Dental Hygienist in Orem, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Orem Stands

As a local who’s watched the dental hygiene market evolve in Utah County for over a decade, I can tell you that Orem offers a compelling, if not top-tier, salary for dental hygienists. The median salary here is $86,217/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.45/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $87,530/year, Orem’s significantly lower cost of living makes your paycheck go much further.

The job market is active but not overflowing. The metro area has 191 jobs available for dental hygienists, which is a solid number for a mid-sized city. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is 9%, which aligns with national trends and indicates stable demand. This isn’t a boomtown for dental hygiene, but it’s a reliable market with consistent opportunities.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential based on experience, here’s a realistic breakdown for the Orem area:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes for the Orem Market |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | $72,000 - $78,000 | Often starts at busy corporate practices (like Aspen Dental) or community health centers. Benefits can be strong. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 yrs) | $86,217 (Median) | This is the sweet spot. You’ll negotiate well with private practices, especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Northridge or Orem City Center. |
| Senior/Expert (8+ yrs) | $92,000 - $105,000+ | Typically found in periodontal specialty offices, managing hygiene programs, or with teaching roles at Utah Valley University (UVU). |

When compared to other Utah cities, Orem sits in a comfortable middle ground. Provo, its neighbor, often pays slightly more due to the tech influx, but rent is also higher. Salt Lake City offers higher salaries but with a much steeper cost of living. St. George, a retirement destination, has high demand but can be volatile. Orem provides a stable, mid-range salary that pairs well with its affordable lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. On a median salary of $86,217/year, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Utah state taxes (which are a flat 4.65%) will be approximately $65,000 - $67,000 annually, or about $5,400 - $5,600 per month. This is a key reason why Orem is attractive—your money stretches.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Orem is $1,093/month. This leaves you with roughly $4,300 - $4,500 for all other monthly expenses. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a single dental hygienist:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,093	This is the city-wide average; neighborhoods vary.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; Utah winters can spike heating bills.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Orem is car-dependent. Public transit (UTA) is limited.
Groceries & Household	$400	Access to Smith's, Walmart, and Costco keeps costs manageable.
Health Insurance/Co-pays	$250	Varies widely by employer; many practices offer good plans.
Discretionary & Savings	$3,000+	This is where Orem shines. You have significant room for savings, travel, or debt repayment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Orem is around $450,000. With a strong credit score and a $86,217 salary, a home purchase is within reach, especially with a 5-10% down payment. Many dental hygienists in Orem I know have successfully purchased homes, often in their first 5 years of practice. The lower mortgage payments compared to major metros make this a very achievable goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Orem's Major Employers

The dental job market in Orem is a mix of large corporate chains, established private practices, and community health centers. Hiring is steady, with a slight uptick in late spring and late summer, as practices prepare for the year and adjust to patient volume changes.

Here are the primary employers to target:

1. Aspen Dental (State Street): A major corporate player with high turnover, which means frequent openings. They often hire new grads and offer structured training. The pace is fast, but the benefits and consistent schedule are a plus. Expect to start here if you’re new to the area.
2. Heartland Dental (Multiple Locations): Similar to Aspen, Heartland operates several practices in the area. They are known for investing in new technology, which can be a great skill-builder. Keep an eye on their career page directly.
3. Community Health Centers: Clinics like Utah Community Health and Neighborhood Health serve the broader community and are consistently hiring. These roles often offer excellent benefits, loan repayment options, and a mission-driven environment. They are less about production and more about patient care.
4. Private Periodontal Practices: This is where the higher salaries and specialty experience are found. Offices like Orem Periodontics & Implant Specialists and Utah Periodontics are the top-tier employers. They typically seek hygienists with 3+ years of experience and offer premium pay.
5. Large Multi-Specialty DPCs (Direct Primary Care): While not exclusively dental, large medical/dental groups in the area (like those affiliated with Intermountain Healthcare or Revere Health) sometimes have in-house hygiene positions. These are competitive but offer a balanced work environment.
6. Utah Valley University (UVU) Dental Hygiene Program: While not a typical employer, UVU is the local hub for education. They often hire adjunct faculty or clinical supervisors. This can be a great career pivot for senior hygienists looking to teach.

Insider tip: Many of the best jobs in private practice are never posted on major job boards. Join the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association (UDHA) and attend their local chapter meetings. Networking here is king, and you’ll hear about openings before they’re advertised.

Getting Licensed in UT

Utah has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process through the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). You cannot practice without an active license.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (like the one at UVU or a program in another state).
2. National Board Exam: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. Clinical Exam: Pass a state or regional clinical exam (like the Western Regional Examining Board - WREB).
4. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check via DOPL.
5. Application & Fee: Submit the application with the required fee (currently around $120 for the license, plus exam fees).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re a new graduate: The process can take 3-4 months from graduation to holding your Utah license. Start your application immediately after finals. The NBDHE and clinical exams are the biggest time factors.
• If you’re licensed in another state: Utah is a compact state for dentistry (and dental hygiene) with some states. Check the DOPL website for the most current licensure compact agreements. If you’re from a compact state, the process can be as quick as 4-6 weeks. For non-compact states, expect 2-3 months for endorsement.

