Dental Hygienist in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$84,300
trending_down
-10.6% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.
engineering
730
Jobs (SD)
monitoring
Strong
+7.0%
10-yr job growth
payments
$285
Licensing fees
schedule
2-4 years
Time to complete
route How to become a dental hygienist in South Dakota
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in South Dakota, applicants must hold an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Licensure by credential verification is available for those licensed in other states with significant clinical experience, and specific provisions exist for military personnel and their spouses.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$67,410
25th percentile
$82,370
50th (median)
$84,300
75th percentile
$92,730
90th (experienced)
$93,980
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Dakota requirements
| Licensing body | South Dakota 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), a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam ($135) |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Continuing education | 75.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR certification for Healthcare Provider is required. Renewal is every five years by July 1. Five hours of the 75 CE hours must be in dental radiography. There is no minimum age specified for licensure, but a dental radiographer must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check is required for dentists, and while not explicitly stated for hygienists, it is often a standard part of the application process for healthcare licenses. Applicants for licensure by credential verification must have completed a minimum of 3,000 clinical practice hours within the five years preceding the application. A temporary registration fee of $100 may apply, but is waived for applicants who graduated within 6 months prior to application. |
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 Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
psychology
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Frequently asked questions
What's required to work as a dental hygienist in South Dakota? expand_more
South Dakota 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 (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($150 fee).
Does South Dakota require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more
South Dakota mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. South Dakota State Board of Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the South Dakota Jurisprudence Exam.
What do dental hygienists earn in South Dakota? expand_more
The median dental hygienist salary in South Dakota is $84,300 per year. That's 11% below the national median of $94,260. New dental hygienists start around $67,410; seasoned professionals can reach $93,980.
How much does it cost to become a dental hygienist in South Dakota? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($135) and application fee ($150). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in South Dakota? expand_more
Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in South Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in South Dakota? expand_more
South Dakota requires 75.0 hours of continuing education every 5.0 years to maintain your dental hygienist license.
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