Dental Hygienist in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Minnesota
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Minnesota, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass three examinations: the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a board-approved regional clinical exam, and the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check and maintain current CPR certification. Minnesota has recently joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which aims to streamline license portability for dental professionals across participating states once fully implemented.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Minnesota
| Detail | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Minnesota 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), a board-approved regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $148 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 25.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR certification is required. Specific CE requirements include a mandatory infection control course every two years, and a minimum of two courses in two different core subject areas (Recordkeeping, Ethics, Patient communication, Management of medical emergencies, Diagnosis and treatment planning, or HIPAA). A criminal background check is required. Minnesota has joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will allow for license portability among participating states once fully implemented. |
Source: Minnesota Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Minnesota
The median dental hygienist salary in Minnesota is $98,970 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $78,720 |
| 25th | $86,230 |
| 50th (median) | $98,970 |
| 75th | $101,270 |
| 90th (experienced) | $105,490 |
Minnesota employs approximately 4,660 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Minnesota Worth It?
Factors to consider: Minnesota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.