Dental Hygienist in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$98,970

trending_up +5.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

4,660

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$148

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Minnesota

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Minnesota, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass three examinations: the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a board-approved regional clinical exam, and the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check and maintain current CPR certification. Minnesota has recently joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which aims to streamline license portability for dental professionals across participating states once fully implemented.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $78,720

25th percentile $86,230

50th (median) $98,970

75th percentile $101,270

90th (experienced) $105,490

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Board of Dentistry
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a board-approved regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam
Application fee	$148
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	25.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR certification is required. Specific CE requirements include a mandatory infection control course every two years, and a minimum of two courses in two different core subject areas (Recordkeeping, Ethics, Patient communication, Management of medical emergencies, Diagnosis and treatment planning, or HIPAA). A criminal background check is required. Minnesota has joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will allow for license portability among participating states once fully implemented.

Source: Minnesota 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_circleMinnesota 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 Minnesota? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Minnesota, 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), a board-approved regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($148 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Minnesota? expand_more

A state license is required in Minnesota. Minnesota Board of Dentistry handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a board-approved regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam is part of the process.

How much do dental hygienists make in Minnesota? expand_more

In Minnesota, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $98,970/year. — within a few percent of the $94,260 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $78,720, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $105,490.

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

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

What's required to renew a dental hygienist license in Minnesota? expand_more

Yes — dental hygienists in Minnesota must complete 25.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.