Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary

$83,850

trending_down -11.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

5,620

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$135

Licensing fees

schedule

3-5 years (including education and licensing process)

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Wisconsin

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as CDCA-WREB-CITA), and the Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board. Additionally, applicants need current CPR certification and must undergo a background check. Wisconsin is also part of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which allows for a streamlined pathway to practice in other participating states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $69,880

25th percentile $80,080

50th (median) $83,850

75th percentile $94,990

90th (experienced) $102,150

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

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board
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 Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam ($75)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR certification is required. A background check is also required. Renewal is by September 30 of odd-numbered years. Minimum age is 18 years old.

Source: Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board

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

psychology

Wondering if a dental hygienist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental hygienist in Wisconsin? expand_more

The path to dental hygienist licensure in Wisconsin: 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 Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($60 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a dental hygienist in Wisconsin? expand_more

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

How much does a dental hygienist make in Wisconsin? expand_more

dental hygienists in Wisconsin earn a median of $83,850 annually. — 11% under the $94,260 national average. New dental hygienists start around $69,880; seasoned professionals can reach $102,150.

How expensive is dental hygienist licensing in Wisconsin? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($75) and application fee ($60) and required training.

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

Expect to spend 3-5 years (including education and licensing process) from start to finish in Wisconsin — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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

Yes — dental hygienists in Wisconsin must complete 12.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.