Dental Hygienist in Hawaii

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

Median annual salary

$96,770

trending_up +2.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.

engineering

1,060

Jobs (HI)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$515

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Hawaii

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Hawaii, applicants must be at least 18 years old and graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Key steps include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, or NERB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam. Additionally, certification in intra-oral infiltration and block local anesthesia is required, along with CPR certification. Hawaii does not offer reciprocity; all applicants must meet the state's specific licensing requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $81,790

25th percentile $85,690

50th (median) $96,770

75th percentile $99,480

90th (experienced) $101,560

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

checklist Hawaii requirements

Licensing body	Hawaii 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), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam ($465)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	Hawaii does not offer reciprocity; all applicants must meet Hawaii's specific licensure requirements.Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not offer reciprocity. All applicants, even those licensed in other states, must meet Hawaii's specific requirements for licensure.
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and certified in the administration of intra-oral infiltration and block local anesthesia. CPR certification is required. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, permanent resident of the U.S., or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.

Source: Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Hawaii? See whether Hawaii 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

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental hygienist in Hawaii? expand_more

In Hawaii, becoming a dental hygienist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a dental hygienist in Hawaii? expand_more

A state license is required in Hawaii. Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB), and the Hawaii Dental Jurisprudence Exam is part of the process.

What do dental hygienists earn in Hawaii? expand_more

Hawaii dental hygienists bring home a median salary of $96,770. That's roughly in line with the $94,260 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $81,790, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $101,560.

How much does it cost to become a dental hygienist in Hawaii? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($465) 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 Hawaii? expand_more

Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Hawaii — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Hawaii require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

License renewal in Hawaii requires completing 20.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.