Dental Hygienist in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Nebraska
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Nebraska, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and a regional clinical exam. Additionally, candidates must pass a Nebraska jurisprudence exam and hold a Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS certification. The licensing body is the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Dentistry, and the application fee is $118.0. As of April 14, 2025, Nebraska enacted the Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact, which will offer an additional pathway to licensure for eligible dental hygienists from other compact states once operational.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Nebraska
| Detail | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 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) and a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX) |
| Application Fee | $118 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 19. Requires passing a jurisprudence exam. Requires Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS certification with a practical skills component. Fingerprints are required for a background check. A minimum of 2 hours of continuing education per cycle must be in infection control. As of April 14, 2025, Nebraska enacted the Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact, which will offer an additional pathway to licensure for eligible dental hygienists from other compact states once operational. |
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Nebraska
The median dental hygienist salary in Nebraska is $84,400 per year, which is 10.5% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,280 |
| 25th | $81,690 |
| 50th (median) | $84,400 |
| 75th | $92,080 |
| 90th (experienced) | $94,820 |
Nebraska employs approximately 1,400 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Nebraska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.