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Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI

Median Salary

$82,870

Rhode Island (2024)

National Median

$94,260

All states

License Fees

$530

Exam + application

Time to Complete

2-4 years

From start to licensed

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry. A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold current CPR certification. Reciprocity may be granted to dental hygienists licensed in other states for at least five years, provided specific examination criteria are met.

Dental Hygienist Requirements in Rhode Island

Detail	Rhode Island
Licensing Body	Rhode Island Board of Examiners in 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) ($465)
Application Fee	$65
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing Education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a background investigation and current CPR certification. Renewal is by May 1 of even-numbered years. Must complete 1 hour of an accredited OSHA course per year as part of CE. Applicants must be of good moral character and in good standing in any other state where they hold a license. Applications are valid for 1 year.

Source: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry

Dental Hygienist Salary in Rhode Island

The median dental hygienist salary in Rhode Island is $82,870 per year, which is 12.1% below the national median of $94,260.

Percentile	Annual Salary
10th (entry level)	$81,680
25th	$81,770
50th (median)	$82,870
75th	$85,560
90th (experienced)	$86,380

Rhode Island employs approximately 850 dental hygienists.

Dental Hygienist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual Openings

15.3

Nationwide per year

Total Employment

221.6

Nationwide

Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island Worth It?

Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a dental hygienist in Rhode Island?

To become a dental hygienist in Rhode Island, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and submit your application ($65 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA).

What is the average dental hygienist salary in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $82,870/year. This trails the $94,260 national median by 12%. The range spans from $81,680 at the entry level to $86,380 for top earners.

How expensive is dental hygienist licensing in Rhode Island?

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($465) and application fee ($65) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Rhode Island?

Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Rhode Island — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your dental hygienist license.