The aim of the study was to describe how hygienist`s receiving their certificate during 2003 and 2004, perceive their working situation, salary and impression of their first employment as a registered dental hygienist. A questionnaire was sent out to new dental hygienist`s examined year 2003 and 2004 in Sweden. Most of the new examined dental hygienist`s found the education adequate or more than adequate. A few individuals found it inadequate. The ones finding the education inadequate wanted more clinical practice and more training in administrative work. Theoretical subjects that were suggested to be increate were stomatognathic physiology, orthodontic and pedodontic. Most of the dental hygienist´s were pleased with their first job and they experienced a positive treatment from the personnel and varied working situation. There was a significant difference between national dental service and the private practice regarding the salary. The mean value at the private practice was 20 022 and at the national dental service 18 522. The conclusion of the study is that newly examined dental hygienist´s like their job and that they feel that the education make them well prepared for their first experience in the "real life". However there are some areas that needs to be developed in the education.