Insights into dental hygienist salaries and employment in Ireland
by Mia Coffey
Mia Coffey, secretary of the Irish Dental Hygienists Association, shares key findings from its 2024 survey on dental hygienist salaries and employment in Ireland
The Irish Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) conducted an anonymous salary survey in 2024, gathering crucial insights into the employment landscape and financial arrangements for dental hygienists across Ireland.
With 115 respondents, the survey sheds light on current salary expectations and working conditions.
Employment landscape
The survey reveals that the vast majority of dental hygienists (over 90%) are employed in private practice, with less than 10% being self-employed or a combination of both.
The work week for these professionals varies, with almost 40% working four days a week, followed by 25-30% working three days, and over 20% working five days. A smaller percentage (10%) work two days, and less than 10% work one or seven days.
Most hygienists (over 50%) work in a single practice, while almost 40% work in two, and 10% in three, indicating a prevalence of stable primary employment.
Remuneration structures and rates
In terms of how dental hygienists are paid, the survey highlights diverse arrangements:
- Approximately 50% are compensated on a percentage basis
- Around 40% receive a fixed hourly rate
- Almost 10% are paid a fixed fee per patient
- A smaller proportion receive a daily rate (5%) or are salaried (less than 10%).
Regarding estimated hourly rates, a significant portion of respondents fall into higher earning brackets:
- Just under 30% earn €36-45 per hour
- Almost 40% earn €46-55 per hour
- Just under 30% earn €55 or more per hour.
Employment benefits and support
The survey also explored additional benefits provided by employers:
- More than 90% of employers offer holiday pay
- More than 80% pay for bank holidays
- 60% of employers cover uniform costs.
Other benefits are less common:
- Around 10% of employers contribute to pensions
- Less than 10% provide maternity cover
- Less than 30% offer sick leave
- Less than 10% pay for indemnity
- 20% contribute to continuing professional development (CPD).
Over 20% compensate hygienists when a patient fails to attend an appointment.
In contrast, the survey found that more than 50% of hygienists are responsible for purchasing their own instruments.
A snapshot of current conditions
This survey provides data for dental hygienists and practices in Ireland, offering a snapshot of current compensation and working conditions within the profession.
It not only highlights trends and benchmarks but also helps dental hygienists gain a clearer understanding of the current employment landscape.
By increasing awareness, the survey may empower dental hygienists to make more informed career decisions and advocate for improved working conditions.
The IDHA encourages continued participation in future surveys to further expand these insights.
