Dental Hygienist in New Hampshire

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

Median annual salary
$96,740
trending_up +2.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Hampshire.

engineering
1,540

Jobs (NH)

monitoring Strong
+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments
$170

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years (education) + application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in New Hampshire

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in New Hampshire, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (such as ADEX or another approved U.S. regional or state board clinical examination). Additionally, candidates must pass the New Hampshire Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 75% or higher and hold a current Healthcare Provider level CPR certification. The licensing body is the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners, and a criminal background check is required as part of the application process. New Hampshire also offers licensure by endorsement for eligible dental hygienists licensed in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $82,450
25th percentile $91,120
50th (median) $96,740
75th percentile $99,510
90th (experienced) $102,190

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

checklist New Hampshire requirements

Licensing bodyNew Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners
State license Required
EducationAssociate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
ExamNational Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA)
Application fee$170
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education20.0 hours per cycle
ReciprocityNew Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement for experienced hygienists, with recent legislation streamlining the process.Reciprocal states: New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement for applicants holding a current, unsuspended, unrestricted license in another state with substantially similar or higher licensing requirements, who have passed the ADEX dental hygiene examination or another similar U.S. regional testing agency exam, and practiced clinical dental hygiene for at least 3 years immediately prior to applying. As of August 27, 2023, new legislation (HB 594) streamlines this process, potentially waiving the need for transcripts, examination results, experience evidence, and letters of reference for qualified individuals from 'qualifying jurisdictions' with substantially similar licensing requirements.
NotesRequires passing the New Hampshire Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 75% or higher. CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level (BLS/CPR) with a practical skills component is required and must be maintained. A criminal background check is also required. There is no minimum age specified.

Source: New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New Hampshire? See whether New Hampshire 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

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_circleNew Hampshire 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 New Hampshire? expand_more
To become a dental hygienist in New Hampshire, 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 (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and submit your application ($170 fee).
Is a dental hygienist license required in New Hampshire? expand_more
A state license is required in New Hampshire. New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA) is part of the process.
What is the average dental hygienist salary in New Hampshire? expand_more
The median dental hygienist salary in New Hampshire is $96,740 per year. — within a few percent of the $94,260 national figure. Wages range from $82,450 (10th percentile) up to $102,190 (90th percentile).
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in New Hampshire? expand_more
Most candidates in New Hampshire complete the process in 2-4 years (education) + application processing time, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in New Hampshire? expand_more
Yes — dental hygienists in New Hampshire must complete 20.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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