Dental Hygienist in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in District of Columbia
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in the District of Columbia, individuals must obtain a state license from the District of Columbia Board of Dentistry. Key steps include earning an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (such as ADEX, CITA, SRTA, CRDTS, or WREB), and successfully completing a DC Dental Law Examination. Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check and pay an application fee of $245.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | District of Columbia 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, CITA, SRTA, CRDTS, WREB) |
| Application Fee | $245 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 15.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Requires passing a criminal background check ($50 fee) and a DC Dental Law Examination. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Current CPR certification is also required. 10% of CE hours must be in public health priorities, 2 hours in infection control, 1 hour in ethics, and 2 hours in cultural competency or specialized clinical training focusing on LGBTQ patients. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in District of Columbia
The median dental hygienist salary in District of Columbia is $127,900 per year, which is 35.7% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $125,640 |
| 25th | $126,960 |
| 50th (median) | $127,900 |
| 75th | $129,290 |
| 90th (experienced) | $151,010 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 330 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.