Dental Hygienist in Davie, FL

As a career analyst who's spent years tracking Florida's dental hygiene market, I can tell you that Davie, FL, offers a unique blend of suburban calm and professional opportunity. It's not Miami's frantic pace, but the economic ripple from the metro area is undeniable. If you're considering a move here, you need hard data and local insights—not generic fluff. This guide is built on that foundation.

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The dental hygiene market in the Davie area is strong, reflecting broader trends in South Florida. The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in Davie is $90,628/year, with an hourly rate of $43.57/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $87,530/year, a premium driven by Florida's high-demand healthcare sector and a higher cost of living compared to many parts of the country.

The job market itself is active. In the broader metro area, there are approximately 215 jobs for dental hygienists. The 10-year job growth projection is 9%, which is robust and indicates steady demand. This growth is fueled by an aging population requiring more periodontal care and a general increased focus on preventive health.

To break it down by experience, here’s a realistic salary progression you can expect in this region. These figures are based on local job postings and industry surveys, factoring in Davie’s specific market dynamics.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Davie Context
Entry-Level	0-2	$72,000 - $82,000	New grads often start in larger group practices or corporate chains.
Mid-Career	3-7	$85,000 - $95,000	This is where you'll find the bulk of the median salary positions.
Senior	8-15	$95,000 - $105,000	Often involves lead hygienist roles, mentoring, or specialized skills.
Expert/Specialist	15+	$105,000+	Can include roles in periodontal offices, education, or corporate consulting.

Insider Tip: In Davie, the highest salaries are often found in private, multi-specialty practices that cater to the affluent communities in Weston and Plantation. Corporate dental groups (like Heartland Dental or Aspen Dental) offer stability and benefits but may cap salaries at the mid-career level unless you move into management.

How does Davie stack up against other Florida cities?

• Miami: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$92,000), but the cost of living and commute are significantly more intense.
• Tampa/St. Pete: Salaries are comparable, but the job market is slightly less dense. The lifestyle is more laid-back.
• Orlando: Similar salary range, but with a different demographic mix (more tourist-driven). Davie feels more like a stable, residential community.
• Jacksonville: Salaries can be a touch lower, but the cost of living is much more affordable. Davie offers a South Florida premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

That $90,628 median salary looks great on paper, but let's calculate the real monthly take-home. We'll use standard assumptions: a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction, and accounting for FICA (7.65%). This is an estimate; your actual take-home will vary based on health insurance, 401(k) contributions, etc.

• Gross Annual Salary: $90,628
• Estimated Annual Federal & State Taxes (FL has no state income tax): ~$18,500
• FICA (7.65%): ~$6,930
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$65,198
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,433

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Davie is $1,621/month. The Cost of Living Index for Davie is 111.8 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 11.8% more expensive than the national average, primarily due to housing and utilities.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $5,433 Take-Home):

• Rent (1BR): $1,621
• Utilities (Est.): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Davie is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $300
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): $2,262

This leaves a comfortable buffer for savings, debt repayment, or leisure. However, the high index score means discretionary spending feels more constrained.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Davie is approximately $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment (PITI) of around $3,500. This represents about 64% of your monthly take-home pay, which is generally considered unaffordable by standard financial guidelines (ideally under 30%). Buying a home in Davie on a single dental hygienist's income is challenging without a significant down payment or dual income. Many professionals in this field here commute from more affordable areas like western Broward (e.g., Southwest Ranches, much of Miramar) or even Palm Beach County.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

The job market here isn't dominated by massive hospital systems, as Davie is a residential and commercial town. Instead, the opportunities are in private practices, group practices, and a few key institutional employers.

1. Private & Group Practices: This is the largest segment. Look for offices along Sheridan Street, Davie Road, and in the shopping plazas near the I-595 corridor. Examples include Davie Family Dentistry and Smile Designers of Davie. Hiring trends show a preference for hygienists who are proficient with digital charting (Dentrix, Eaglesoft) and can build patient rapport quickly.
2. Corporate Dental Chains: Companies like Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental have a presence in the surrounding areas (Plantation, Weston). They offer structured career paths but can have high patient volume expectations. This is a common entry point for new hygienists.
3. Jackson Health System (Plantation General Hospital): While not in Davie proper, this major hospital is a 15-minute drive. They have dental clinics serving low-income and Medicaid populations. These roles offer great benefits and stability but may have lower pay than private practice. Hiring is slower but steady.
4. Broward County Public Schools: The school district employs dental hygienists for various outreach and preventive programs. These are competitive government jobs with excellent benefits and a pension, but openings are rare. They often require a baccalaureate degree.
5. Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Dental Medicine Clinic: Located in nearby Fort Lauderdale, NSU is a major employer. They hire hygienists for their teaching clinic and community outreach. This is a great option for those interested in education or public health. Hiring trends favor those with a bachelor's degree and some teaching experience.
6. Specialty Practices (Periodontics/Orthodontics): Periodontal offices in Davie and neighboring Weston (like Weston Periodontics) often seek hygienists with advanced training in root planing and laser therapy. These roles typically command salaries at the higher end of the $95,000-$105,000 range.

