora Metro)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $82,000	Mostly chairside assisting, basic patient education, working under close supervision.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$83,000 - $94,000	Independent patient assessments, moderate-scale periodontal therapy, mentoring newer staff.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$95,000 - $108,000	Complex patient cases, possible lead hygienist roles, involvement in practice management.
Expert-Level (15+ yrs)	$109,000+	Often includes specialty roles (e.g., periodontal therapy), consulting, or private practice ownership.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. Specialized training can push salaries higher.

Compared to other Colorado cities:

• Denver: Often 5-8% higher for similar roles, but cost of living is significantly steeper.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are generally 3-5% lower, but the cost of living is also lower.
• Boulder: Salaries are comparable or slightly higher than Aurora, but the housing market is one of the most expensive in the state.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Aurora-area practices, especially those owned by larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), offer production-based bonuses. A hygienist who consistently fills their schedule with high-revenue procedures (like scaling and root planing) can easily add $5,000 - $15,000 to their annual income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $88,974 is a gross figure. Let’s break down what you’ll actually take home and whether you can afford to live here.

Assumptions for a Single Filer (2024):

• Gross Annual Salary: $88,974
• Federal Tax (est.): ~22%
• State Tax (CO flat 4.4%): ~4.4%
• FICA (7.65%): Standard deduction applied.
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,400

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $1,835 (Aurora average)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200 - $250
• Car Payment & Insurance: $500 - $700 (No state income tax on groceries helps here)
• Groceries: $400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Retirement & Savings (10%): $740
• Misc. (Entertainment, Personal Care): $300
• Total Estimated Expenses: ~$4,275 - $4,525

Can you afford to buy a home?
The math is tough but not impossible for a single income. The median home price in Aurora is approximately $500,000. With a 20% down payment ($100,000), your monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) would be around $2,500, plus property taxes and insurance. This would push your housing cost to **$3,000/month**, consuming over half of your take-home pay.

Verdict: As a single income earner, renting is the more feasible short-term option. Homeownership becomes realistic with a dual-income household or if you advance into a senior or expert-level role where your salary increases significantly.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players. Job hunting here means targeting these specific systems.

1. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: The anchor of the Anschutz Medical Campus (which spills into Aurora). This is the state’s premier academic medical center. They have a vast dental clinic network, including specialty clinics. Hiring is competitive, but benefits are excellent (including tuition assistance). They often seek hygienists with experience in medically complex patients.
2. Children's Hospital Colorado (Aurora Campus): Located on the same campus as UCHealth. Their dental department focuses on pediatric care. Requires patience and a love for working with kids. They often hire hygienists with pediatric experience or a willingness to train.
3. Kaiser Permanente Colorado: Kaiser has a strong presence in Aurora with multiple medical offices that include dental services. They are known for structured work environments and comprehensive benefits. Their hiring process can be lengthy but stable.
4. Denver Health (Aurora Locations): While based in Denver, Denver Health operates clinics in Aurora, serving a large Medicaid and low-income population. This is a great place for hygienists passionate about public health and community care. The pace can be fast, and the patient population diverse.
5. Large DSOs (e.g., Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental): These corporate practices are ubiquitous in Aurora’s shopping centers and strip malls. They offer modern facilities, often with advanced technology (intraoral scanners, digital X-rays). They are frequently hiring and are a good entry point for new grads. However, be prepared for a production-driven environment.
6. Private & Group Practices: Aurora has a thriving network of private practices, especially in neighborhoods like Central, Meadow Hills, and near the Anschutz campus. Networking through the Colorado Dental Association (CDA) or local study clubs is the best way to find these hidden gem jobs.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable shift toward hygienists who are proficient with digital dentistry (intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM). Practices investing in this technology are more likely to offer higher compensation. Also, demand is growing for hygienists willing to work four-day workweeks or flexible hours, as offices extend evening and weekend hours to meet patient demand.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Colorado Dental Board (CDB) oversees this.

Key Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National Boards: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. Regional Clinical Exam: Pass one of the regional clinical exams (WREB, CDCA, or ADEX). This is a hands-on, practical test.
4. Colorado Jurisprudence Exam: A short, open-book online exam on Colorado’s dental laws and rules.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check.

