Dental Hygiene
FAQ
How is Dental Hygiene licensure obtained?
In virtually every state, several steps are required before a license can be granted:
- Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program
- Successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- Successful completion of a regional or state clinical board examination
Once these steps have been completed, you must then contact the state licensing authority in the state where you wish to practice. As licensing requirements vary from state to state, it is necessary to contact each licensing authority for its specific application requirements and procedures. Examples of other types of requirements and information needed are:
- A written test on state laws
- Proof of CPR certification
- Letters of recommendation from dentists licensed in the state in which you wish to obtain licensure
- Official transcripts from high school and colleges attended
- Official letters from the boards of dentistry where licensure is held
How much money do dental hygienists make?
Dental hygiene salaries can vary widely depending on factors including but not limited to type and location of practice, whether the work is full- or part-time, and the hygienist's experience level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a dental hygienist in the United States was $48,150 in 1999.
Perhaps the most reliable salary information for dental hygienists in a given geographical location is available by contacting nearby dental hygiene schools or dental practices.
Where can I obtain more information about the profession of dental hygiene?
More information about the careers available to dental hygienists is available at: www.adha.org