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
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

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

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 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.