Dental Hygienist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.
Jobs (LA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental hygienist in Louisiana
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Louisiana, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold current CPR certification, and undergo a criminal background check. Louisiana has also adopted the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact for expedited licensure for eligible professionals from member states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Louisiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Louisiana requirements
| Licensing body | Louisiana State Board of Dentistry |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), ADEX clinical exam (CDCA-WREB-CITA, SRTA, or CRDTS), and the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application fee | $180 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Louisiana offers an expedited compact pathway or licensure by credentials for out-of-state hygienists.Reciprocal states: Louisiana has adopted the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (IDDHL), which offers an expedited pathway to licensure for qualified dental professionals from other member states. Otherwise, licensure by credentials is available for those holding a nonrestricted license in another state and meeting specific practice hour requirements and Louisiana residency. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires current CPR certification. A criminal fingerprint background check is mandatory. Jurisprudence exam scores are valid for one year. The ADEX exam must be completed within three years of application. Local anesthesia administration requires a separate permit. |
Source: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Louisiana? See whether Louisiana 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_circleLouisiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
Compare Dental Hygienist head-to-head
See all comparisons →Considering a Dental Hygienist vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.