Dental Hygienist in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Delaware
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Delaware, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass three examinations: the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, and the Delaware Jurisprudence Examination. A criminal background check and current CPR certification are also required. The licensing body is the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Delaware
| Detail | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, and Delaware Jurisprudence Examination |
| Application Fee | $110 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must have graduated from high school or received a GED. CPR certification is required. A criminal background check is required. For reciprocity, applicants must hold a current license in another jurisdiction and have practiced at least 350 hours per year for three of the past five years. The clinical exam must have been passed within two years of application for initial licensure. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Delaware
The median dental hygienist salary in Delaware is $99,720 per year, which is 5.8% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $85,630 |
| 25th | $97,850 |
| 50th (median) | $99,720 |
| 75th | $106,470 |
| 90th (experienced) | $123,980 |
Delaware employs approximately 590 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Delaware Worth It?
Factors to consider: Delaware's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.