Dental Hygienist in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Georgia
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Georgia, applicants must graduate with an Associate, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. They must successfully pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS or ADEX), and a Georgia Jurisprudence Examination. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification, and undergo a background check and National Practitioner's Data Bank (NPDB) report. Georgia offers a provisional license by credentials for those licensed in other states who meet specific practice and good standing requirements.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Georgia
| Detail | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Georgia Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (e.g., CRDTS or ADEX), and a Georgia Jurisprudence Examination ($440) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 22.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Requires current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification at the Healthcare Provider level. A thorough background investigation and National Practitioner's Data Bank (NPDB) report are required. Renewal is by December 31 of odd-numbered years. One hour of continuing education must be on legal ethics and professionalism, and two hours on infection control (effective January 1, 2024). |
Source: Georgia Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Georgia
The median dental hygienist salary in Georgia is $83,500 per year, which is 11.4% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $66,170 |
| 25th | $78,160 |
| 50th (median) | $83,500 |
| 75th | $98,460 |
| 90th (experienced) | $103,750 |
Georgia employs approximately 7,360 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Georgia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Georgia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.