Dental Hygienist in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.
Jobs (TN)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental hygienist in Tennessee
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of U.S. or Canadian citizenship or legal residency, and demonstrate good moral character. Reciprocity is available for dental hygienists licensed and actively practicing for three or more years in another state. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 30 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours in chemical dependency education, and current CPR certification.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Tennessee. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Tennessee requirements
| Licensing body | Tennessee 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 (SRTA, CRDTS, CITA, ADEX), and the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam ($96) |
| Application fee | $86 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR certification is required and must be current at all times. Two hours of CE must be in chemical dependency education. No more than 50% of continuing education can be obtained via online or web-based courses, though live interactive webinars count as in-person. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of U.S. or Canadian citizenship or legal residency. Good moral character and professional competence must be demonstrated through letters of recommendation from licensed dental professionals. The Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam is required for initial licensure and renewal. |
Source: Tennessee Board of Dentistry
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleTennessee license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)