Dental Hygienist in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Missouri
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Missouri, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes 2-3 years. Applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, or SRTA), and the Missouri Jurisprudence Exam. The application fee is $100, and the NBDHE costs approximately $600. Additionally, applicants need current CPR/BLS certification, a background check, and must submit a photograph. Missouri offers reciprocity for those licensed in other states for at least two consecutive years and is part of the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Missouri Dental Board |
| 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 (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX) ($600) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires passing the Missouri Jurisprudence Exam with a score of at least 80%. Current CPR/BLS certification is required. A background check is also required. Online-only CPR/BLS courses are not accepted. Applicants must submit a 2x3 inch photograph. The application must be completed within one year of submission. New licensees are exempt from CE requirements for the remainder of the reporting period in which they were licensed. Missouri is also part of the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact, which facilitates licensure portability in other participating states. |
Source: Missouri Dental Board
Dental Hygienist Salary in Missouri
The median dental hygienist salary in Missouri is $83,270 per year, which is 11.7% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $78,070 |
| 25th | $81,580 |
| 50th (median) | $83,270 |
| 75th | $96,360 |
| 90th (experienced) | $102,390 |
Missouri employs approximately 2,840 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.