Costs: Beyond the license fee, you’ll pay for the NBDHE (approx. $385) and the clinical exam (approx. $400-600). Budget around $1,000 for the total licensing cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Orem is geographically divided by I-15, creating distinct lifestyle zones. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Northridge / Provo Canyon	Upscale, quiet, family-oriented. Easy commute to Provo or Orem practices via Canyon Road.	$1,200 - $1,400	Established hygienists seeking a peaceful home base with quick access to I-15.
Orem City Center / 500 S	Urban, walkable, near UVU and shopping. Can be noisier. Central to most dental offices.	$1,000 - $1,200	New grads or those who want a vibrant, central location without a long commute.
East Mountain / Sundance	Rural feel, stunning views, more secluded. Commute to Orem offices can be 15-20 mins.	$1,000 - $1,300 (for older units)	Outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind a short drive. Less rental inventory.
South Orem / Geneva	Quiet, residential, very safe. Commute is easy via 800 S or 1200 S.	$1,050 - $1,250	Those prioritizing safety and a quiet neighborhood, close to shopping centers.
Provo City / Downtown Provo	Technically a different city, but a 5-10 min commute. More eclectic, younger vibe.	$1,100 - $1,350	Hygienists who want a more urban, social scene and don’t mind crossing the county line for work.

Insider tip: The best rental deals are often found in the older complexes south of Center Street or in the older neighborhoods near UVU. Always check the specific property’s management—some are known for quick maintenance, others for raising rent annually.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Orem, career growth for dental hygienists follows a few distinct paths. The 10-year outlook is stable, but specialization is where you’ll see significant salary increases beyond the median.

Specialty Premiums:

• Periodontal Hygienist: In a specialty office (like Orem Periodontics), you can expect to earn 10-20% above the median, putting you in the $95,000 - $105,000 range. This requires additional training and certification.
• Public Health: While base salaries may be lower, benefits and loan repayment programs (NHSC) can add significant value, making the total compensation package competitive.
• Corporate Management: With experience, moving into a Lead Hygienist or Hygiene Director role at a corporate chain (Aspen, Heartland) can push your salary toward $90,000 - $95,000 with bonuses.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Expertise: Mastering advanced procedures (local anesthesia, laser certification, nitrous oxide monitoring) makes you indispensable and allows for higher pay negotiation. Many local practices will pay for these certifications.
2. Education: Transitioning to an adjunct faculty role at UVU’s Dental Hygiene Program is a respected and stable path. It often involves teaching and clinical supervision.
3. Sales/Medical Device: Some hygienists pivot into sales for dental product companies (like Philips Sonicare or Dentsply Sirona). This role often covers Utah County and can be very lucrative, though it requires travel.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is encouraging. However, the market will increasingly value hygienists who can integrate with digital dentistry (CAD/CAM, 3D imaging) and who are comfortable with a broader scope of practice, such as administering local anesthesia—a skill now permitted in Utah with proper certification. The demand for hygienists in community health and public health settings is also projected to grow as the population ages and focuses on preventive care.

The Verdict: Is Orem Right for You?

Orem is not a flashy, high-growth dental market like Las Vegas or Austin, but it is a solid, sustainable, and affordable one. It’s an excellent choice for hygienists who value stability, a lower cost of living, and a family-friendly environment. The salary, while slightly below national average, is more than enough to live comfortably and even buy a home.

Pros	Cons
Significantly lower cost of living than US average (Index: 95.0).	Job market is stable but not explosive; fewer opportunities than in major metros.
Median salary of $86,217 provides strong purchasing power.	Can be socially conservative and less diverse; may not suit everyone's lifestyle.
Stable, predictable job demand with 9% long-term growth.	Car dependency is high; public transit (UTA) is limited for commuting.
Access to quality continuing education at UVU and nearby Salt Lake City.	Winters are cold and can be long; air quality can be an issue in winter inversions.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools and outdoor access.	Networking is crucial; it's a "who you know" market for the best jobs.

Final Recommendation: If you are a dental hygienist who values work-life balance, affordability, and a stable career, Orem is an outstanding choice. It’s particularly ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to buy a first home or start a family. If you are a new grad seeking a fast-paced, high-energy environment with the highest possible starting salary, you might consider starting in a larger metro for a few years before settling in Orem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new graduate?
A: It’s moderately competitive. New graduates often start at corporate practices (Aspen, Heartland) or community health centers. Having your Utah license in hand before applying is a huge advantage. Networking through UVU alumni and the UDHA can give you a critical edge.

Q: Do I need to know Spanish to work in Orem?
A: While not a strict requirement, speaking Spanish is a significant asset. Utah County has a growing Spanish-speaking population. Many community health centers and even private practices value bilingual hygienists, and it can make you a more competitive candidate.

Q: What is the typical work schedule?
A: Most full-time positions are 4-day workweeks (e.g., Monday-Thursday, 8-5) or 5-day weeks with half-day Fridays. Corporate practices may offer more flexible scheduling, including evenings or Saturdays. Private practices typically stick to standard business hours.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or temporary work?
A: Yes. Many practices need temporary coverage for maternity leave or vacations. Building a relationship with a local dental staffing agency (like DA Staffing or ProStaff) is a great way to find per-diem work. This is also a good way to get your foot in the door with multiple offices.

Q: How does the cost of living really compare to Salt Lake City?
A: While Orem’s rent and home prices are lower than Salt Lake City’s, they are rising fast. However, utilities, groceries, and general expenses are comparable. The biggest difference is housing. You’ll get more square footage and possibly a yard for your money in Orem vs. Salt Lake City, but you trade off the access to a larger metro’s amenities and higher-end job market.