Dental Hygienist in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Tennessee
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of U.S. or Canadian citizenship or legal residency, and demonstrate good moral character. Reciprocity is available for dental hygienists licensed and actively practicing for three or more years in another state. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 30 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours in chemical dependency education, and current CPR certification.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee 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 (SRTA, CRDTS, CITA, ADEX), and the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam ($96) |
| Application Fee | $86 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR certification is required and must be current at all times. Two hours of CE must be in chemical dependency education. No more than 50% of continuing education can be obtained via online or web-based courses, though live interactive webinars count as in-person. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of U.S. or Canadian citizenship or legal residency. Good moral character and professional competence must be demonstrated through letters of recommendation from licensed dental professionals. The Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam is required for initial licensure and renewal. |
Source: Tennessee Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Tennessee
The median dental hygienist salary in Tennessee is $81,810 per year, which is 13.2% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $65,460 |
| 25th | $75,730 |
| 50th (median) | $81,810 |
| 75th | $92,840 |
| 90th (experienced) | $97,460 |
Tennessee employs approximately 4,550 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.