Why are Dental Hygienists Retiring?

The dental hygiene profession is approaching a major transition, with recent data from DentalPost's 2025 Dental Salary Survey showing that 31% of dental hygienists plan to retire within the next six years.

The impact on dental practices is already evident as offices struggle to fill empty hygienist positions due to staffing shortages. The staffing gap is concerning, especially as The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase in demand for dental hygienists from 2023 to 2033. This rate is much faster than the average for other occupations.

Several factors motivate retirement decisions among dental hygienists:

• Physical demands: Repetitive movements and precise positioning throughout the workday often prompt earlier retirement.

• Professional burnout: Many hygienists report dental hygiene burnout, influencing their career timelines.

• Financial readiness: With growing attention on retirement planning, many hygienists realize they are financially ready to step away sooner than expected.

Financial Planning for Dental Hygienists’ Retirement

As a dental hygienist, you have a couple of options when it comes to financial planning for your retirement:

Retirement Account Options

Many dental practices offer 401(k) plans as part of their benefits package. For 2025, you can contribute up to $22,500 to your 401(k), and if you're 50 or older, you can make additional catch-up contributions of $7,500, bringing your total to $30,000. Take full advantage of any employer matching contributions—this is essentially free money that can substantially boost your retirement savings.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

You can supplement your 401(k) with Individual Retirement Accounts. Two primary options are available:

• Traditional IRA: Contributions may be tax-deductible, reducing your current taxable income. Your investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement. The IRS sets contribution limits at $6,500 annually, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution for those 50 and older.

• Roth IRA: While contributions are made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Such an option can be particularly beneficial if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement.

Investment Strategies

Your investment strategy should align with your retirement horizon and tolerance for risk. Consider this general framework:

• Early Career (15+ years to retirement): 80% in stocks and 20% in bonds.

• Mid-Career (5-15 years to retirement): 60% stocks and 40% bonds.

• Near Retirement (5 years or less): 40% stocks and 60% bonds.

Regular portfolio rebalancing is key to maintaining the desired asset allocation. That typically involves selling overperforming assets and buying underperforming ones to keep your mix balanced.

Social Security and Pension Considerations

Understanding your Social Security benefits is crucial for retirement planning. Your benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings. The Social Security Administration provides tools to estimate your benefits based on different retirement ages:

• Early retirement (age 62): Reduced benefits.

• Full retirement age (65-67): Full benefits.

• Delayed retirement (up to age 70): Increased benefits.

If your dental practice offers a pension plan, research how it might interact with your Social Security payments through the Windfall Elimination Provision.

How to Create a Retirement Budget

To develop a retirement budget, begin by assessing your current dental hygienist salary to project your retirement savings and income. Identify both essential and discretionary expenses.

Essential expenses typically include:

• Housing costs (mortgage/rent, utilities, maintenance).

• Healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

• Basic living expenses (food, transportation).

Anything else falls under discretionary expenses such as:

• Travel and entertainment.

• Hobbies and recreation.

• Gifts and charitable giving.

Then, calculate your expected retirement income from sources such as:

• Social Security benefits.

• Retirement account withdrawals.

• Pension payments (if applicable).

• Other investments or income streams.

Track your current expenses to create accurate projections for your retirement plan. It is also important to factor in inflation, especially in healthcare costs, as these can rise significantly over time. 

Additionally, keep an emergency fund for unexpected events that could derail your retirement plans. For a comprehensive strategy that addresses all of your needs and concerns, consider working with a financial advisor.

How Can Dental Hygienists Gradually Transition to Retirement?

The path to retirement doesn’t have to be abrupt. Today, you have more options for gradually easing out of a full-time role while still staying connected to your profession.

Consider a step-down approach, reducing hours over several years. This approach maintains income longer and allows for an easier shift into a different lifestyle. You also keep valuable workplace relationships and ease into your newfound free time.

Many dental practices recognize the importance of holding on to experienced talent and are open to moving their hygienist to a part-time schedule.

You can also use dental staffing apps like Teero to find temporary hygienist positions in your area and pick up shifts that fit your schedule.

Healthcare and Insurance Considerations

Many dental hygienists lose employer-sponsored benefits upon retirement, so remember to plan for healthcare coverage.

Medicare and Supplemental Coverage

You become eligible for Medicare at 65. The Initial Enrollment Period runs from three months before to three months after your 65th birthday. Medicare provides fundamental coverage, but you may want supplemental Medigap plans to cover costs like copayments and deductibles.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can include extra benefits like vision coverage. Be aware of network restrictions and out-of-pocket costs before selecting a plan.

Long-Term Care Planning

Medicare doesn't cover most long-term care, such as nursing homes, so consider long-term care insurance in your 50s or early 60s. This can protect your retirement savings from prolonged care expenses.

Dental Coverage Solutions

Medicare generally doesn't cover dental care. If you want to maintain dental services after retiring, explore:

• Private dental insurance plans

• Dental discount plans

• Group insurance offerings through professional organizations

• Health Insurance Marketplace plans

You might also use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you're eligible. An HSA has tax-deductible contributions, tax-free earnings, and tax-free withdrawals for qualifying medical and dental bills. Building up an HSA while working can provide a cushion for future healthcare needs.

Embrace Flexibility and Connect Your Experience to New Opportunities

Transitioning into retirement doesn't mean leaving the profession you love behind. With tools that are simplifying dental staffing, such as the Teero app, you can leverage your years of experience to find flexible, part-time, or temporary dental hygienist positions that fit your new lifestyle. Stay connected with the dental community, continue to make a difference in patient care, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with retirement.