Become a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas
According to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, the demand for dental hygienists in Arkansas is expected to grow by 14% in the ten years to 2028. This is well above the national average.
Growing demand for allied health professionals, such as dental hygienists and assistants, means dependable job prospects for the foreseeable future. (Learn more about dental assistant schools in Arkansas here.)
Over all, you can expect state job openings to average around 50 per year for dental hygienists during the next decade.
Requirements For Dental Hygienist in Arkansas
In order to become a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas, you must be a graduate of a program that is accredited the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
The requirements to become a dental hygienist in Arkansas include the successful completion of an accredited dental hygiene program and passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
Arkansas also requires dental hygienists to be licensed by the state. To obtain an Arkansas dental hygiene license, applicants must pass a complete criminal background check, complete an infection control course, pass an Arkansas jurisprudence examination and pay a license fee. You will also need to hold a current Healthcare Provider level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
In Arkansas, a dental hygienist license must be renewed every two years. To renew a license, dental hygienists must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits and pay a renewal fee.
The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners is responsible for regulating dental hygiene in the state. For more information on the requirements to become a dental hygienist in Arkansas, please visit the ASBDE website at http://www.asbde.org/.
Dental hygienists in Arkansas are allowed to work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and schools. They may also be self-employed.
Dental Hygienist Salaries in Arkansas by Area
The average salary for Dental Hygienists in Arkansas in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $69,930, or $33.62 per hour.
Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 220 | $34.18 | $71,090 |
Fort Smith, AR-OK | 150 | $29.02 | $60,350 |
Hot Springs, AR | 50 | $27.77 | $57,760 |
Jonesboro, AR | 130 | $33.18 | $69,010 |
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 470 | $31.24 | $64,980 |
Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 730 | $28.44 | $59,150 |
Pine Bluff, AR | ** | $26.48 | $55,080 |
Dental Hygiene Schools in Arkansas
There are many great colleges in Arkansas offering associate degree and bachelor degree programs. Some of the best ones include the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Harding University, and Southern Arkansas University. These schools offer excellent programs that will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful. Dental hygienist programs are not offered everywhere and there are currently no associate degree programs in dental hygiene. Be sure to do your research and find the program that is right for you. For dental assistant programs see this page. For an up-to-date list of colleges offering dental hygiene programs in Arkansas, including accreditation status, see below. This information is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. You can also search for schools here and request enrollment information directly.
College Listings
FAQs
What Are Dental Hygienist Salaries in Arkansas?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an average annual salary of $65,730 for dental hygienists in Arkansas. Careers website Indeed.com reports that Arkansas dental hygienists can earn an average hourly wage of $34.10.
How Do I Become a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas?
The first step is to complete an accredited dental hygienist program. You must then pass the National Board Examination for Dental Hygiene, a regional board exam, and the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam. You can then apply for a license through the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
What School Offers Dental Hygiene Programs in Arkansas?
To be licensed in the state, you must complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. These are two programs in the state, at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.