Dental Hygienist in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$83,270

trending_down -11.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

2,840

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$700

Licensing fees

schedule

2-3 years for education, plus application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Missouri

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Missouri, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes 2-3 years. Applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, or SRTA), and the Missouri Jurisprudence Exam. The application fee is $100, and the NBDHE costs approximately $600. Additionally, applicants need current CPR/BLS certification, a background check, and must submit a photograph. Missouri offers reciprocity for those licensed in other states for at least two consecutive years and is part of the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $78,070

25th percentile $81,580

50th (median) $83,270

75th percentile $96,360

90th (experienced) $102,390

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri Dental Board
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 (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX) ($600)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires passing the Missouri Jurisprudence Exam with a score of at least 80%. Current CPR/BLS certification is required. A background check is also required. Online-only CPR/BLS courses are not accepted. Applicants must submit a 2x3 inch photograph. The application must be completed within one year of submission. New licensees are exempt from CE requirements for the remainder of the reporting period in which they were licensed. Missouri is also part of the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact, which facilitates licensure portability in other participating states.

Source: Missouri Dental Board

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_circleMissouri 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 you get certified as a dental hygienist in Missouri? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Missouri, 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) and a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and submit your application ($100 fee).

Does Missouri require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

Yes, Missouri requires a state license to practice as a dental hygienist. The licensing body is Missouri Dental Board. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX).

What do dental hygienists earn in Missouri? expand_more

dental hygienists in Missouri earn a median of $83,270 annually. This trails the $94,260 national median by 12%. The range spans from $78,070 at the entry level to $102,390 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a dental hygienist in Missouri? expand_more

Between exam fee ($600) and application fee ($100), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend 2-3 years for education, plus application processing time from start to finish in Missouri — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Missouri require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

Missouri requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your dental hygienist license.