Dental Hygienist in New York
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NY
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in New York
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in New York, individuals must complete an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam, and submit an application to the New York State Office of the Professions - Dentistry. The application fee is $128, which includes the licensure and first registration fee. License renewal is required every three years, with 24 continuing education hours per cycle, including mandatory coursework in child abuse identification and reporting, and infection control. New York also offers licensure by endorsement for experienced dental hygienists, and is part of the developing Dental and Dental Hygiene (DDH) Compact.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in New York
| Detail | New York |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New York State Office of the Professions - 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 (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA) |
| Application Fee | $128 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 17 years of age for licensure by examination, or 21 for licensure by endorsement. Good moral character is required. Completion of state-approved coursework in child abuse identification and reporting, and infection control is mandatory. An updated child abuse training curriculum is required by November 17, 2026. A criminal background check and drug screening may be required as part of program admissions. Non-citizens must have permanent residence status to be licensed, though waivers may be granted in federal dental health professions shortage areas. Individuals with pending charges or convictions for felonies/misdemeanors, or those found guilty of professional misconduct, may not be eligible for licensure. |
Source: New York State Office of the Professions - Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in New York
The median dental hygienist salary in New York is $95,560 per year, which is 1.4% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $66,450 |
| 25th | $80,140 |
| 50th (median) | $95,560 |
| 75th | $107,740 |
| 90th (experienced) | $122,130 |
New York employs approximately 10,350 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in New York Worth It?
Factors to consider: New York's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.