Dental Hygienist in Florida

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

Median annual salary

$81,090

trending_down -14.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.

engineering

13,860

Jobs (FL)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,525

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years (education) + application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Florida

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Florida, you must graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA) or a board-approved program. You'll need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. The application process also requires a background screening, fingerprinting, and a non-refundable application fee of $50.00. While Florida does not offer general reciprocity, a 'MOBILE Endorsement pathway' is available for licensed dental hygienists from other states or territories who meet specific criteria.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $73,210

25th percentile $77,000

50th (median) $81,090

75th percentile $93,630

90th (experienced) $97,080

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

checklist Florida requirements

Licensing body	Florida Board of Dentistry
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination ($1,475)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires completion of a 2-hour course on prevention of medical errors. CPR certification required. Minimum age of 18. Background screening and fingerprinting are required. A 2-hour domestic violence course is required every third biennium. A 2-hour HIV/AIDS course is required for the first renewal only. ADEX scores are valid if taken on or after June 1, 2010. The state of Florida does not have general reciprocity with any state, but there is a 'MOBILE Endorsement pathway' for those holding an active, unencumbered license in another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory with a similar scope of practice and a passing score on a national licensure exam or national certification recognized by the board.

Source: Florida Board of Dentistry

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_circleFlorida 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

How do I become a dental hygienist in Florida? expand_more

Florida requires dental hygienists to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Does Florida require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

Yes, Florida requires a state license to practice as a dental hygienist. The licensing body is Florida Board of Dentistry. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination.

How much does a dental hygienist make in Florida? expand_more

In Florida, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $81,090/year. — 14% under the $94,260 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $73,210, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $97,080.

What are the fees to become a dental hygienist in Florida? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($1,475) and application fee ($50). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

In Florida, becoming a dental hygienist generally takes 2 years (education) + application processing time, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a dental hygienist license in Florida? expand_more

To keep your license active, Florida mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.