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If you want to work as a dental hygienist in Oklahoma, you first need to pass a licensing process.
It is reported that jobs in the field will see an increase of 22% until 2022, which makes this is a lucrative career.
We have brought you info on this, so read on to learn how to start your career in the field.
Article Table of Contents
Education Requirements for Licensing
To be able to get licensed, you have to enroll in a program that is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Out of the classes you will take, some include:
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Algebra
- Freshman Composition
- Behavioral and social sciences
- Dental Hygiene Theory
- Dental and Oral Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Pathology, Etiology, and Immunology
- Dental Materials
- Dental Practice Management
- Dental Community Health
You have to attend a 2-year program at the minimum, which will give you an associate’s degree.
You can also choose to pursue a higher degree that provides more job opportunities after getting licensed.
During your program, you will study the basics and advanced dental hygiene practices.
The programs cover both theory and practice, to prepare candidates for the licensing exams.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Tulsa Community College | 6111 E Skelly Dr, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-6198 |
| University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center | 1100 N Lindsay, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104-5499 |
Pass the Required Exams for Licensing
In Oklahoma, you need to pass the Board National Exam as well as a Clinical exam.
The National Board exam should be passed first, as you will need the scores you got to attend the clinical exam.
The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is offered by The Joint Commission on National Dental Examiners.
The test costs $400 and will asses your dental hygiene knowledge.
The clinical exam is provided by the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB).
This test will asses your work performance in a clinical environment.
The fee for the clinical exam is $765.
Submit Your Licensing Application
To apply for a dental hygiene license, you must send in:
- Your application
- $100 application fee
- The original or legalized copy of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination results
- Proof you took the Western Regional Examining Board
- Copy of transcripts from your dental hygiene program
- 3 reference letters
- Proof a citizenship
- A passport-style photo
You should send your application a month before an Oklahoma Board of Dentistry meeting.
Expected Salary
Earning a higher degree in dental hygiene will ensure a higher salary.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $71,028 |
| Tulsa | $71,859 |
| Norman | $70,579 |
| Broken Arrow | $71,635 |
| Lawton | $63,740 |
| Edmond | $70,803 |
| Enid | $70,354 |
| Stillwater | $70,354 |
| Muskogee | $71,185 |
| Bartlesville | $71,185 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enid, OK | 40 | $88,590 | $42.59 | $107,640 | $62,150 |
| Lawton, OK | 50 | $78,610 | $37.8 | $102,970 | $33,240 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 990 | $94,730 | $45.55 | $116,270 | $69,820 |
| Tulsa, OK | 690 | $91,940 | $44.2 | $108,890 | $65,920 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Renewing Your Dental Hygiene License
Your dental hygiene license needs to be renewed every 2 years.
To be able to renew it, you need to attend a number of extra class hours on dental hygiene.
You also have to send proof of meeting these criteria to the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.
There are several ways in which you can achieve extra education hours:
- Taking a course in an accredited college or school
- Home study
- Attending workshops or presentations related to dental hygiene
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygiene by State