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If you are considering becoming a dental hygienist in New Hampshire, you first need to meet some requirements.
You will have to get a license before getting hired, so check out the info below to learn the process.
The certifications in this state are issued by The New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners.
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Attending a Dental Hygiene Program
In New Hampshire, you need to attend a dental hygiene program that is approved by the United States Department of Education and the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
The programs offered for dental hygiene students last 2 years and result in an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.
While earning an associate’s degree is a minimum requirement, further studies will bring more job opportunities.
You can attend the program in person or online in this state.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| NHTI-Concord’s Community College | 31 College Drive, Concord, New Hampshire 03301-7412 |
Take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
After finishing your program, you will need to attend the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) exam.
This test is provided by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).
This test will make sure you have the appropriate skills to work in a dental hygiene environment.
Some of the topics you will be tested on include:
- Scientific Basis for Dental Hygiene Practice
- Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services
- Community Health/Research Principles
- Radiography
Professional ethics
To attend this exam, you must register through JCNDE and fill in an application form.
Pass the Dental Competency Assessment
After passing the first exam, you also need to take the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments exam.
This exam is practical, and assess your ability to perform your job duties.
The test is split into 2 sections:
- The simulated clinical examination
- The treatment clinical examination.
The first part lasts for 2 hours, while the second has a duration of 4 hours.
Each of the exams needs a 75% score in order to pass.
Applying for a Dental Hygiene Certification
In order to apply, you have to send in an application package request.
The Board will then mail you the necessary papers you need to fill in.
After you submit the documents, you can email the form to the Board.
You can also get a local anesthesia permit for more job opportunities.
To get the permit, you need to submit a request letter to the Board and pay a $25 permit fee.
Expected Salary
In New Hampshire, the average salary of a dental hygienist is higher than the national average for this profession.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $79,095 |
| Nashua | $81,192 |
| Concord | $77,297 |
| Derry | $80,056 |
| Dover | $76,698 |
| Rochester | $76,383 |
| Salem | $79,394 |
| Merrimack | $81,192 |
| Londonderry | $81,192 |
| Hudson | $81,192 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 110 | $89,720 | $43.13 | $94,730 | $83,850 |
| Manchester, NH | 220 | $89,530 | $43.04 | $96,960 | $81,630 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 200 | $92,200 | $44.33 | $98,140 | $85,130 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Renewing your dental hygiene license
In New Hampshire, the dental hygiene license needs to be renewed every 24 months.
Before you can renew it, you also need to take 20 extra education hours.
Out of these, 4 hours can be home study.
During odd-numbered years, dental hygiene licenses get renewed before the 1st of April.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygiene by State