Dental Hygienist in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oregon
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Oregon, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam, and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete a one-hour pain management course specific to Oregon, and hold current CPR certification. Reciprocity is available for dental hygienists from other states who meet specific practice and education requirements, and Oregon is also participating in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Oregon
| Detail | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oregon 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, ADEX), and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $210 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is 18 years old. CPR certification is required. Renewal is biennial on the last day of the licensee's birth month. At least three hours of CE must be related to medical emergencies, two hours to infection control, and two hours to cultural competency. A one-hour pain management course specific to Oregon is required prior to initial licensure. Background checks are mandated. |
Source: Oregon Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Oregon
The median dental hygienist salary in Oregon is $118,280 per year, which is 25.5% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $101,570 |
| 25th | $106,790 |
| 50th (median) | $118,280 |
| 75th | $122,400 |
| 90th (experienced) | $127,770 |
Oregon employs approximately 3,640 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Oregon Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oregon's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.