Insider Tip: Many positions in Davie are filled through word-of-mouth before they're ever posted on Indeed. Join the Florida Dental Hygienists Association (FDHA) and attend local dental society meetings (the Broward County Dental Association is very active). Networking here is crucial.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has specific, non-negotiable requirements. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate's or bachelor's degree).
2. Examinations:
   • National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): Pass this first.
   • Clinical Board Exam: You must pass a clinical exam approved by Florida. Options include the CDCA/WREB/CITA exam or the ADEX exam.
3. Florida Laws & Rules Exam: This is a state-specific exam on Florida's dental practice act. It's taken online after you submit your application.
4. CPR Certification: Current BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.

Costs (Estimate):

• NBDHE Exam: $425
• Clinical Board Exam: $1,200 - $1,800 (varies by test site)
• Florida Licensure Application Fee: $100
• Florida Laws & Rules Exam Fee: $50
• Background Check: ~$100
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,875 - $2,475

Timeline:

• From graduation to active license: Allow 3-6 months. This includes studying for, scheduling, and passing all exams, plus the Florida board's processing time (which can take 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application).

Insider Tip: The Florida Board of Dentistry website is your bible. Bookmark it. Their online portal is where you'll track your application. Delays often happen due to incomplete paperwork or slow background checks, so apply early.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Davie is a large, sprawling town. Your choice of neighborhood will drastically affect your commute, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Average 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Davie Road Corridor	Central, walkable to restaurants and shops. Older, established homes mixed with apartments.	$1,550	5-15 minutes to most Davie practices. Easy access to I-595.
Western Communities (e.g., near Orange Dr.)	More suburban, family-oriented, quieter. Larger lots, more single-family homes.	$1,650	10-20 minutes to central Davie. Further from I-595 but peaceful.
Nova/University Area	Collegiate vibe, near NSU. Mix of students and young professionals.	$1,700	10 minutes to NSU clinics. 15-25 minutes to central Davie.
Sheridan Street Corridor	High-density, newer apartments, very convenient to shopping and highways.	$1,750	5-10 minutes to I-595 and many corporate dental offices.
East Davie (near Fort Lauderdale border)	Closer to the urban energy of Fort Lauderdale. More diverse dining/nightlife.	$1,800	10-15 minutes to downtown FTL, but 15-25 minutes to central Davie jobs.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 and Sheridan Street can be brutal during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you work in a practice near the highway, living in the Sheridan Street Corridor or Davie Road Corridor can cut your commute significantly, saving you time and gas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for dental hygienists in Davie is positive, but advancement requires strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization.
  • Periodontal Hygienist: Additional training in root planing, local anesthesia, and periodontal therapy can add $5-$10/hour.
  • Laser Certification: Florida allows hygienists to perform certain laser procedures under supervision. Certification can open doors to high-end periodontal and cosmetic practices.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Hygienist: Overseeing other hygienists in a large practice. Requires strong organizational skills.
  2. Clinical Instructor: Teaching at a school like NSU or a community college. Often requires a bachelor's degree and teaching certification.
  3. Public Health/Outreach: Working with organizations like the Broward County Health Department. Offers great benefits and work-life balance.
  4. Corporate Sales/Consulting: With experience, you can move into roles with dental product companies (e.g., Philips Sonicare, Colgate). This often requires relocation but offers higher earning potential.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is solid. Automation (digital impressions, AI diagnostics) will change some tasks, but the core need for patient care and relationship-building will keep hygienists in high demand. The key to long-term growth in Davie is to specialize and network within the tight-knit South Florida dental community.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary Premium: Above the national average, with high demand.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep relative to the salary.
Stable Job Market: 9% growth and 215+ jobs in the metro area.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Central Location: Easy access to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the beaches.	Traffic: I-595 and local arteries get congested.
Professional Network: Active local dental society and nearby NSU.	Competitive Market: You'll be competing with graduates from NSU and MDC.
Suburban Lifestyle: Safe, family-friendly, with good schools and parks.	Limited "Walkability": Most areas lack walkable amenities.

Final Recommendation:
Davie is an excellent choice for a mid-career dental hygienist seeking a stable, suburban lifestyle with strong professional opportunities. The salary can support a comfortable life, especially if you're proactive about budgeting and live within your means. It's less ideal for a new graduate on a tight budget or someone who craves an urban, walkable environment. If you have 3-5 years of experience, are willing to specialize, and value a safe community with easy access to South Florida's vibrant economy, Davie is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. Can I practice in Davie with a license from another state?
Florida does not have reciprocity with other states. You must go through the full Florida licensure process, which includes the Florida Laws & Rules exam. However, if you passed a clinical board exam accepted by Florida (like WREB or ADEX), you may not need to retake a clinical exam.

2. How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
It's moderately competitive. New graduates should expect to apply to multiple positions. Having experience from your clinical rotations, being proficient with common dental software, and obtaining your local anesthesia certification (if your program offered it) will make you a stronger candidate. Consider starting with a corporate chain to gain experience before moving to a private practice.

3. What's the work-life balance like?
Most dental hygienist positions in private practice are full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional Saturdays. The hours are generally predictable (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM), which is great for planning. Corporate or hospital positions may offer more standard 9-5 hours with better benefits but potentially less flexibility.

4. Do I need to speak Spanish in Davie?
While not an absolute requirement, it is a significant advantage. A portion of the patient population in this region is Spanish-speaking. Being bilingual will make you a more attractive candidate to employers and can enhance patient care and trust.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or temporary work?
Yes. Many practices need hygienists for temporary coverage (e.g., maternity leave, vacations). This can be a great way to network. Also, some corporate chains offer part-time positions. Check with local staffing agencies that specialize in dental placement; they often have short-term needs.