Dental Hygienist in Oregon

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

Median annual salary

$118,280

trending_up +25.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering

3,640

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$210

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Oregon

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Oregon, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam, and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete a one-hour pain management course specific to Oregon, and hold current CPR certification. Reciprocity is available for dental hygienists from other states who meet specific practice and education requirements, and Oregon is also participating in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $101,570

25th percentile $106,790

50th (median) $118,280

75th percentile $122,400

90th (experienced) $127,770

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

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing body	Oregon Board of Dentistry
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, ADEX), and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam
Application fee	$210
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old. CPR certification is required. Renewal is biennial on the last day of the licensee's birth month. At least three hours of CE must be related to medical emergencies, two hours to infection control, and two hours to cultural competency. A one-hour pain management course specific to Oregon is required prior to initial licensure. Background checks are mandated.

Source: Oregon Board of 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_circleOregon 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 Oregon? expand_more

Oregon 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 (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($210 fee).

Does Oregon require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

Oregon mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Oregon Board of Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam.

How much does a dental hygienist make in Oregon? expand_more

In Oregon, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $118,280/year. This exceeds the $94,260 national median by 25%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $101,570, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $127,770.

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

Most candidates in Oregon complete the process in 2-4 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Oregon? expand_more

To keep your license active, Oregon mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.