Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-29-2025

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors contributing to dental hygienists’ consideration of changing careers, retiring early, or feeling burned out. A 26-question survey was emailed to members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, with 742 responses meeting inclusion criteria. Participants evaluated aspects of their careers, including job satisfaction, wages and benefits, personal growth, work-related stress, burnout, work-life balance, and retirement plans. Results revealed that one-third of respondents planned to leave the profession, citing burnout, physical strain, and limited career growth as reasons. High correlations were found between job satisfaction and feeling valued, professional accomplishment, and growth opportunities, while burnout was negatively correlated with workload stress and repetitiveness. In conclusion, addressing workplace stress, recognition, and career development is critical to improving dental hygienist retention, protecting workforce sustainability, and ensuring access to quality preventive oral healthcare.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Robin Gatlin

Second Committee Member

Christine Nathe

Third Committee Member

Christina Calleros

Keywords

Dental Hygienists, Burnout, Workforce Retention, Career Reinvention, Dental Hygiene Legislation.

Document Type

Thesis

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