Dental Hygienist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Louisiana
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Louisiana, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold current CPR certification, and undergo a criminal background check. Louisiana has also adopted the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact for expedited licensure for eligible professionals from member states.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana 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), ADEX clinical exam (CDCA-WREB-CITA, SRTA, or CRDTS), and the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $180 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires current CPR certification. A criminal fingerprint background check is mandatory. Jurisprudence exam scores are valid for one year. The ADEX exam must be completed within three years of application. Local anesthesia administration requires a separate permit. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Louisiana
The median dental hygienist salary in Louisiana is $80,900 per year, which is 14.2% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,230 |
| 25th | $57,810 |
| 50th (median) | $80,900 |
| 75th | $96,280 |
| 90th (experienced) | $99,230 |
Louisiana employs approximately 2,720 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.