Job satisfaction of dental hygienists in Pennsylvania: a quantitative analysis

This study assessed job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among Pennsylvania dental hygienists using the validated Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) to identify key workplace factors associated with job satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and workforce instability.

A cross-sectional quantitative survey was distributed in 2024 to licensed dental hygienists in Pennsylvania using convenience sampling at two professional events. Participants completed the JSS, a 36-item instrument covering nine workplace domains, via an anonymous Qualtrics survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize overall satisfaction levels, and chi-squared tests to assess relationships between JSS responses and demographic variables such as years of experience and work setting.

Of 342 responses, 328 met the inclusion criteria. Respondents were predominantly female (98.5%) and aged 55 and older (52.7%) and worked primarily in private dental practices (71.6%). Although the respondents reported high satisfaction with intrinsic motivators, such as pride in work (mean score = 5.31) and relationships with coworkers (mean = 5.06), they reported significant dissatisfaction with income (60.4% disagreed that they were fairly paid), promotional opportunities (87.1% agreed there was little chance for promotion), and organizational support. Frequency of raises and perceived inequity in benefits varied significantly among work settings, as did supervisory support and workplace conflict.

Despite high professional pride and collegiality, dissatisfaction with income, limited advancement, and administrative barriers may contribute to instability in the broader workforce. Addressing systemic dissatisfaction while reinforcing drivers of satisfaction may help sustain a resilient dental hygiene workforce and support access to care.