As a practicing dentist, I understand how challenging it can be to find reliable dental hygiene coverage on short notice.

That frustration led me to build Princess Dental Staffing—a platform that connects skilled hygienists with offices in real time.

As the platform expanded, I noticed a common aspiration among hygienists: the desire for flexibility.

The travel RDH career path, with its distinctive blend of independence, diversity, and opportunity, presents a host of advantages that could be your next significant step.

What Is a Travel RDH?

Yes, traveling as a dental hygienist is a very real thing—and it’s growing.

A travel RDH is a Registered Dental Hygienist who takes on temporary or short-term assignments at various dental offices, often through a staffing platform like Princess Dental Staffing.

Some travel locally. Others embark on exciting journeys to places like Hawaii or Alaska, adding a thrilling and adventurous element to their professional lives.

Why Choose the Travel RDH Career Path?

Love being a dental hygienist but not the 9-5 at the same practice and city everyday? If so, this might just be one of the many reasons why you might choose the travel RDH lifestyle. 

When you are a travel RDH, you control the pace, select the locations, and decide when you want to work.

In short, you gain the following four attributes when you choose the travel RDH path:

• Flexibility – Choose your schedule
• Freedom – Work when and where you want
• Variety – Experience different offices and patient types
• Income – Often higher pay than permanent positions, offering a promising financial future

Note: RDH = Registered Dental Hygienist (not "registered dentist in hygiene")

Salary & Compensation for Travel RDHs

If the pay and flexibility sound appealing, the good news is that getting started is easier than you might think. The straightforward process and the high demand for travel dental hygienists can provide you with a sense of reassurance and encouragement as you embark on this career path.

Travel dental hygienists (travel RDHs) often earn significantly more than their full-time counterparts due to high hourly pay, schedule flexibility, and high demand in certain regions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dental hygienists was $94,260 in 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $120,060 annually (over $57/hour).

State-level BLS data show that hygienists in states such as California, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon regularly earn $50–$65 per hour or more.

This can provide you with a sense of security and confidence in your career path and the potential for significant financial growth.

Additionally, many Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) offer higher pay to attract clinicians, including per diem rates, last-minute premiums, and signing bonuses.

• $50–$65+ per hour in top-paying regions
• Last-minute premiums & per diem pay
• Rural or underserved areas frequently offer extra incentives
• $100k+ annually is common for full-time travel RDHs

Top-paying states: California, Alaska, Oregon, Washington

Note: Rural contracts can often match or exceed metro-area rates

How to Become a Traveling Dental Hygienist

Already licensed? You’re halfway there. Here’s what else you need:

Education & Certification Checklist

• Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
• Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE)
• Pass a regional clinical board exam
• Pass your state’s law/jurisprudence exam (if required)
• Maintain CPR/BLS certification
• Consider certifications in local anesthesia or nitrous oxide

Key Skills for Success on the Road

• Adaptability to new offices and systems
• Strong communication
• Cultural competence
• Time management
• Confidence working with new teams
• Tech-savviness for digital charting and scheduling

More on hard skills for dental hygienists. Or warch this video on dental hygeinist skills checklist.

Travel Dental Hygiene Licensure and Reciprocity

The Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDHC) enables RDHs to practice across state lines without having to obtain additional licenses once each participating state fully implements the compact.

Participating States (as of 2025):

Several states have enacted compact legislation, including:

• Iowa
• Washington
• Tennessee
• Ohio
• Alabama
• Wisconsin
• Nebraska
• Virginia
• Utah
• Texas
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Implementation timelines vary, so not all states may currently be actively issuing compact licenses.

Pro Tip: Before traveling, confirm whether a state is both a compact member and actively issuing multistate RDH licenses.

Track updates via CSG or ADHA

Where to Find Travel Dental Hygiene Jobs

This is where staffing platforms shine. Princess Dental Staffing was built to connect RDHs and dental offices quickly, directly, and without agency fees, so you keep more of your earnings.

How to Use It:

• Sign up at PrincessDentalStaffing.com
• Filter for temp, part-time, or short-term roles
• Set your availability and license region
• Book jobs directly—no agency cut

How to Work Across Cities in Large States

In large states, you can travel across cities under one license—no interstate relicensing needed.

