Explore Careers in Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, and Oral Health Support
Dental careers span clinical, patient‑facing, and specialized technical roles across private practices, dental health networks, corporate dentistry groups, public health clinics, and orthodontic offices. This category includes positions for dental hygienists, registered dental hygienists (RDH), dental assistants, dentists, orthodontic assistants, front‑office support, sterilization techs, and more.
Dental Hygiene Is One of the Highest‑Demand Professions in Healthcare
The demand for dental hygienists continues to rise nationwide due to expanded patient needs, increased awareness of preventive care, and a shortage of new graduates entering the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygiene is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 15,300 openings each year for hygienists — significantly higher than average for healthcare support roles. [bls.gov]
This ongoing shortage means higher mobility, strong job stability, and consistent hiring demand across almost every region and practice type.
Dental Roles You’ll Find on This Page
Job seekers can explore a range of roles, including:
- Dental Hygienist / Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) — preventive care, cleanings, X‑rays, patient education
- Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) — chairside support, setup, sterilization, impressions
- Dentist / Associate Dentist — examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, restorative work
- Orthodontic Assistant — patient prep, adjustments, records, appliance support
- Sterilization Technician / Hygiene Assistant — instrument processing, hygiene room turnover
- Front Office & Treatment Coordinator Roles — scheduling, insurance, patient communication
Roles exist across private practices, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, public health, community clinics, DSOs, and mobile dental units.
Who These Roles Can Be a Good Fit For in the Disability Community
Dental roles can support a variety of work styles and strengths.
*Every person’s needs and preferences are unique—these are possibilities, not prescriptions.
- Neurodivergent professionals (including some autistic people and ADHDers)
- Why it can fit: Many dental workflows follow clear, repeatable steps (room turnover, instrument sequencing, radiograph protocols, perio charting) and reward attention to detail.
- Roles to consider: Dental assistant, orthodontic assistant, sterilization technician, insurance/billing, records, treatment coordinator (scripted conversations, written checklists).
- Supports that help: Written SOPs at each operatory, visual schedules, checklists, predictable appointment blocks, chat‑first or written handoffs.
- Candidates seeking lower‑stimulus, more predictable interactions (including some with anxiety)
- Why it can fit: Front office and coordination roles rely on scheduled calls, templated follow‑ups, and repeatable intake processes; some back‑of‑house roles (sterilization, materials) follow timed cycles and standard protocols.
- Roles to consider: Front office, scheduling/treatment coordinator, insurance verification, sterilization technician, and materials management.
- Supports that help: Advance agendas for huddles, quiet/focus space between bursts, clear escalation paths, template scripts.
- People with some physical disabilities who prefer adjustable physical loads
- Why it can fit: Not all dental work is chairside. Many practices need administrative, scheduling, insurance, records, referral, and sterilization support where lifting can be modified, team lifts can be used, or carts/ergonomic tools can reduce strain.
- Roles to consider: Front office, insurance & billing, referral/records, sterilization (with team‑lift policies and height‑adjustable workstations).
- Supports that help: Ergonomic stools/work surfaces, wheeled carts, team‑lift policies, task rotation.
Why Employers Hire Dental Talent Through Disability Solutions
Dental practices rely on accuracy, patient care, teamwork, and efficiency. Disability Solutions helps employers:
- Reach skilled candidates for dental hygienist, dental assistant, dentist, and orthodontic assistant roles
- Create accessible, clear job descriptions and onboarding pathways
- Provide guidance on accommodations (ergonomic seating, schedule adjustments, communication supports)
- Increase retention and reduce hiring shortages — especially in high‑demand hygiene roles
Inclusive hiring strengthens patient experience and improves operational stability.
Build a Career in Dentistry and Preventive Oral Health
Whether you're a dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist, dental assistant, dentist, or orthodontic assistant, this page helps you find opportunities that match your training and goals.
Start your dental career search today.