BCDHA New Grad Wage Survey 2026

Welcome to the 2026 BCDHA Dental Hygiene New Graduate Wage Survey.

This anonymous survey helps provide a clearer picture of current entry-level compensation for recent dental hygiene graduates in British Columbia. The information collected helps support students and new graduates as they enter the workforce and negotiate compensation packages.

Survey results will be compiled into a wage report that will be shared with participants, educators, and BCDHA student and new graduate members through the BCDHA website.

Thank you for taking the time to participate and help support future dental hygiene graduates.

1. What is your age?
2. Which gender do you identify with?
3. Have you completed post-secondary education in a field other than DH?
4. If you responded "Yes" in the previous question, what is the highest level of education studied before attending your dental hygiene program?
5. What province, territory, or other location did you find employment as a DH?

6. How did you first hear about the job you accepted?
7. Which best describes your negotiated wage?

8. What benefits were negotiated into your employment contract (please select all that are applicable).
9. Did you have loupes when you were in dental hygiene school?
10. If you responded "Yes" to the previous question, did your employer require you to have loupes for work?
11. Did you receive a signing bonus or retention benefit for taking this job?
12. Within the first months of dental hygiene employment, did your employer provide you with any of the following to help you acclimate to real-world scheduling and practice management?
13. How many different practice settings are you employed as a dental hygienist?
14. For your primary practice setting, please indicate what type it is:
15. Which of the following describes your employment contract at your primary practice setting?

16. When will your next performance evaluation be held?

17. How many hours will you work a week? (cumulative across all practice settings)
18. How many hours are you scheduled to work compared to your ideal amount of hours?
19. Are you satisfied with your current compensation package?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your responses will support current and future graduates in understanding what constitutes competitive entry-level compensation in your region of practice. If you have any questions, please contact us at practicesupport@bcdha.com. If you wish to enter the voluntary draw for a $25 Visa gift card, please include your contact information at the end of the survey. All comments, contact details, and feedback will be kept strictly confidential. Winners will be randomly selected and notified the first week of October, after the survey closes.