Average Dental Hygienist Salary in Ontario
Percentile Wage Estimates for Dental Hygienists
Dental Hygienist Salary in Ontario
Dental hygienists are essential members of Ontario’s oral healthcare system, playing a frontline role in preventing disease, educating patients, and supporting overall dental wellness. As awareness of the connection between oral health and general health grows, demand for licensed dental hygienists remains steady across the province. Ontario offers a strong career path for hygienists who are looking for professional growth, meaningful patient interaction, and a competitive salary within a wide range of practice settings.
Dental Hygienist Salary Comparison Across Canadian Provinces
| States | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $10,333 | $124,000 | $60/hour |
| British Columbia | $12,833 | $154,000 | $74/hour |
While dental hygienists in Ontario earn slightly less than their counterparts in Alberta and British Columbia, the province continues to offer strong job security, excellent benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development.
Trends for Dental Hygienist Salary in Ontario
Dental hygienist salaries in Ontario have seen steady growth as more patients prioritize routine cleanings, early detection of gum disease, and ongoing preventive care. This consistent demand is further strengthened by public health campaigns highlighting the link between oral hygiene and overall wellness.
Many dental offices rely on hygienists to help manage high patient volumes, deliver preventive services that reduce the need for costly treatments, and support patient retention through regular check-ups. Hygienists who pursue additional certifications, such as local anesthesia administration or periodontal therapy, often command higher hourly rates.
In underserved or rural communities across Ontario, employers sometimes offer relocation assistance, flexible schedules, or signing bonuses to attract and retain skilled hygienists. Expanding scopes of practice and the growth of independent hygiene clinics in some regions have also created new pathways for increased income and professional autonomy.
Dental Hygienist’s Roles and Responsibilities
Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who work closely with dentists to provide vital preventive services, patient education, and early diagnostics. Their daily responsibilities typically include:
- ●Conducting oral health assessments and screenings
- Dental hygienists perform detailed examinations of the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding soft tissues to check for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral lesions, or other abnormalities that may need further evaluation by a dentist.
- ●Performing dental cleanings and periodontal therapy
- One of the core responsibilities of a hygienist is scaling and root planing to remove plaque, tartar, and biofilm buildup, which helps prevent gum disease and other oral health complications.
- ●Taking and interpreting dental X-rays
- Hygienists are trained to capture and assess diagnostic radiographs that reveal underlying issues like bone loss, impacted teeth, or hidden decay, providing essential information for comprehensive treatment planning.
- ●Educating patients on oral hygiene and preventive care
- Dental hygienists teach patients proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend oral care products, and provide tailored advice to help individuals and families maintain healthy smiles between visits.
- ●Applying preventive treatments
- They may apply fluoride treatments, dental sealants, or antimicrobial agents to protect teeth from cavities and help strengthen enamel, especially in children and high-risk patients.
- ●Maintaining infection control and sterilization
- Dental hygienists are responsible for ensuring all instruments are properly sterilized, adhering to strict infection control protocols to protect patients and staff.
- ●Collaborating with dentists and other team members
- Hygienists work alongside dentists and dental assistants to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans, discuss patient needs, and provide ongoing maintenance care for optimal long-term oral health.
Practice Settings for Dental Hygienists in Ontario
Ontario’s dental hygienists can work in a variety of environments, each offering unique benefits and opportunities for career development:
- ●Private dental practices
- Most hygienists work in general or family dental offices, providing routine preventive care, patient education, and periodontal maintenance under the supervision of a dentist.
- ●Independent dental hygiene clinics
- In Ontario, dental hygienists who meet specific licensing requirements may own and operate independent hygiene practices, offering cleanings, exams, and preventive services directly to the public.
- ●Specialty dental offices
- Some hygienists work alongside periodontists, orthodontists, or pediatric dentists, assisting with specialized treatment plans and advanced periodontal care.
- ●Public health units and community clinics
- Many hygienists choose roles in public health, delivering outreach services in schools, long-term care facilities, and community centers to promote oral health education and provide preventive care to underserved populations.
- ●Mobile and outreach programs
- Dental hygienists may also work in mobile dental clinics that bring preventive services to remote or rural areas, helping to close gaps in access to oral healthcare.
Factors Driving Dental Hygienist Income in Ontario
Several factors help maintain competitive dental hygienists’ salaries in Ontario. High patient volumes and the push for preventive care keep hygienists in demand year-round. Practices increasingly rely on hygienists to handle routine services that free up dentists to focus on restorative or complex procedures.
Hygienists with advanced skills, certifications, or experience in treating periodontal disease or working with special populations often earn higher hourly wages. Those who are willing to practice in remote or northern communities frequently benefit from additional incentives or flexible scheduling options that further boost income potential.
The expansion of independent dental hygiene clinics has also created more entrepreneurial pathways for hygienists to set their own fees and build loyal patient bases, offering greater earning power and professional autonomy.
The Future of Dental Hygiene in Ontario
The future of dental hygiene in Ontario is bright. As public understanding of the importance of oral health continues to grow, so does the need for skilled hygienists to deliver preventive care, educate patients, and support long-term wellness. Advancements in technology, evolving scopes of practice, and the rise of independent hygiene clinics will further shape the profession, giving hygienists more control over their career paths and earning potential.
Partner with Hire Smiles to Find Top Dental Hygienists in Ontario
Whether you’re building your practice team or expanding preventive services, Hire Smiles connects dental employers across Ontario with experienced, compassionate dental hygienists who help patients feel informed and cared for at every visit.
With high patient demand and competitive salaries, our recruitment specialists help you find qualified hygienists quickly and effectively — so you can keep your chairs full and your patients smiling.
📞 Call us today at +1 (888) 533-4989
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