Dental Hygienist in Texas

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

Median annual salary

$94,490

trending_up +0.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering

16,010

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Texas

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Texas, individuals must obtain a license from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Key steps include graduating from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, successfully completing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam, and the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment. Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age, hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification with a hands-on component, and complete a human trafficking prevention course. Texas offers licensure by credentials for those already licensed in other states, provided they meet specific experience requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,390

25th percentile $82,830

50th (median) $94,490

75th percentile $103,420

90th (experienced) $110,560

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

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing body	Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
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 (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment
Application fee	$250
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification with hands-on demonstration. Must complete a human trafficking prevention course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A criminal background check including fingerprinting is required. Jurisprudence assessment must be completed every four years, and cannot be counted towards CE hours. CPR and Jurisprudence courses do not count towards CE hours. Renewal is every 2 years, based on birth month and year. Military applicants may have different fee requirements and application processes.

Source: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

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_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a dental hygienist in Texas? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Texas, 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), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment, and submit your application ($250 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Texas? expand_more

A state license is required in Texas. Texas State Board of Dental Examiners handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and the TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment is part of the process.

What do dental hygienists earn in Texas? expand_more

In Texas, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $94,490/year. That's roughly in line with the $94,260 national median. Wages range from $48,390 (10th percentile) up to $110,560 (90th percentile).

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Texas? expand_more

Most candidates in Texas complete the process in 3-6 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in Texas? expand_more

To keep your license active, Texas mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.