Dental Hygienist in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$81,620

trending_down -13.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

8,500

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$232

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years (Associate degree typically 2-3 years, plus prerequisites)

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Ohio

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Ohio, candidates 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 ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, or NERB), and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam. The application fee for initial licensure is $184, and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam costs $48. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have current CPR certification, and pass a background check. Ohio has also passed legislation to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will facilitate licensure portability for dental hygienists from other compact states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $71,520

25th percentile $78,330

50th (median) $81,620

75th percentile $92,010

90th (experienced) $99,490

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	Ohio State Dental Board
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 (ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, NERB), and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam ($48)
Application fee	$184
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires current CPR certification and a background check (BCI and FBI). Renewal is by December 31 of odd-numbered years. As of July 2, 2024, Ohio has passed legislation to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will enhance licensure portability.

Source: Ohio State 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_circleOhio license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a dental hygienist in Ohio? expand_more

Ohio requires dental hygienists 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 (ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, NERB), and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($184 fee).

Does Ohio require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a dental hygienist in Ohio without a state license from Ohio State Dental Board. The required exam is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, NERB), and the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam.

How much do dental hygienists make in Ohio? expand_more

Ohio dental hygienists bring home a median salary of $81,620. This trails the $94,260 national median by 13%. Wages range from $71,520 (10th percentile) up to $99,490 (90th percentile).

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($48) and application fee ($184) and required training.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Ohio? expand_more

Most candidates in Ohio complete the process in 2-4 years (Associate degree typically 2-3 years, plus prerequisites), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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

Yes — dental hygienists in Ohio must complete 20.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.