Dental Hygienist in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Dakota
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in South Dakota, applicants must hold an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Licensure by credential verification is available for those licensed in other states with significant clinical experience, and specific provisions exist for military personnel and their spouses.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in South Dakota
| Detail | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Dakota 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), a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam ($135) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 75.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR certification for Healthcare Provider is required. Renewal is every five years by July 1. Five hours of the 75 CE hours must be in dental radiography. There is no minimum age specified for licensure, but a dental radiographer must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check is required for dentists, and while not explicitly stated for hygienists, it is often a standard part of the application process for healthcare licenses. Applicants for licensure by credential verification must have completed a minimum of 3,000 clinical practice hours within the five years preceding the application. A temporary registration fee of $100 may apply, but is waived for applicants who graduated within 6 months prior to application. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in South Dakota
The median dental hygienist salary in South Dakota is $84,300 per year, which is 10.6% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $67,410 |
| 25th | $82,370 |
| 50th (median) | $84,300 |
| 75th | $92,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $93,980 |
South Dakota employs approximately 730 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in South Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.