Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania, candidates must graduate from an Associate's degree program in dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. Additionally, initial licensure requires 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting, current Infant, Child, and Adult CPR certification, and a background check. Pennsylvania also offers licensure by credentials for out-of-state licensees who meet specific requirements.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Pennsylvania
| Detail | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Pennsylvania State 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 (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA) ($1,500) |
| Application Fee | $154 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires completion of 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure. CPR certification (Infant, Child, and Adult) is required. A background check is also required. Minimum age is 18 years old. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Pennsylvania
The median dental hygienist salary in Pennsylvania is $81,510 per year, which is 13.5% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,230 |
| 25th | $75,250 |
| 50th (median) | $81,510 |
| 75th | $98,850 |
| 90th (experienced) | $102,030 |
Pennsylvania employs approximately 8,640 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Factors to consider: Pennsylvania's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.