Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary

$81,510

trending_down -13.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering

8,640

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$1,654

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania, candidates must graduate from an Associate's degree program in dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. Additionally, initial licensure requires 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting, current Infant, Child, and Adult CPR certification, and a background check. Pennsylvania also offers licensure by credentials for out-of-state licensees who meet specific requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $63,230

25th percentile $75,250

50th (median) $81,510

75th percentile $98,850

90th (experienced) $102,030

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

checklist Pennsylvania requirements

Licensing body	Pennsylvania State Board of 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) ($1,500)
Application fee	$154
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	Pennsylvania offers licensure by credentials for hygienists from states with equivalent and reciprocating requirements.Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania offers licensure by credentials for dental hygienists licensed in other states or territories or in Canada, provided their credentials meet Pennsylvania requirements and their licensing board reciprocates with Pennsylvania. Act 41 allows for portability of out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
Notes	Requires completion of 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure. CPR certification (Infant, Child, and Adult) is required. A background check is also required. Minimum age is 18 years old.

Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Pennsylvania? See whether Pennsylvania recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Dental Hygienist license reciprocity guide.

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_circlePennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania, 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) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and submit your application ($154 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Yes, Pennsylvania requires a state license to practice as a dental hygienist. The licensing body is Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA).

How much do dental hygienists make in Pennsylvania? expand_more

dental hygienists in Pennsylvania earn a median of $81,510 annually. That's 14% below the national median of $94,260. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $63,230, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $102,030.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($1,500) and application fee ($154) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania? expand_more

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

What's required to renew a dental hygienist license in Pennsylvania? expand_more

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