Dental Hygienist in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Illinois
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Illinois, applicants must complete a two-year dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA). The licensing body is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and undergo a background check. Illinois also offers licensure by endorsement for those already licensed and practicing in other states with equivalent requirements.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Specific CE requirements for sexual harassment prevention (1 hour per cycle), implicit bias awareness (1 hour per cycle, starting January 1, 2023), and cultural competency (1 hour per cycle, starting with 2026 renewals). A clean background check is mandatory. Malpractice insurance is a requirement. |
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Dental Hygienist Salary in Illinois
The median dental hygienist salary in Illinois is $96,490 per year, which is 2.4% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $64,010 |
| 25th | $78,480 |
| 50th (median) | $96,490 |
| 75th | $98,440 |
| 90th (experienced) | $99,660 |
Illinois employs approximately 8,740 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.