Dental Hygienist in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$89,720

trending_down -4.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering

7,030

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$350

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in North Carolina

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in North Carolina, you must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (CITA or ADEX), and North Carolina's online jurisprudence and infection control/sterilization exams. The licensing body is the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. Additionally, applicants must hold current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level and undergo a criminal background check. While North Carolina does not offer reciprocity, licensure by credentials and military endorsement are available for eligible candidates.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $76,860

25th percentile $80,300

50th (median) $89,720

75th percentile $96,590

90th (experienced) $99,570

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing body	North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners
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 (CITA or ADEX) ($275)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	6.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires passing a jurisprudence exam and an infection control/sterilization exam. CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level (BLS/CPR, AED with practical skills component) is required and must be current at all times. A criminal background check is also required. There is a $50 late penalty for renewals after January 31st. Beginning February 1, 2025, a new online licensing and enforcement system is being implemented. One hour of continuing education on substance abuse and mental health is required every two calendar years. Dental hygienists certified to administer local anesthetics need two CE hours annually specific to local anesthetics and medical emergencies. Public health dental hygienists have additional CE requirements.

Source: North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners

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_circleNorth Carolina 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 North Carolina? expand_more

The path to dental hygienist licensure in North Carolina: 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 (CITA or ADEX), and submit your application ($75 fee).

Does North Carolina require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in North Carolina. North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (CITA or ADEX) is part of the process.

What is the average dental hygienist salary in North Carolina? expand_more

dental hygienists in North Carolina earn a median of $89,720 annually. — within a few percent of the $94,260 national figure. Wages range from $76,860 (10th percentile) up to $99,570 (90th percentile).

How expensive is dental hygienist licensing in North Carolina? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($275) and application fee ($75). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does dental hygienist certification take in North Carolina? expand_more

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

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in North Carolina? expand_more

To keep your license active, North Carolina mandates 6.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.