Looking to update your hygiene pay model? This guide provides pros and cons of paying dental hygienists by the hour, by production, or with performance-based bonuses. Based on real advice from dental consultants at the Dental A Team, you’ll get high-impact insights for today’s changing workforce.

What’s the best way to pay dental hygienists today?

There’s no one-size-fits-all model. But here are the most common and effective structures:

1. Hourly Pay (with benchmarks)

Still the most popular option
Easiest to administer and budget for
Works well when paired with clear expectations

Key Rule: Ensure the hygienist produces 3–3.5x their hourly wage to maintain healthy overhead.

Example: If your hygienist makes $50/hour, they should produce $150–$175/hour.

2. Production-Based Compensation

Commonly mirrors associate pay structure
Ideal for experienced hygienists producing high value
Motivates performance and accountability

Best for:

Hygienists who confidently diagnose perio
Practices with strong case acceptance and hygiene recall systems

Watch out for:

New grads or low-producing providers
Admin burden if not automated

3. Hourly + Bonus Hybrid

Offers stability with performance incentives
Popular model when production isn’t consistent
Flexible for hygiene assistants or seasonal fluctuation

Tip: Only bonus on production above a set threshold (e.g., over 3.5x hourly wage). Don’t bonus on the total amount or you risk inflating payroll without profit.

Should hygienists be paid on production or collections?

Production is generally better.

Why?

Hygienists don’t control collections (timing, billing, AR)
Production aligns better with performance and effort
Easier to calculate and forecast

Bonus only on collections IF:

You have airtight billing processes
Providers are involved in collections strategy

What about accelerated hygiene?

Accelerated hygiene still works in 2025—but only with the right team and systems.

Must-haves:

A highly trained hygiene assistant
A hygienist who thrives in fast-paced environments
A schedule that protects patient care and provider well-being

Avoid using under-trained assistants. They need to:

Speak confidently to patients
Present treatment recommendations
Keep the flow going while maintaining care quality

How does generational mindset affect hygiene retention?

Many hygienists today prioritize work-life balance over job loyalty. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just different.

Gen Z and younger millennials often:

Value boundaries more than titles
Feel less tied to long-term roles
Prefer meaning and flexibility over routine

What does this mean for you?

Don’t take turnover personally
Create an environment that rewards growth
Focus on clear expectations and fair compensation

How do I know what to pay in my area?

Use resources like:

Salary.com
Glassdoor
Local dental job boards

Wages vary significantly by region. A rural Utah practice might pay $38/hour while downtown San Francisco might pay $65/hour or more.

Don’t forget: The market sets the price, not your feelings about what’s fair.

What’s the best hygiene pay structure overall?

Final takeaway from the Dental A Team:

“Pay them well and pay them in a way that matches how they perform.”

Top performing practices often use:

Hourly pay as a baseline
Bonus on production above threshold
Or move to full production-based pay for rockstar hygienists

Hygiene pay in 2025 needs to be:

Flexible
Performance-driven
Fair to both the business and the provider

Want to find the perfect compensation model for your practice? Our consultants can run the numbers with you, look at your overhead, and help you design a custom hygiene pay structure that drives retention and profitability. Reach out to [email protected]

FAQs About Hygiene Pay in 2025

Q: What’s a good bonus percentage for hygienists?
A: 5–10% of production above their breakeven point (typically 3.5x hourly wage) is a common bonus range.

Q: Should I switch all hygienists to production pay?
A: Not necessarily. Some team members thrive on consistent hourly pay, especially if production varies. Consider a hybrid model.

Q: How do I know if my hygienist is profitable?
A: Track:

Hourly wage
Hourly production
Total hygiene payroll as % of total collections
Use this to determine if changes are needed.

Let’s take a look at your practice. Schedule A Free Call today!

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Last updated: August 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team

Hygiene Pay in 2025: Hourly, Production-Based, or Bonus?