Dental Hygienist in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Iowa
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Iowa, you must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes 2-3 years. Subsequently, applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX, or CDCA), and the Iowa Jurisprudence Exam. The Iowa Dental Board requires a $100 application fee and a $46 fee for a fingerprint packet and criminal history background check. Additionally, mandatory training for identifying and reporting abuse and current CPR certification with a clinical component are required. Iowa has also adopted the Dentists and Dental Hygienists Licensure Compact, which aims to streamline licensure across member states once it becomes active.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Iowa
| Detail | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Iowa Dental Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the Iowa Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires mandatory training for identifying and reporting child and dependent adult abuse every three years. CPR certification is required and must include a clinical component; online-only CPR is not acceptable. A separate application and fee are required for a local anesthesia permit. Applicants who have been licensed in another state for more than one year, or have completed an examination not approved by the Board, must apply on the basis of credentials. A fingerprint packet and criminal history background check fee of $46 is also required. |
Source: Iowa Dental Board
Dental Hygienist Salary in Iowa
The median dental hygienist salary in Iowa is $82,770 per year, which is 12.2% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $78,270 |
| 25th | $79,710 |
| 50th (median) | $82,770 |
| 75th | $92,270 |
| 90th (experienced) | $94,140 |
Iowa employs approximately 2,020 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Iowa Worth It?
Factors to consider: Iowa's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.