Dental Hygienist - 10 States with the Biggest Job Growth in 2013

Total number of U.S. workers: 181,800
10-year growth projection: 37.7%
Annual salary range: $56,950 to $83,310
Typical education: associate's degree

Those in the oral health field have a great deal to smile about. In addition to growing demand for dental hygienists, the numbers of dentist and dental assistant jobs also are expected to increase by 20.7% and 30.8%, respectively.

Median pay for a dental hygienist, who typically cleans teeth, takes x-rays and educates patients on proper care, is more than double that of an assistant. (A dental assistant’s duties may include prepping patients for treatment, assisting the dentist and sterilizing equipment.) And the path to get started as a hygienist is much less costly than that of a dentist. You usually need a two-year associate's degree in dental hygiene, which requires you to study anatomy, physiology, nutrition, radiography and periodontology. You also have to get a license to practice. Requirements vary by state. You can find more information about programs and licensure from the American Dental Hygienists' Association.