Dental Hygienist in Michigan

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MI

Median Salary
$80,990
Michigan (2024)
National Median
$94,260
All states
License Fees
$99
Exam + application
Time to Complete
2-4 years
From start to licensed

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Michigan

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Michigan, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and the Michigan jurisprudence exam. Additionally, applicants must complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking and implicit bias, and hold current BLS or ACLS certification. The application fee is $98.80, and licenses are renewed every three years with continuing education requirements.

Dental Hygienist Requirements in Michigan

DetailMichigan
Licensing BodyMichigan Board of Dentistry
State License Required Yes
EducationAssociate 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$99
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing Education36.0 hours per cycle
NotesRequires passing the Michigan jurisprudence exam. Requires training in identifying victims of human trafficking (one-time). Requires implicit bias training (2 hours for initial licensure, 1 hour per year for renewal). Requires current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification with a hands-on component. A criminal background check is required. Minimum age is not specified.

Source: Michigan Board of Dentistry

Dental Hygienist Salary in Michigan

The median dental hygienist salary in Michigan is $80,990 per year, which is 14.1% below the national median of $94,260.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$73,720
25th$77,030
50th (median)$80,990
75th$83,010
90th (experienced)$91,400

Michigan employs approximately 8,320 dental hygienists.

Dental Hygienist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+7.0%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
15.3
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
221.6
Nationwide

Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Michigan Worth It?

Factors to consider: Michigan's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a dental hygienist in Michigan?
The path to dental hygienist licensure in Michigan: complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and submit your application ($99 fee).
Is a dental hygienist license required in Michigan?
A state license is required in Michigan. Michigan Board of Dentistry handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA) is part of the process.
How much does a dental hygienist make in Michigan?
Michigan dental hygienists bring home a median salary of $80,990. This trails the $94,260 national median by 14%. Wages range from $73,720 (10th percentile) up to $91,400 (90th percentile).
How quickly can I become a dental hygienist in Michigan?
The typical timeline in Michigan is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What's required to renew a dental hygienist license in Michigan?
License renewal in Michigan requires completing 36.0 hours of continuing education on a 3.0-year cycle.

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