Located on the west coast of the country, California is the most populous state in the country, with 38 million residents. With eight of the nation’s most populous cities (Oakland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Fresno, Long Beach and Sacramento), California is larger, with a higher population density, than many countries.
Residents often brag that California is the best state because you can go to the north of the state for snow-capped mountains and ski resorts, then head down to the southern region for year round sunshine. With so many different location options, you’re very likely to find a California city that has everything you’re looking for.
The varying densities and climates also lead to a variety of living costs. You have the option to live in or near a major city, regardless of your region within the state of California. Understanding that the cost of living will increase the closer you live to a city center, you can pick a destination that fits your economic desire specifically.
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Dental Hygienist Salary in California
Oral health concerns have become increasingly urgent over the past decade, with more scientific research proving how vital it is to overall health and well being. As dental hygienists are responsible for this care, there is obviously a high demand in their career field. With a projected 20% growth rate over the next seven years, dental hygienists demand is much higher than the average for other career fields.
The average annual salary in 2018 for dental hygienists in California was $100,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The counties with the highest annual salary included Solano County, Sonoma County, Santa Cruz County, Los Angeles County and Santa Clara County.
More than half of dental hygienists work as part time professionals, so it is important to note that salaries are often calculated into hourly rates. In the state of California, the average hourly rate for a dental hygienist was $48.48, in 2018. In addition to the salary packages, most dental hygienist professionals also receive benefit packages that include healthcare, retirement plan, pension, disability and time off options.
| Area Name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk | 1230 | 41.62 | 86570 |
| Connecticut nonmetropolitan area | 100 | 29.90 | 62200 |
| Danbury | 200 | 40.95 | 85180 |
| Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford | 1230 | 40.09 | 83390 |
| New Haven | 690 | 40.58 | 84410 |
| Norwich, New London, Westerly | 350 | 38.37 | 79800 |
| Waterbury | - | 38.52 | 80120 |
License Requirements
To be considered for a dental hygienist license in California, you must submit an application and meet the following requirements:
- If you have been a licensed dental hygienist in a state outside of California for five years or more, you can gain licensure by way of credentials, rather than examination.
- Graduation from an American Dental Association Accredited dental hygiene program; with your instructor completing a specific question on your application for verification. A transcript as well as a copy of your diploma is necessary for your application.
- Must pass both clinical and written examinations in ethics and California dental law.
- Successful completion of the National Board of Dental Examiner’s examination for dental hygienists at least 30 days prior to clinical examination.
- Verification of completion of California Board-approved courses.
- Must submit fingerprints along with application for examination.
- Radiation Safety Certification is required.
- Must undergo a criminal history investigation.
- Must include certification of license status by all other states in which licensed, regardless of the status of the license.
California Dental Hygiene Programs
As mentioned above, in the state of California, you must graduate from an accredited college after studying dental hygiene program. California has a vast variety of opportunities for higher education. Below are some of the best schools available that offer dental hygiene programs.
| Institute | Address | Website | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwin College | One Riverside Drive East Hartford, CT 06118 | www.goodwin.edu | AS |
| Lincoln College of New England | 2279 Mount Vernon Road Southington, CT 06409 | www.lincolncollegene.edu | AAS |
| Tunxis Community College | 271 Scott Swamp Road Farmington, CT 06032 | www.tunxis.commnet.edu | AS |
| University of Bridgeport | 60 Lafayette Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 | www.bridgeport.edu | AS BS-DH |
| University of New Haven | 419 Boston Post Road West Haven, CT 06516 | www.newhaven.edu | AS-DH BS-DH |