Dental Hygienist in Delaware

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

Median annual salary

$99,720

trending_up +5.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.

engineering

590

Jobs (DE)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$110

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Delaware

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Delaware, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass three examinations: the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, and the Delaware Jurisprudence Examination. A criminal background check and current CPR certification are also required. The licensing body is the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $85,630

25th percentile $97,850

50th (median) $99,720

75th percentile $106,470

90th (experienced) $123,980

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

checklist Delaware requirements

Licensing body	Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, and Delaware Jurisprudence Examination
Application fee	$110
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must have graduated from high school or received a GED. CPR certification is required. A criminal background check is required. For reciprocity, applicants must hold a current license in another jurisdiction and have practiced at least 350 hours per year for three of the past five years. The clinical exam must have been passed within two years of application for initial licensure.

Source: Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene

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

psychology

Wondering if a dental hygienist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

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

The path to dental hygienist licensure in Delaware: complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, and Delaware Jurisprudence Examination, and submit your application ($110 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Delaware? expand_more

A state license is required in Delaware. Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Delaware Practical Board Examination in Dental Hygiene, and Delaware Jurisprudence Examination is part of the process.

How much does a dental hygienist make in Delaware? expand_more

dental hygienists in Delaware earn a median of $99,720 annually. — 6% higher than the $94,260 national figure. New dental hygienists start around $85,630; seasoned professionals can reach $123,980.

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Delaware? expand_more

Most candidates in Delaware complete the process in 2-4 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Delaware require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

Yes — dental hygienists in Delaware must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.