Dental Hygienist in Lakewood, CO

As a career analyst who has watched Lakewood’s healthcare job market evolve for over a decade, I can tell you this: Lakewood isn’t just a Denver suburb—it’s a thriving, affordable healthcare hub in its own right. For dental hygienists, it offers a unique blend of suburban stability, urban proximity, and a cost of living that, while rising, still lags behind Denver proper. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the lifestyle you can expect.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Lakewood’s dental hygiene market is robust, buoyed by a metro population of 155,973 and a strong network of private practices, community health centers, and specialty clinics. The median salary for a dental hygienist here is $88,974/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.78/hour. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $87,530/year, a testament to Colorado’s competitive healthcare wages.

While the job market is healthy—with 311 dental hygiene positions currently advertised in the metro area—the 10-year job growth is projected at 9%. This is slightly below the national average but reflects Colorado’s maturing healthcare sector. The key insight? Experience and specialization are where you’ll see significant salary jumps.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Note: These are estimates based on regional data for the Lakewood/Denver metro area.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$72,000 - $82,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $110,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$110,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often happens at the 5-7 year mark, especially if you pursue additional certifications in areas like periodontics or sedation dentistry.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Lakewood holds a strategic middle ground in Colorado’s salary landscape. It’s more affordable than Denver and Boulder, yet pays competitive wages due to its proximity to the metro core.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Lakewood, CO	$88,974	105.5
Denver, CO	$92,500	110.8
Boulder, CO	$96,000	119.9
Colorado Springs, CO	$85,000	102.1
Fort Collins, CO	$87,000	107.3

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $88,974, you’re looking at a gross monthly income of about $7,415. After federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Colorado state tax (4.4%), your take-home pay is roughly $5,700 - $5,900 per month (this can vary based on your deductions and filing status).

The average 1BR rent in Lakewood is $1,835/month. This leaves you with a healthy $3,865 - $4,065 for all other expenses, savings, and discretionary spending.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Earning $88,974)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,835	Average for a modern unit in a safe area.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season; gas heating in winter can spike.
Internet	$70	Fiber available in most areas.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	CO has high insurance premiums; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$400	Lakewood has good grocery options (King Soopers, Whole Foods, Hispanic markets).
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Pre-tax deduction, typical for a single employee.
401(k) or Savings (10%)	$742	Pre-tax; highly recommended.
Discretionary / Leisure	$1,500+	Dining out, entertainment, travel, etc.
Total	~$5,447	Leaves a buffer of $250+ per month.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), your monthly mortgage payment (at ~7% interest) would be around $2,800. This is a significant jump from rent.

To comfortably afford a home, a dental hygienist should aim for a mid-to-senior level salary ($95,000+) and have substantial savings for the down payment and closing costs. Many locals buy in with partners or opt for townhomes/condos in the $350,000 - $450,000 range, which are more attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s healthcare scene is a mix of large institutions, community-focused clinics, and thriving private practices. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Jefferson County Public Health (Jeffco Public Health): A major employer of dental hygienists in school-based and community clinic programs. They focus on preventative care for underserved populations. Hiring is stable, with benefits and pension plans.
2. HealthOne (Multiple Locations): While St. Anthony Hospital is in Lakewood, HealthOne’s network includes numerous dental and oral surgery clinics in the metro area. They often hire for hospital-based dental hygiene roles, especially in oncology and geriatrics.
3. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (Dental Services): Operates a dental clinic in Lakewood serving vulnerable populations. It’s mission-driven work with a high-impact model. Positions here are competitive and often attract bilingual candidates.
4. Private Practice Networks: Lakewood has over 60 private dental practices. Large, multi-location groups like Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental have a presence, offering structured career paths and benefits. However, many long-standing independent practices (like Belmar Dental Care or Lakewood Family Dental) offer a more intimate work culture and often higher compensation for experienced hygienists.
5. Kaiser Permanente (Colorado Springs/Lakewood Clinics): Kaiser has a growing dental network in the Denver metro. They emphasize integrated care and offer some of the best benefits packages in the industry.
6. Denver Health (Community Health Centers): While based in Denver, several federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Lakewood and surrounding areas (like Struggle of Love Foundation) employ dental hygienists for community outreach and clinic work.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing demand for hygienists who are comfortable with digital charting (Dentrix, Eaglesoft) and who have experience with pediatric or geriatric populations. Bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates are highly sought after in both public health and private practice settings.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. All applications are handled through the Colorado Board of Dental Examiners.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Certificate or Associate’s Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National Board Exam (NBDHE): You must pass this exam. The application fee is $415.
3. Clinical Exam (ADEX): Colorado accepts the ADEX (CDCA) clinical exam. The fee is approximately $1,300.
4. Colorado Law Exam: A state-specific exam on Colorado dental laws and regulations, taken online. Fee: $100.
5. CPR Certification: Current BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers.
6. Background Check: Fingerprinting is required. Cost: ~$50.

Total Estimated Licensure Cost: $1,865 - $2,000 (not including application fees to the state board, which is $150).

Timeline: For a new graduate, expect 3-6 months from graduation to holding your Colorado license. This includes exam scheduling, processing times, and any potential retakes. For out-of-state applicants, if you have an active license in another state, you may qualify for licensure by credentials, which can be faster (check the Colorado Board for specifics).

