Dental Hygienist in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Idaho
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Idaho, candidates must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam, and a clinical local anesthesia examination. Additionally, applicants need to pass the Idaho Jurisprudence Exam, hold current BLS certification, and undergo a criminal background check. The licensing body is the Idaho State Board of Dentistry.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Idaho
| Detail | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Idaho State 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), a Board-approved clinical exam (WREB, CDCA-WREB-ADEX, or CRDTS), and a clinical local anesthesia examination |
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires passing the Idaho Jurisprudence Exam. Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is required. A criminal background check through Sterling is required for licensure by credentials. For licensure by credentials, applicants must have been licensed for at least one year and practiced a minimum of 1,000 hours in the two years immediately preceding the application date. As of April 1, 2022, the board accepts manikin-based clinical hygiene examinations; prior to this date, patient-based exams were required. Applicants who meet all other requirements for licensure by credentials but have not completed the local anesthesia exam may be provisionally licensed for up to one year to complete it. |
Source: Idaho State Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Idaho
The median dental hygienist salary in Idaho is $84,990 per year, which is 9.8% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $81,310 |
| 25th | $82,870 |
| 50th (median) | $84,990 |
| 75th | $93,770 |
| 90th (experienced) | $98,910 |
Idaho employs approximately 1,800 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Idaho Worth It?
Factors to consider: Idaho's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.