Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts, individuals must apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. Key steps include graduating from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and successfully completing a regional clinical exam (such as CDCA-WREB-CITA or ADEX). Additionally, applicants must pass the Massachusetts Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam and hold current CPR/AED or BLS certification. Massachusetts recently enacted legislation allowing foreign-trained dentists with at least five years of experience to obtain a dental hygiene license, and dental students who have completed four semesters of a CODA-accredited dental school may also be eligible.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry |
| 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 | $126 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires passing a jurisprudence exam on the rules and regulations of the Board. Renewal is by March 31 of odd-numbered years. Applicants must also have current CPR/AED or BLS certification. As of January 10, 2025, new legislation allows foreign-trained dentists with at least five years of experience and certification from an approved jurisdiction to obtain a dental hygiene license in Massachusetts. Dental students who have completed at least four semesters of a CODA-accredited dental school may also apply for a dental hygienist license. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Massachusetts
The median dental hygienist salary in Massachusetts is $100,790 per year, which is 6.9% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $95,400 |
| 25th | $97,950 |
| 50th (median) | $100,790 |
| 75th | $104,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $107,560 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 6,780 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.