Dental Hygienist in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$83,760

trending_down -11.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

1,790

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Arkansas

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Arkansas, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. Additionally, candidates must pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Examination, undergo a criminal background check, and hold a current Healthcare Provider level CPR certification. Arkansas also offers licensure by credentials for experienced dental hygienists licensed in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $56,430

25th percentile $79,470

50th (median) $83,760

75th percentile $95,260

90th (experienced) $101,250

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (SRTA, CRDTS, WREB, CITA, ADEX)
Application fee	$5
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires passing a state jurisprudence exam and a criminal background check. Current Healthcare Provider level CPR certification (not online) is required. Minimum age of 18 for licensure.

Source: Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a dental hygienist in Arkansas? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Arkansas, 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 (SRTA, CRDTS, WREB, CITA, ADEX), and submit your application ($5 fee).

Does Arkansas require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

Yes, Arkansas requires a state license to practice as a dental hygienist. The licensing body is Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (SRTA, CRDTS, WREB, CITA, ADEX).

How much does a dental hygienist make in Arkansas? expand_more

dental hygienists in Arkansas earn a median of $83,760 annually. — 11% under the $94,260 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $56,430, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $101,250.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Arkansas? expand_more

In Arkansas, becoming a dental hygienist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in Arkansas? expand_more

License renewal in Arkansas requires completing 40.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.