Dental Hygienist in Connecticut
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CT
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Connecticut
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Connecticut, you must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene program. You then need to successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and one of several accepted clinical performance examinations, such as ADEX. Finally, you must submit a completed application with a fee to the Connecticut State Dental Commission. Connecticut offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent or higher standards.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Connecticut
| Detail | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Connecticut State Dental Commission |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical performance examination (ADEX, CDCA, CITA, SRTA, or WREB) ($1,150) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Renewal is every two years. A minimum of 1 hour of continuing education must be completed in infection control and 1 hour in cultural competency. Applicants may also be required to undergo a background check and submit fingerprints. Foreign-trained dentists may qualify for a dental hygienist license if they meet specific requirements, including graduating from a foreign dental school, passing the NBDHE and a clinical exam, and completing at least one year of clinical training in a CODA-accredited Connecticut dental hygiene program. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Connecticut
The median dental hygienist salary in Connecticut is $96,270 per year, which is 2.1% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $84,390 |
| 25th | $95,150 |
| 50th (median) | $96,270 |
| 75th | $98,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $106,140 |
Connecticut employs approximately 3,320 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Connecticut Worth It?
Factors to consider: Connecticut's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.