Dental Hygienist Jobs in California
Dental Hygienist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with demand concentrated in private dental group practices, community health centers, and specialty clinics at every level from recent graduates through senior clinical hygienists. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose, where established groups like Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, and Dentistry for Children and Families maintain large California footprints. Periodontal therapy, pediatric hygiene, and public health dental work are among the most consistently sought specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Aspen Dental, dental hygienists are empowered clinicians and trusted oral health providers. You’ll be a valued clinical partner to the doctor, with the autonomy to assess oral health, recommend care based on clinical indicators, and educate patients – without being rushed.
Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced hygienist, you’ll work in a modern clinical environment supported by advanced technology, structured onboarding, and hands-on training. Our independently owned practices foster strong local cultures while benefiting from the stability, resources, and innovation of a national network, so you can focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive pay: $60-$65/hr plus an uncapped incentive plan rewarding patient-centered care
- Benefits for full-time and part-time hygienists, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match*, paid time off and 6 paid holidays (may vary for part-time employees), free continuing education (CE) through TAG University, disability coverage, Employee Assistance Program, and pet insurance
What to Expect
- Full-time, part-time, or PRN opportunities designed to fit your life
- Manageable schedules (5–7 patients per day) that allow time for thorough assessments, patient education, and meaningful care
- Structured two-week onboarding and training to support a confident transition into patient care
- Digital tools and workflows that streamline charting and support clinical decision-making
- Partnership with the Hygiene Support Team for mentorship and clinical support
- Hands-on experience with advanced technology, including voice-activated perio charting, TRIOS® 3D scanning, and Videa AI
- Ongoing learning and career growth through TAG University, offering in-person and virtual programs and continuing education (CE) to advance your career beyond the chair
What You’ll Do
- Partner with the doctor to develop and deliver personalized patient care plans
- Utilize digital technology to support clinical assessments, case acceptance, and patient communication
- Collaborate with the dental team to deliver exceptional patient experiences
- Manage your schedule and supplies with the autonomy needed to provide comprehensive care
Qualifications
- Associate degree or higher in dental hygiene from an accredited institution
- Active dental hygiene license in the state of practice
- Strong communication skills and a passion for patient education
Benefits and incentives may vary by independently owned and operated Aspen Dental location; terms and conditions apply.
Aspen Dental-branded practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists. Practices receive non-clinical business support from Aspen Dental Management, Inc., a dental support organization. ADMI Corp., doing business as TAG, The Aspen Group, its affiliates, related companies, and independently owned supported clinical practices are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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See All 19 Dental Hygienist Jobs in California
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Find Dental Hygienist JobsDental Hygienist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Western Dental Services4

- West Coast Dental Services3

- Aspen Dental2

- Fairchild Medical Center2

- Bay Area Community Health1

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services13
- Technology & Software3
- Medical Devices2
- Food & Beverage1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in dental hygienist jobs across California.
- Active dental hygienist license issued by the California Dental Hygiene Committee
- Associate degree or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an accredited provider
- Experience with digital radiography and electronic dental records systems
- Familiarity with infection control protocols meeting California Department of Public Health standards
- Strong patient communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative dental team
Dental Hygienist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a dental hygienist in California?
You must earn an associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical board exam. After that, you apply for licensure through the California Dental Hygiene Committee, which issues the state license required to practice. California does not have a reciprocity agreement with other states, so out-of-state hygienists must meet California's full licensing requirements.
How much do dental hygienists make in California?
Dental hygienists in California earn a median of about $124,930 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $102,090 for the lowest 10% to over $151,920 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire dental hygienists in California?
Employers hiring dental hygienists in California right now include Western Dental Services, West Coast Dental Services, and Aspen Dental, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large population of community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers also generate steady openings, particularly in underserved areas of the Central Valley and Inland Empire.
Which California cities have the most dental hygienist jobs?
Sacramento, Stockton, and Yreka have the most dental hygienist openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego account for the bulk of listings thanks to their dense networks of private group practices and community clinics, while San Jose reflects the high concentration of employer-sponsored dental plans in the Bay Area tech corridor that drives patient volume for hygienists throughout Santa Clara County.
Are there remote dental hygienist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Dental hygiene is a hands-on clinical role performed chairside, so the large majority of positions require on-site presence. About 0% of dental hygienist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be in non-clinical functions such as dental health education, case coordination, or telehealth triage roles rather than traditional patient care positions.
How can I get hired as a dental hygienist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to large multi-site dental groups that hire new graduates, such as Pacific Dental Services and Aspen Dental, both of which operate structured onboarding programs for early-career hygienists at their California locations. Community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state also regularly hire new graduates into staff hygienist roles with mentorship built in. Holding an active California Dental Hygiene Committee license and a current radiography certificate gives candidates a clear edge, and dental assistant experience in a California practice often accelerates the transition into a hygienist role.
Where can I find and apply to dental hygienist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to dental hygienist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California employers. Find roles that fit your experience, location, and schedule, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 19 Dental Hygienist Jobs in California
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