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Lakewood is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile.

1. Belmar: The heart of Lakewood’s retail and commute hub. Home to the St. Anthony Hospital campus and a high concentration of private practices. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,900. The lifestyle is urban-suburban with walkable streets, restaurants, and easy access to I-25. Ideal for those who want a short commute and a social scene.
2. Green Mountain: A residential, family-oriented area with stunning views of the foothills. Commutes are longer (20-30 mins to downtown Denver), but the rent is slightly more affordable ($1,700 - $1,800). Great for nature lovers who want a quieter home base. Practices here are often in strip malls or near shopping centers.
3. Crestview / Edgewater: These adjacent neighborhoods are more affordable ($1,600 - $1,750 for a 1BR) and have a classic, established feel. They offer easy access to I-70 and the light rail at Sheridan Station, making commutes to Denver and Lakewood clinics efficient. The community is diverse and unpretentious.
4. West Alameda / Rooney Road Corridor: This area has a more industrial, work-a-day vibe but offers the most affordable rents ($1,500 - $1,700). It’s a strategic choice for those who work at the larger health centers or practices along the Alameda corridor. You’re close to the mountains for weekend escapes.
5. Lakewood Downtown (Heritage District): The most walkable and charming area, with historic homes and cafes. It’s a premium location, with 1BR rents often exceeding $2,000. Ideal for hygienists who want to be immersed in a small-town feel while being minutes from major employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 9% 10-year growth projection suggests a steady, not explosive, market. To stay ahead, focus on specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Pediatric Dentistry: +$3-5/hour. High demand in family-heavy Lakewood.
  • Periodontics: +$4-6/hour. Requires extra training but leads to higher patient fees.
  • Sedation Dentistry: +$5+/hour. Certifications in nitrous oxide monitoring are valuable.
  • Oral Health Educator: A path away from the chair, often into public health or corporate wellness, with a comparable salary.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Lead Hygienist: Oversee other hygienists, order supplies, manage schedules.
  2. Clinical Director: For larger practices, managing clinical operations and staff.
  3. Transition to Education: Become a clinical instructor at Pima Medical Institute (Denver campus) or Concorde Career College.
  4. Public Health Policy: With a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), you can move into program management at Jeffco Public Health or Colorado Department of Public Health.

10-Year Outlook: Automation and AI are changing some administrative tasks, but the hands-on, patient-care role of a hygienist is irreplaceable. The trend is toward more collaborative care, with hygienists taking on greater diagnostic and patient education roles. The key will be maintaining licensure and pursuing continuing education in emerging areas like oral-systemic health links.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary ($88,974 median) that goes further than in Denver.	Rising Cost of Living, especially rent and home prices.
Diverse Job Market from private practice to public health.	Traffic Congestion on I-25 and US-6 during peak hours.
Strategic Location with easy access to Denver, Golden, and the mountains.	Limited Public Transit makes a car essential.
Family-Friendly with good schools, parks, and community events.	Competitive Job Market for entry-level positions; you need to stand out.
Balanced Lifestyle offering both suburban comfort and urban amenities.	Limited Nightlife compared to Denver; quieter evenings.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for dental hygienists at the mid-career stage (3-8 years of experience). It offers a sweet spot of high pay relative to cost, a stable job market, and a quality of life that’s hard to beat in Colorado. For new graduates, it’s a viable starting point, but be prepared for a competitive entry-level market. For senior specialists, Lakewood provides a platform for leadership roles without the intense pressure of the Denver tech corridor. If you value community, accessibility, and a balanced budget, Lakewood is a smart, data-backed move.

FAQs

Q: How does Colorado's cost of living compare to the salary for dental hygienists?
A: While Colorado’s cost of living is above the national average, Lakewood’s median salary of $88,974 keeps it manageable. The key is that Lakewood is significantly more affordable than Denver or Boulder, where similar salaries have to stretch much further, especially for housing.

Q: Is Lakewood a good place for new dental hygienist graduates?
A: It’s a good, competitive market. There are entry-level jobs, but you’ll need a strong resume and possibly be willing to start in a public health or corporate setting (like Aspen Dental) before moving into a preferred private practice. Networking through the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association is crucial.

Q: What is the typical work schedule?
A: Most private practices in Lakewood operate Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, with some late evenings or occasional Saturdays. Public health and hospital roles may have more varied hours, including weekends or community events. Full-time is standard, with part-time options available.

Q: Do I need to be bilingual to get a job?
A: While not mandatory for every position, Spanish fluency is a massive advantage, especially in public health, FQHCs, and practices serving Lakewood’s large Hispanic community. It can directly impact your hireability and earning potential.

Q: How does Colorado's dental hygiene market compare to other states?
A: Colorado’s market is strong, with salaries above the national average. The 9% 10-year growth is steady, driven by an aging population and greater awareness of oral health. It’s more competitive than in some rural states but offers more opportunities for advancement and specialization than in stagnant markets.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Zillow (rental and home price data), Colorado Board of Dental Examiners, and local job market analysis (Indeed, LinkedIn). All salary and job growth data provided are based on the specific figures given and local metro analysis.