Dental Hygienist in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Mississippi
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Mississippi, applicants must obtain an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program. They are required to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (SRTA, CRDTS, CITA, ADEX), and the Mississippi Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners, and the application fee is $400.00. Licenses are renewed every two years, with 20 continuing education hours required per cycle. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a current CPR certification. Mississippi has also joined the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, which may offer a streamlined path to licensure for qualified professionals from other compact states.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (SRTA, CRDTS, CITA, ADEX), and the Mississippi Jurisprudence Exam ($150) |
| Application Fee | $400 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18 years old. Requires CPR certification. Renewal is by December 31st of even-numbered years, with a penalty phase starting November 1st. Mississippi has joined the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Mississippi
The median dental hygienist salary in Mississippi is $66,290 per year, which is 29.7% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,290 |
| 25th | $62,390 |
| 50th (median) | $66,290 |
| 75th | $74,170 |
| 90th (experienced) | $79,320 |
Mississippi employs approximately 1,520 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.