Dental Hygienist in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Kentucky
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Kentucky, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with an Associate or Bachelor's degree. They must successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as SRTA, CRDTS, CITA, ADEX, or WREB), and the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam. Additionally, applicants must hold current CPR certification, pass a criminal background check, and pay an application fee of $125 (or $75 if applying in an even-numbered year).
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kentucky Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate or Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (SRTA, CRDTS, CITA, ADEX, WREB), and the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR, AED with practical skills component) is required and does not count towards CE hours. A nationwide criminal background check via fingerprinting is required. Renewal is by December 31 of even-numbered years. Applicants who graduated more than two years prior to application must either hold a license in another U.S. jurisdiction or complete a Board-approved refresher program. A $25 National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) fee is required if you have previously held a hygiene license in any jurisdiction. At least 10 of the 30 CE hours must be taken in a live interactive format. 2 hours of HIV/AIDS education are required every 10 years. |
Source: Kentucky Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Kentucky
The median dental hygienist salary in Kentucky is $77,440 per year, which is 17.8% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $60,120 |
| 25th | $66,020 |
| 50th (median) | $77,440 |
| 75th | $83,020 |
| 90th (experienced) | $95,680 |
Kentucky employs approximately 2,140 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Kentucky Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.