What is the average Dental Hygenist salary for Santa Cruz, CA?
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As of July 01, 2026, the average Dental Hygenist salary in Santa Cruz, CA is $137,879. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Dental Hygenist job titles in Santa Cruz, CA. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Dental Hygenist job titles in Santa Cruz, CA. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Dental Hygenist Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,815 | $46.55 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Dental Assistant | $55,868 | $26.86 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Dental Utilization Review Analyst | $89,726 | $43.14 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Underwriting Director - Complex Medical | $205,718 | $98.90 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
| Underwriting Manager - Complex Medical | $153,322 | $73.71 | Santa Cruz, CA | July 01, 2026 |
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Under the direct supervision of a dentist, cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. Performs routine examination and assessment of dental health. Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer. Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Provides instruction, guidance, and coaching to patients about methods to improve dental health. May take Radiographs or x-rays. Typically requires an associate degree in dental hygiene. Meets licensing requirements as a dental hygienist for the state. Radiography/x-ray certification per state guidelines. Basic Life Support certification (BLS.) Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience. Dental Hygienist Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Dental Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Dental HygienistCategory : Healthcare - Technicians
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Assists with dental surgical and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Prepares patient and arranges instruments and supplies used for procedures. Hands instruments to the dentist and helps during treatment. Ensures all instruments are sterile and follows infection control protocols. Records treatment notes and updates patient records. May take and process x-rays. May require an associate degree in dental assisting or equivalent. Has Basic Life Support (BLS) and depending on state, may have licensing requirement. Typically reports to a dentist. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. Dental Assistant Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Dental Assistant (Certified), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Dental AssistantCategory : Healthcare - Technicians
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Responsible for evaluating proposed dental services to ensure proposed treatments are medically necessary, cost-effective, and comply with clinical guidelines and policy coverage. Utilizes clinical criteria and evidence-based guidelines to evaluate the necessity and appropriateness of treatments as well as compliance of utilization review guidelines. Reviews patient records, X-rays, and clinical documentation to approve or deny proposed procedures. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Dental Utilization Review Analyst Salaries in Santa Cruz, CA
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Directs and oversees the team responsible for reviewing and analyzing the most complex medical applications for policies like life, disability, or critical illness health insurance. Monitors the evaluation of an applicant's medical history, including a comprehensive review of medical records, detailed health questionnaires, laboratory and imaging results, prescription histories, and/or medical exam findings. Utilizes underwriting guidelines, rules, and standards to accept, reject, or mitigate risk for applications. Ensures compliance with all industry and governmental regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Underwriting Director - Complex Medical Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Health Insurance Underwriting Director, Health Underwriting Director, Medical/Dental Underwriting Director, Underwriting Director - Complex Medical
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Manages the team responsible for reviewing and analyzing the most complex medical applications for policies like life, disability, or critical illness health insurance. Monitors the evaluation of an applicant's medical history, including a comprehensive review of medical records, detailed health questionnaires, laboratory and imaging results, prescription histories, and/or medical exam findings. Utilizes underwriting guidelines, rules, and standards to accept, reject, or mitigate risk for applications. Recommends and calculates rates and premiums based on findings. Ensures compliance with all industry and governmental regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. Underwriting Manager - Complex Medical Salaries in Santa Cruz, CAAlternate Job Titles:Health Insurance Underwriting Manager, Health Underwriting Manager, Medical/Dental Underwriting Manager, Underwriting Manager - Complex MedicalCategory : Healthcare - Administrative