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Imagine a career where your office view changes every few months, where you can choose assignments that fit your lifestyle, and where your skills are in high demand. Welcome to the world of traveling dental hygienists—a path that offers flexibility, variety, and the chance to make a difference in diverse communities. Becoming a traveling dental hygienist allows you to experience diverse work environments while exploring new places. Whether you're drawn by unique work environments or the potential for higher compensation, understanding the requirements and opportunities helps you make an informed decision.
Feb 4, 2025
What is a Traveling Dental Hygienist?
A traveling dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who provides oral healthcare services across multiple locations instead of working at a single fixed practice.
This role allows you to serve diverse patient populations while maintaining the freedom to work in different clinical settings and geographical areas.
Unlike traditional dental hygienists who typically build their careers in one location, traveling hygienists embrace mobility as a core aspect of their profession.
Such flexibility manifests in various types of assignments. You might find yourself:
Filling temporary positions in private practices or clinics
Participating in community health outreach programs
Staffing mobile dental units that serve schools and rural areas
Contributing to public health initiatives
Working in temporary positions during peak demand periods
Your core responsibilities remain consistent with traditional dental hygiene practice—performing dental cleanings, providing preventive care, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and educating patients about oral hygiene. However, you’ll adapt these skills to different workflows and protocols as you move between assignments.
The work settings are equally diverse. You might find opportunities in:
Private dental practices
Community health centers
Hospitals
Mobile dental units
Public health clinics
This career path suits professionals who value variety in their work environment and enjoy adapting to new situations. You can improve your clinical skills by working with different practice styles while helping diverse communities maintain better oral health, all while enjoying the numerous benefits of being a dental hygienist.
Whether you’re covering for staff on leave, filling temporary vacancies, or participating in community outreach programs, each assignment offers unique experiences and learning opportunities.
Requirements to Become a Traveling Dental Hygienist
To work as a traveling dental hygienist, you must complete specific educational requirements, secure proper licensing, and cultivate key skills.
Education and Licensing
Your journey begins with completing an accredited dental hygiene program recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). You have two primary educational paths:
Associate's Degree: The most common route, typically taking 2-3 years to complete
Bachelor's Degree: While not mandatory, this option can provide advanced training and broader career opportunities
After completing your education, you must:
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Complete a state or regional clinical examination
Obtain state licensure where you plan to practice
Additional certifications that can improve your travel career include:
Local Anesthesia Certification
CPR Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
State-Specific Requirements and DDH Compact
As a traveling dental hygienist, understanding varying state requirements is crucial. Each state maintains its own licensing board with specific guidelines. For example, Washington state requires completion of a State Drug and Law exam in addition to standard licensing requirements.
A significant development for traveling hygienists is the Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact. As of January 2025, seven states—Maine, Kansas, Virginia, Tennessee, Washington, Iowa, and Wisconsin—have enacted this compact, which:
Allows for easier practice across state lines
Reduces the burden of maintaining multiple licenses
Creates a faster, more cost-effective "compact privilege" system
Core Skills and Qualities
Beyond formal qualifications, successful traveling dental hygienists need specific attributes.
Your professional skills should include:
Clinical expertise in various dental procedures
Knowledge of different practice management systems
Ability to quickly learn new protocols and equipment
As for your personal qualities, you should show:
Adaptability to new environments and teams
Strong communication skills for different patient populations
Excellent time management
Professional flexibility
Cultural competency
The role also requires staying current with continuing education requirements, which vary by state.
How to Find Travel Dental Hygienist Opportunities
Finding the right travel dental hygienist position requires a strategic approach using multiple channels, and whether you’re looking for short-term assignments or longer contracts, there are several effective ways to connect with dental practices seeking traveling professionals.
Online Platforms and Apps
Online platforms allow you to find numerous flexible dental hygienist jobs that you can filter by location, salary, and contract length.
Modern platforms like Teero are specifically designed to connect dental professionals with temporary (or permanent) opportunities, providing a streamlined experience for finding and securing positions.
Such platforms often include detailed facility information, reviews, and direct communication channels with potential employers.
Staffing Agencies and Recruiters
Professional staffing agencies play a major role in the travel dental hygiene market, helping to streamline recruitment processes for both hygienists and employers. When you work with an agency, they'll provide:
Assistance with licensing requirements across different states
Help with contract negotiation
Access to exclusive opportunities not listed publicly
Support with travel and accommodation arrangements
Direct Placement Options
You can also pursue direct placement opportunities through professional networking and outreach. Such an approach involves:
Attending dental conferences and professional events
Joining local dental societies
Direct communication with practices seeking temporary staff
Building a professional network through LinkedIn and industry forums
When pursuing any opportunity, consider factors to keep in mind:
Contract duration and flexibility
Housing arrangements or stipends
Travel expense coverage
State licensing requirements
Salary and benefits package
Work schedule and expectations
Thoroughly review all contract terms and ensure clear communication about expectations before accepting any position. Whether working through a platform, agency, or direct placement, understanding the specific requirements and benefits of each opportunity will help you make informed decisions about your travel dental hygiene career.
Take the Next Step
The journey to becoming a traveling dental hygienist offers an exciting blend of professional growth and personal freedom.
Whether you’re seeking short-term assignments or looking to experience different practice settings, the resources available today can help you pursue this career path with confidence.
Ready to start your journey as a traveling dental hygienist? Download the Teero app today to discover personalized job opportunities that match your skills and preferences, and take the first step toward your mobile dental hygiene career.