Dental Hygienist in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$81,710

trending_down -13.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

3,200

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$150

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in South Carolina

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in South Carolina, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CRDTS, ADEX, SRTA, or CITA), and the South Carolina Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the South Carolina Board of Dentistry. While South Carolina does not have direct reciprocity agreements, the Board may grant licenses to those from other states who are members of regional testing services that South Carolina also recognizes, or those who have actively practiced for at least five years may apply for licensure by credential. Applicants must also maintain current CPR certification and complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years, with two hours specifically in sterilization and infection control.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $63,950

25th percentile $77,420

50th (median) $81,710

75th percentile $91,810

90th (experienced) $94,810

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina 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 (e.g., CRDTS, ADEX, SRTA, CITA), and the South Carolina Jurisprudence Exam
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	14.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR certification is required and must be renewed every two years. Two of the 14 CE hours must be in sterilization and infection control. No more than 50% of CE hours can be earned through online computer seminars (interactive webinars are considered live). Applicants must be of good moral character. A background check and drug screening are required for program admission. Renewal is by December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Source: South Carolina 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_circleSouth 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 you get certified as a dental hygienist in South Carolina? expand_more

The path to dental hygienist licensure in South Carolina: 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 (e.g., CRDTS, ADEX, SRTA, CITA), and the South Carolina Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($150 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in South Carolina? expand_more

You cannot practice as a dental hygienist in South Carolina without a state license from South Carolina Board of Dentistry. The required exam is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (e.g., CRDTS, ADEX, SRTA, CITA), and the South Carolina Jurisprudence Exam.

How much does a dental hygienist make in South Carolina? expand_more

dental hygienists in South Carolina earn a median of $81,710 annually. That's 13% below the national median of $94,260. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $63,950, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $94,810.

How quickly can I become a dental hygienist in South Carolina? expand_more

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

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

To keep your license active, South Carolina mandates 14.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.