Dental Hygienist in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.
Jobs (GA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental hygienist in Georgia
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Georgia, applicants must graduate with an Associate, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. They must successfully pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS or ADEX), and a Georgia Jurisprudence Examination. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification, and undergo a background check and National Practitioner's Data Bank (NPDB) report. Georgia offers a provisional license by credentials for those licensed in other states who meet specific practice and good standing requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Georgia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Georgia requirements
| Licensing body | Georgia Board of Dentistry |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (e.g., CRDTS or ADEX), and a Georgia Jurisprudence Examination ($440) |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 22.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Georgia offers provisional licensure by credentials for hygienists with active practice in another state.Reciprocal states: Georgia may issue a provisional license by credentials to applicants with an active, good-standing license from another state with similar credentialing laws, provided they have been in full-time clinical practice (minimum 1,000 hours per year) for the two years immediately preceding application. Active duty military dental hygienists and contract employees on Georgia federal installations may be exempt from the state of practice requirement if they hold an active license in an acceptable state and meet other requirements. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Requires current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification at the Healthcare Provider level. A thorough background investigation and National Practitioner's Data Bank (NPDB) report are required. Renewal is by December 31 of odd-numbered years. One hour of continuing education must be on legal ethics and professionalism, and two hours on infection control (effective January 1, 2024). |
Source: Georgia Board of Dentistry
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Georgia? See whether Georgia recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Dental Hygienist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleGeorgia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
Compare Dental Hygienist head-to-head
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