Dental Hygienist in New York

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

Median annual salary

$95,560

trending_up +1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering

10,350

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$128

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in New York

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in New York, individuals must complete an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam, and submit an application to the New York State Office of the Professions - Dentistry. The application fee is $128, which includes the licensure and first registration fee. License renewal is required every three years, with 24 continuing education hours per cycle, including mandatory coursework in child abuse identification and reporting, and infection control. New York also offers licensure by endorsement for experienced dental hygienists, and is part of the developing Dental and Dental Hygiene (DDH) Compact.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $66,450

25th percentile $80,140

50th (median) $95,560

75th percentile $107,740

90th (experienced) $122,130

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing body	New York State Office of the Professions - 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	$128
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 17 years of age for licensure by examination, or 21 for licensure by endorsement. Good moral character is required. Completion of state-approved coursework in child abuse identification and reporting, and infection control is mandatory. An updated child abuse training curriculum is required by November 17, 2026. A criminal background check and drug screening may be required as part of program admissions. Non-citizens must have permanent residence status to be licensed, though waivers may be granted in federal dental health professions shortage areas. Individuals with pending charges or convictions for felonies/misdemeanors, or those found guilty of professional misconduct, may not be eligible for licensure.

Source: New York State Office of the Professions - 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_circleNew York 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 New York? expand_more

The path to dental hygienist licensure in New York: 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 ($128 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a dental hygienist in New York without a state license from New York State Office of the Professions - Dentistry. The required exam is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA).

What do dental hygienists earn in New York? expand_more

In New York, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $95,560/year. — within a few percent of the $94,260 national figure. The range spans from $66,450 at the entry level to $122,130 for top earners.

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

In New York, becoming a dental hygienist generally takes 2-4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does New York require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

Yes — dental hygienists in New York must complete 24.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.