How much does a dental hygienist make in Japan?

In Japan, everyone needs a national license, and extra specialty training or a leader role may bring different duties or allowances, depending on the employer. Pay also varies with experience, employer type and size, location, and whether someone works full-time or shorter hours.

What's a typical day like?

Before the clinic opens, hygienists prepare and sterilize tools and review the day's appointments. They then clean teeth, apply fluoride, coach patients on brushing, assist the dentist, and record care.

After high school, complete at least three years at a dental-hygiene school, junior college, or university, then pass Japan’s national exam. The health minister registers and licenses graduates; those going straight through may start around age 21.

After disasters in Japan, dental hygienists team up with dentists and dental technicians to visit shelters and temporary housing and help protect people's oral health.

Japan's figure is the average and the US figure is the median. Prices and exchange rates matter too, so it's a rough comparison.