Dental Hygienist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Texas
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Texas, individuals must obtain a license from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Key steps include graduating from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, successfully completing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam, and the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment. Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age, hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification with a hands-on component, and complete a human trafficking prevention course. Texas offers licensure by credentials for those already licensed in other states, provided they meet specific experience requirements.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Texas
| Detail | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Texas State Board of Dental Examiners |
| 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, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment |
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification with hands-on demonstration. Must complete a human trafficking prevention course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A criminal background check including fingerprinting is required. Jurisprudence assessment must be completed every four years, and cannot be counted towards CE hours. CPR and Jurisprudence courses do not count towards CE hours. Renewal is every 2 years, based on birth month and year. Military applicants may have different fee requirements and application processes. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Texas
The median dental hygienist salary in Texas is $94,490 per year, which is 0.2% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,390 |
| 25th | $82,830 |
| 50th (median) | $94,490 |
| 75th | $103,420 |
| 90th (experienced) | $110,560 |
Texas employs approximately 16,010 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Texas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Texas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.