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Become a Dental Hygienist in Idaho

The field of dental hygiene is a rewarding one that involves assisting dentists with their work. Dental hygienists clean teeth, apply bandages to sutures, operate equipment during dental procedures and discuss oral health with patients. To work as a dental hygienist in Idaho, one must pass a licensure exam and become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Requirements for Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Idaho

Those who wish to become dental hygienists must attend a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Only accredited schools qualify students to sit for the national licensing exam, which they must pass to become registered and begin working.

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Dental Hygienist Schools in Idaho

The majority of educational programs for dental hygienists are two-year associate’s degrees, which are available at many community colleges and technical schools. The following programs are among those available to students in Idaho:

  • College of Southern Idaho. The College of Southern Idaho offers an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Classes include ethics, hygiene theory and pathology, as well as clinical experiences.
  • Carrington College. Carrington’s associate’s degree in dental hygiene program typically takes students less than two years to complete. The program uses classroom instruction and hands-on training to help students learn the profession.

Find information on dental assistant schools in Idaho here.

Dental Hygiene Licensure in Idaho

Idaho-based dental hygienists must pass the National Board Examination as well as a regional test accredited by one of the following organizations:

  • Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
  • The Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CITA)
  • Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS)
  • The Western Regional Examining Board, Inc. (WREB)

After successfully passing both tests, dental hygienists will be licensed and able to practice in the state of Idaho.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Idaho

Jobs within the dental field are increasing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting growth of 35 percent from 2018 to 2028. A dental hygienist in Idaho makes an average of $76,300 per year.

AreaTotal EmployedMean Hourly WageMean Annual Salary
Boise City, ID700$35.31$73,440
Coeur d'Alene, ID170$38.66$80,410
Idaho Falls, ID160$35.02$72,850
Lewiston, ID-WA50$38.48$80,050
Logan, UT-ID40$25.82$53,700
Pocatello, ID110$32.35$67,290

Working as a Dental Hygienist in Idaho

Working as a dental hygienist involves interacting with new people on a daily basis and helping them receive the dental care they need. Dental hygienists work with their hands and are able to work in the medical field with less formal training than doctors, allowing them to enter an exciting field more quickly. Salaries are typically highest in larger metropolitan areas, such as Boise and Meridian, Idaho, though dental hygienists can find work at dental offices across the state.

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How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Hygienist in Idaho?

Dental hygienists generally have an Associates in Applied Science degree, which takes two years to complete. After completing training, you will need to apply for a license through the Idaho Board of Dentistry.

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