Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary

$82,870

trending_down -12.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

850

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$530

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Rhode Island

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry. A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold current CPR certification. Reciprocity may be granted to dental hygienists licensed in other states for at least five years, provided specific examination criteria are met.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $81,680

25th percentile $81,770

50th (median) $82,870

75th percentile $85,560

90th (experienced) $86,380

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Board of Examiners in 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) ($465)
Application fee	$65
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a background investigation and current CPR certification. Renewal is by May 1 of even-numbered years. Must complete 1 hour of an accredited OSHA course per year as part of CE. Applicants must be of good moral character and in good standing in any other state where they hold a license. Applications are valid for 1 year.

Source: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in 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_circleRhode Island 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 you get certified as a dental hygienist in Rhode Island? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Rhode Island, 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 ($65 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Rhode Island? expand_more

Rhode Island mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA).

What is the average dental hygienist salary in Rhode Island? expand_more

In Rhode Island, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $82,870/year. This trails the $94,260 national median by 12%. The range spans from $81,680 at the entry level to $86,380 for top earners.

How expensive is dental hygienist licensing in Rhode Island? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($465) and application fee ($65) and required training.

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

Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Rhode Island — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Rhode Island? expand_more

Rhode Island requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your dental hygienist license.