Local Travel, No Relicensure Required:

• San Diego ↔ Sacramento
• Houston ↔ Austin
• Phoenix ↔ Tucson

Example: A San Antonio-based RDH picks up weekend shifts in Austin, spends the afternoon on the Riverwalk, and still earns top rates.

Platform Demand Hotspots:

• California: LA, Orange County, San Diego, Bay Area
• Texas: Houston, Austin, DFW, San Antonio
• Arizona, Oregon, Nevada

Housing & Travel Accommodations

One of the most freeing—and sometimes challenging—aspects of being a travel dental hygienist (RDH) is figuring out where to stay between gigs.

Many hygienists treat assignments like mini getaways. Others opt for cost-effective or familiar housing to maximize income.

What you choose will depend on factors such as distance, job length, and lifestyle.

Common Housing Options:

• Corporate housing
• Airbnb or VRBO rentals
• Extended-stay hotels
• Staying with friends or family
• RV or van life (yes, really)

Voices from the Road: What Real Travel RDHs Say

These quotes are paraphrased summaries of honest discussions from public online forums where RDHs share their honest experiences. Examples can be found in Reddit threads such as this one: r/DentalHygiene.

1. “You can’t just pack your bags—you need licenses.”
   Compact states make that easier.
2. “Agencies are okay to start, but they take a cut.”
   Princess Dental Staffing lets you work directly and earn more.
3. “It’s fun meeting new people. But you’ve got to adapt fast.”
   This job favors people who think on their feet”
4. “You’ve got to be reliable if you want to get rebooked. Show up, be great, and the offices will ask for you again.”

Challenges of Travel Hygiene (and How to Beat Them)

Challenge	Solution
Licensing across states	Prioritize compact states
Inconsistent income at first	Build strong relationships with dental offices
New systems and teams are introduced weekly	Be adaptable, ask questions, and arrive early
Feeling disconnected	Join online RDH communities and support networks

FAQ: Common Questions About Being a Traveling RDH

Is travel hygiene stable?
Yes, especially if you build strong office relationships.

Do travel RDHs get benefits?
Sometimes, agencies may offer them, but direct contractors typically don’t.

Do hygienists pull teeth?
Nope. That’s a dentist’s job.

Can I do this full-time?
Absolutely. Many hygienists work full-time as travelers and earn more than in staff positions.

Why Travel Hygiene Builds Confidence and Career Growth

There is solid evidence—especially from fields like travel nursing—that working in varied environments goes beyond boosting your résumé; it builds genuine confidence, adaptability, and professional resilience.

A National Institutes of Health–funded study found that travel nurses reported increased clinical competence and stronger self-confidence after taking on diverse assignments.

For travel RDHs, the same principles apply. Stepping into new dental offices sharpens your communication, enhances adaptability, and fosters independence.

• Build confidence in diverse clinical settings.
• Improve communication and adaptability.
• Expand your professional network.
• Gain independence and work‑life control
• Discover what kind of workplace suits you best

Travel RDH as a Bridge to Semi-Retirement

Many seasoned hygienists ease into retirement by taking temporary positions. Travel work offers:

• Fewer hours
• Less stress
• More freedom
• The ability to stay active in the profession,—on your terms

How to Get Started as a Travel RDH

Visit: PrincessDentalStaffing.com.
Create: Create your free profile.
Set: Set your availability and license regions
Start: Start applying to jobs and earning income!

The Freedom to Choose Your Path

Being a travel RDH isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. 

It’s for the hygneist who values flexibility, variety, and personal growth. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned hygienist seeking autonomy, travel hygiene offers the freedom to design a job on your terms.

You’ll sharpen your skills, meet new people, explore new places, and become a more resilient, well-rounded professional. And the best part? You can start whenever you're ready.

The opportunities are out there. The road is open.

So why not build a career that moves with you?

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Occupational Outlook Handbook – Dental Hygienists
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Occupational Employment and Wages (May 2024)
3. Council of State Governments (CSG): Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact Overview
4. American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA): Licensure Portability and the Compact
5. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HRSA): Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)
6. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Travel Nurses’ Experiences and Professional Growth
7. Reddit: Traveling Dental Hygienist Thread – r/DentalHygiene

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