Dental Hygienist in Louisiana

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

Median annual salary

$80,900

trending_down -14.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering

2,720

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$180

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

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

10th percentile (entry) $43,230

25th percentile $57,810

50th (median) $80,900

75th percentile $96,280

90th (experienced) $99,230

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
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

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_circleLouisiana 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 Louisiana? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Louisiana, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), ADEX clinical exam (CDCA-WREB-CITA, SRTA, or CRDTS), and the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($180 fee).

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

A state license is required in Louisiana. Louisiana State Board of Dentistry handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), ADEX clinical exam (CDCA-WREB-CITA, SRTA, or CRDTS), and the Louisiana Jurisprudence Exam is part of the process.

What is the average dental hygienist salary in Louisiana? expand_more

Louisiana dental hygienists bring home a median salary of $80,900. That's 14% below the national median of $94,260. Wages range from $43,230 (10th percentile) up to $99,230 (90th percentile).

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Louisiana? expand_more

In Louisiana, becoming a dental hygienist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Louisiana? expand_more

Louisiana requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your dental hygienist license.