Independent vs. employed dental hygienist: Understanding the differences in switzerland

In Switzerland, oral health is a key public health concern, and dental hygienists play a crucial role in prevention, education, and patient care.

If you are a dental hygienist working in Switzerland—or considering becoming one—you have two options: working as an independent dental hygienist or as an employee. In this article, we explore the differences, benefits, challenges, and practical advice to help you make an informed decision and simplify your daily life.

The independent dental hygienist: Freedom and responsibility

Choosing independence means taking the leap to work on your own terms. Setting up your own dental hygiene practice in Switzerland offers greater autonomy but also comes with increased responsibilities. You essentially become an entrepreneur, managing every aspect of your business.

 

Steps to open your own practice in Switzerland

Starting an independent practice requires thorough research into the licensing and specific requirements of your canton. You must ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and that your practice complies with hygiene, safety, and quality standards.

 

Full business management

As an independent professional, you are responsible for all aspects of your practice, including:

 

• Professional insurance and liability coverage: Proper insurance is essential when starting your own business. Look for an insurer who understands your needs and concerns and offers tailored advice, not just services. Partners like BS & Associés, Advisor Swiss Insurance SA, PFS Conseils SA, or Zurich offer plans suited to dental hygienists.
• Banking services: Financial planning is a key component of independence. Beyond mastering your profession, you need to understand the economic realities of running a practice. Banks can help guide you through this process, offering attractive solutions to support your new business like at the Banque Migros or Banque Cantonale Vaudoise.
• Billing and management tools: Specialized software like ZaWin, ergodent, or Denteo streamlines billing, accounting, and patient file management. These tools integrate with OneDoc for online booking and allow billing at SDH rates for independent professionals.

 

Flexibility, mobility, and accessibility

Independence provides great flexibility in organizing your practice. You can choose your location, potentially improving access to care in underserved areas. Some independent dental hygienists even opt for mobile services, visiting patients who face challenges in reaching a practice (e.g., the elderly, individuals with reduced mobility, or residents in rural areas).

 

Marketing, communication, and client development

As an independent dental hygienist, promoting your services is your responsibility. There are many ways to increase your visibility: creeate a Google Business Profile, build a professional website, maintain a presence on social media, or list your practice in online directories.

 

The employed dental hygienist: A structured environment

Working as an employee in a dental practice provides a structured work environment. You collaborate closely with dentists and other specialists, ensuring comprehensive, coordinated care for patients. This multidisciplinary approach is highly valued by patients, who benefit from continuity of care within a cohesive team.

 

Established infrastructure: Equipment, clients, reputation

As an employee, you don’t need to worry about upfront investments in equipment, office layout, or building a client base. The dental practice you join already has a complete infrastructure: chairs, instruments, supplies, software, and more. You also benefit from the practice’s reputation and visibility, ensuring a steady stream of patients without needing to engage in marketing or client outreach.

 

Focus on care: Minimal administrative burden

An established practice allows you to focus on patient care. Administrative tasks (billing, insurance management, financial tracking, external communication) are typically handled by the practice. This lets you devote more time to patient follow-up and satisfaction without being distracted by time-consuming management duties.

 

Financial and employment stability

As an employee, you generally enjoy stable compensation and clear working conditions (e.g., fixed hours, vacation, social security contributions). You benefit from the logistical and material support of the practice, which reduces financial risks. However, this stability comes with less freedom to shape professional strategies, grow the client base, or diversify services.

 

Summary: Differences between independent and employed dental hygienists

 

Benefits of being an independent dental hygienist

 

• Autonomy and flexibility: You set your schedule, fees, and work methods.
• Personalized patient relationships: Build lasting trust through direct, continuous care.
• Strategic freedom: Innovate, diversify your services, invest in preferred equipment, and grow your reputation under your own name.

 

Benefits of being an employed dental hygienist

• Financial stability: Predictable income, workload, and hours.
• Logistical and technical support: Access to fully equipped facilities, an existing client base, and an established reputation.
• Structured work environment: Collaborate with a team, enhancing skills and care quality.

 

Common challenges for both independent and employed dental hygienists

Regardless of your status, certain challenges remain:

• Education: Becoming a dental hygienist requires approximately three years of training.
• Authorization: You need an authorization to practice issued by the canton where you work.
• Quality and hygiene standards: Maintaining high care standards and aseptic measures is essential. Refer to the Swiss Dental Association (SSO) hygiene guidelines for more information.
• Continuing education: Keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date is vital in the ever-evolving field of oral health.

 

Independent or employed: The choice is yours!

In Switzerland, deciding between working as an independent dental hygienist or joining an established practice as an employee is a significant decision. Employment offers a structured environment, financial stability, logistical support, and a ready client base. Independence provides greater freedom, the ability to shape your practice, innovate, and build deeper patient relationships—but requires more administrative, marketing, and financial management.

Whichever path you choose, we wish you every success in your professional journey!

 

Useful resources for dental hygienists

• Swiss Dental Hygienists (SDH) advocates for its members’ professional, economic, and social interests while supporting forward-looking education and training.
• Denteo offers a complete solution for oral health professionals in Switzerland.
• ergodent supports billing, online scheduling, and patient record management.
• ZaWin is one of the most comprehensive and widely used software solutions in Swiss dental practices.