Timeline & Costs (Estimates):

• Processing Time: Once all documents are submitted to the CDB, processing can take 4-8 weeks.
• Total Costs:
  • Colorado License Application Fee: $150
  • Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50
  • Background Check: ~$50
  • NBDHE/Regional Exam Fees: ~$1,200 - $1,500 (varies by exam)
  • Total: Approximately $1,450 - $1,750

Insider Tip: Start the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam as soon as you have your NBDHE scores. It’s simple but can delay your application if left to the last minute. The CDB website is your best resource—bookmark it.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Aurora is vast, so choose wisely.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Central Aurora (near Anschutz)	Urban, dense, diverse. Easy commute to UCHealth/Children's.	$1,650	Professionals who want a short commute to the major hospitals and a walkable, lively area.
Meadow Hills	Established, quiet, suburban. Close to I-225.	$1,800	Hygienists with families or who prefer a traditional suburban feel with good schools.
Saddle Rock/Green Valley	Newer development, scenic views, more affluent.	$1,950	Those with a higher budget seeking modern amenities and a quieter, upscale environment.
Aurora Highlands	Rapidly growing, new builds, young professionals.	$1,750	New grads looking for a modern apartment community with a social atmosphere.
Eastridge / Denver Tech Center (DTC) Corridor	Mix of older and new. Direct access to I-225 and I-25.	$1,700	Commuters who might also consider jobs in Denver or the southern metro.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-225 (the main Aurora artery) is heavy during rush hours. If you work at Anschutz, living in Central or the eastern parts of Aurora can cut your commute to under 15 minutes. Living further west or south can add 20-30 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Aurora, your career path can extend far beyond the traditional hygiene chair.

• Specialty Premiums: Hygienists with training in periodontal therapy (non-surgical) are in high demand. You can expect a premium of $5,000 - $10,000 over the base salary. Pediatric hygiene is another specialty with consistent demand, especially near Children’s Hospital.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Hygienist: Overseeing other hygienists, ordering supplies, and often earns a salary closer to the expert-level range.
  2. Clinical Research: With the Anschutz Medical Campus, opportunities exist in clinical trials related to oral-systemic health. This is a niche but growing field.
  3. Education & Consulting: Experienced hygienists can become instructors at Colorado’s dental hygiene programs (e.g., Community College of Denver) or consultants for DSOs.
  4. Business Ownership: The lower regulatory burden compared to dentistry makes hygienist-owned practices (in specific legal structures) an emerging trend.
• 10-Year Outlook (9% Growth): This growth is not just more jobs. It’s a shift in roles. The rise of teledentistry (remote patient monitoring and education) is creating new opportunities. Hygienists who are tech-savvy can position themselves for these roles. The aging population in Aurora will drive demand for geriatric care and nursing home visits, another potential growth area.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Aurora offers a compelling mix of strong salaries and opportunities, but it’s not without its challenges.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to national average.	High cost of living, especially housing.
Diverse job market with major hospitals, DSOs, and private practices.	Traffic congestion can be significant, impacting commute quality.
Proximity to Denver's amenities without the same price tag (for now).	Competitive job market for the best positions at top employers.
Steady job growth and demand for specialized skills.	Seasonal air quality issues (wildfire smoke) can be a concern.
Access to outdoor recreation (Rocky Mountains are a short drive away).	Rapid growth has led to some urban sprawl and infrastructure strain.

Final Recommendation: Aurora is an excellent choice for dental hygienists who are:

• Career-focused and want to work in a high-profile healthcare environment (Anschutz campus).
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, diverse city with a strong suburban backbone.
• Strategic about budgeting, willing to start by renting and building equity later.
• Interested in specialty niches like periodontics or pediatrics.

If you prioritize a quiet, small-town lifestyle or absolute affordability, look to the suburbs further out (e.g., Parker, Castle Rock) or other Colorado cities. But for a dynamic career with room to grow and a salary that matches the effort, Aurora is a top-tier market.

FAQs

1. Can a dental hygienist in Aurora work at multiple practices?
Yes, it’s common. Many hygienists work full-time at one practice and pick up weekend or evening shifts at another. Just ensure your Colorado dental license and malpractice insurance cover all practice locations, and avoid conflicts with non-compete clauses.

2. How does the cost of living in Aurora compare to other cities in Colorado?
Aurora is more affordable than Denver or Boulder but more expensive than Colorado Springs or Grand Junction. The biggest factor is housing. The average 1BR rent of $1,835 is about 15% lower than Denver’s average, a significant saving that can offset the slightly lower salaries in some cases.

3. Is there a strong demand for part-time dental hygienists?
Yes. Many private practices and DSOs offer part-time positions to accommodate school schedules or those seeking work-life balance. Part-time roles are also common in public health settings (e.g., Denver Health, school-based programs). However, benefits are typically limited for part-time employees.

4. What’s the best way to network with other hygienists in Aurora?
Join the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA). They host local meetings, study clubs, and an annual conference. Attending the Colorado Dental Association (CDA) meetings in Denver is also valuable. LinkedIn groups for Colorado dental professionals are active and useful for job leads.

5. Are there opportunities to transition into other roles (e.g., sales, education) from hygiene in Aurora?
Absolutely. The Anschutz Medical Campus and the presence of dental product companies in the metro create opportunities. Companies like Straumann or Dentsply Sirona have regional offices. Transitioning into education is also feasible with the number of dental hygiene programs in the Front Range. This requires additional certification or a master’s degree, but the foundation as a hygienist is a huge advantage.