Dental Hygienist in Hawaii

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI

Median Salary
$96,770
Hawaii (2024)
National Median
$94,260
All states
License Fees
$515
Exam + application
Time to Complete
2-4 years
From start to licensed

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Hawaii

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Hawaii, applicants must be at least 18 years old and graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Key steps include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, or NERB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam. Additionally, certification in intra-oral infiltration and block local anesthesia is required, along with CPR certification. Hawaii does not offer reciprocity; all applicants must meet the state's specific licensing requirements.

Dental Hygienist Requirements in Hawaii

DetailHawaii
Licensing BodyHawaii Board of Dental Examiners
State License Required Yes
EducationAssociate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam ($465)
Application Fee$50
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education20.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years of age and certified in the administration of intra-oral infiltration and block local anesthesia. CPR certification is required. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, permanent resident of the U.S., or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.

Source: Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners

Dental Hygienist Salary in Hawaii

The median dental hygienist salary in Hawaii is $96,770 per year, which is 2.7% above the national median of $94,260.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$81,790
25th$85,690
50th (median)$96,770
75th$99,480
90th (experienced)$101,560

Hawaii employs approximately 1,060 dental hygienists.

Dental Hygienist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+7.0%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
15.3
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
221.6
Nationwide

Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Hawaii Worth It?

Factors to consider: Hawaii's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a dental hygienist in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, becoming a dental hygienist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a dental hygienist in Hawaii?
A state license is required in Hawaii. Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam is part of the process.
What do dental hygienists earn in Hawaii?
Hawaii dental hygienists bring home a median salary of $96,770. That's roughly in line with the $94,260 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $81,790, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $101,560.
How much does it cost to become a dental hygienist in Hawaii?
Costs include exam fee ($465) and application fee ($50). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Hawaii?
Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Hawaii — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does Hawaii require continuing education for dental hygienists?
License renewal in Hawaii requires completing 20.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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