Dental Hygienist in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Florida
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Florida, you must graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA) or a board-approved program. You'll need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. The application process also requires a background screening, fingerprinting, and a non-refundable application fee of $50.00. While Florida does not offer general reciprocity, a 'MOBILE Endorsement pathway' is available for licensed dental hygienists from other states or territories who meet specific criteria.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Florida
| Detail | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Florida Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination ($1,475) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires completion of a 2-hour course on prevention of medical errors. CPR certification required. Minimum age of 18. Background screening and fingerprinting are required. A 2-hour domestic violence course is required every third biennium. A 2-hour HIV/AIDS course is required for the first renewal only. ADEX scores are valid if taken on or after June 1, 2010. The state of Florida does not have general reciprocity with any state, but there is a 'MOBILE Endorsement pathway' for those holding an active, unencumbered license in another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory with a similar scope of practice and a passing score on a national licensure exam or national certification recognized by the board. |
Source: Florida Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Florida
The median dental hygienist salary in Florida is $81,090 per year, which is 14.0% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $73,210 |
| 25th | $77,000 |
| 50th (median) | $81,090 |
| 75th | $93,630 |
| 90th (experienced) | $97,080 |
Florida employs approximately 13,860 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Florida Worth It?
Factors to consider: Florida's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.