Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary

$100,790

trending_up +6.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering

6,780

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$126

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts, individuals must apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. Key steps include graduating from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and successfully completing a regional clinical exam (such as CDCA-WREB-CITA or ADEX). Additionally, applicants must pass the Massachusetts Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam and hold current CPR/AED or BLS certification. Massachusetts recently enacted legislation allowing foreign-trained dentists with at least five years of experience to obtain a dental hygiene license, and dental students who have completed four semesters of a CODA-accredited dental school may also be eligible.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $95,400

25th percentile $97,950

50th (median) $100,790

75th percentile $104,830

90th (experienced) $107,560

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

checklist Massachusetts requirements

Licensing body	Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA)
Application fee	$126
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires passing a jurisprudence exam on the rules and regulations of the Board. Renewal is by March 31 of odd-numbered years. Applicants must also have current CPR/AED or BLS certification. As of January 10, 2025, new legislation allows foreign-trained dentists with at least five years of experience and certification from an approved jurisdiction to obtain a dental hygiene license in Massachusetts. Dental students who have completed at least four semesters of a CODA-accredited dental school may also apply for a dental hygienist license.

Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in 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_circleMassachusetts license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a dental hygienist in Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, 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) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and submit your application ($126 fee).

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

Massachusetts mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA).

How much do dental hygienists make in Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $100,790/year. That's 7% above the national median of $94,260. Wages range from $95,400 (10th percentile) up to $107,560 (90th percentile).

How quickly can I become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts? expand_more

Most candidates in Massachusetts complete the process in 2-4 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Massachusetts require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

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