Dental Hygienist in Oklahoma
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OK
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oklahoma
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Oklahoma, applicants must obtain an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam, and the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a background check. Oklahoma offers licensure by credentialing for dental hygienists licensed in other states who meet specific practice and examination requirements.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Oklahoma
| Detail | Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oklahoma 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 regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, ADEX), and the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age for licensure is 18 years old. CPR certification (live, in-person, Board-approved) and an ethics class (Board-approved) are required for renewal. A background check through the National Practitioner Databank is required. Renewal is by December 31st of even-numbered years. New graduates are exempt from CE for the first year after graduation. Clinical exams are recognized for a period of five years. Applicants for licensure by credentialing must have been in active practice for at least two years immediately prior to application and pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam. |
Source: Oklahoma Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Oklahoma
The median dental hygienist salary in Oklahoma is $95,860 per year, which is 1.7% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $81,140 |
| 25th | $94,530 |
| 50th (median) | $95,860 |
| 75th | $98,770 |
| 90th (experienced) | $101,490 |
Oklahoma employs approximately 2,750 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Oklahoma Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oklahoma's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.