Dental Hygienist in New Mexico

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

Median annual salary

$96,410

trending_up +2.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Mexico.

engineering

1,400

Jobs (NM)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,575

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in New Mexico

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in New Mexico, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass three examinations: the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as WREB, CRDTS, CDCA, or SRTA), and the New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam. Additionally, applicants need to complete a background check, obtain local anesthesia certification, complete infection control training, and maintain current CPR certification. New Mexico also offers licensure by credentials for experienced dental hygienists from other states and is enacting an interstate compact to further facilitate practice across state lines.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $80,020

25th percentile $83,200

50th (median) $96,410

75th percentile $99,210

90th (experienced) $103,000

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

checklist New Mexico requirements

Licensing body	New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, CDCA, SRTA), and the New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam ($1,225)
Application fee	$350
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	45.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR certification required. Renewal is triennial by June 30. A background check is required. Must complete cultural competency training, local anesthesia certification, and infection control training.

Source: New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care

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 Mexico 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 Mexico? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in New Mexico, 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 regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, CDCA, SRTA), and the New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($350 fee).

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

Yes, New Mexico requires a state license to practice as a dental hygienist. The licensing body is New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, CDCA, SRTA), and the New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam.

How much does a dental hygienist make in New Mexico? expand_more

In New Mexico, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $96,410/year. That's roughly in line with the $94,260 national median. Wages range from $80,020 (10th percentile) up to $103,000 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get dental hygienist certified in New Mexico? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($1,225) and application fee ($350) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does dental hygienist certification take in New Mexico? expand_more

The typical timeline in New Mexico is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in New Mexico? expand_more

License renewal in New Mexico requires completing 45.0 hours of continuing education on a 3.0-year cycle.

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