Become a Dental Hygienist in New Jersey
Demand for Dental Hygienists in New Jersey remains strong, especially in the aumbulatory health centers were most are employed. [Seguir leyendo en español]
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development of the State of New Jersey estimates there were 6,420 people employed as dental hygienists in the state in 2018. It projects that that number will grow by 9% to 6,970 people by 2028. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nationwide during the same period there will be a growth of 6%, which is considered to be much faster than average. Data for dental assistants can be found here.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist in New Jersey
To become a licensed dental hygienist in New Jersey, you are required to be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, a jurisprudence exam and a clinical exam administered by NERB.
Dental Hygienist Salaries in New Jersey
The average salary for Dental Hygienists in New Jersey in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $90,720, or $43.62 per hour. Most jobs and higher salaries are found in the metropolitan area around New York, Newark and Jersey City. Salaries in the area of New Jersey around Philadelphia tend to be lower. Top earners can expect annual salaries of over $100,000.
| Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 770 | $32.69 | $68,000 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | ** | $36.36 | $75,620 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 10,640 | $41.36 | $86,020 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 40 | $41.35 | $86,000 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 4,400 | $35.02 | $72,840 |
| Trenton, NJ | 180 | $39.84 | $82,860 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 140 | $37.46 | $77,910 |
Dental Hygienist Schools in New Jersey
There are 19 educational programs/majors in the state of New Jersey. Of those, 6 dental hygiene programs (and 5 dental assistant programs) are accredited by the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Some of those institutions naturally provide both types of dental programs.
Paramus, NJ
Bergen Community College – Dental Hygiene offers a CODA-accredited 2-year AS Degree at their main campus at 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 (201-447-7148). The program incorporates clinical, technological, and laboratory approaches, and prerequisites include a HS or GED diploma, background and drug testing, and a current CPR certificate, and fingerprinting is required to complete clinical experiences at outside sites. Information about tuition fees and financial aid programs are available at the bursar’s website. In addition to fees, expenses throughout the program that include most needed items down to uniforms are estimated at $5000 (check directly with the college for final figures and updates).
Brookdale, NJ
Brookdale Community College – Dental Hygiene offers a CODA-accredited, 87-credit AAS Degree that can be completed in 2 years, following which you can obtain an RDH license issued by the State Board of Dentistry of New Jersey. You must have a HS diploma or equivalent, and background checks are administered by an outside vendor. You must submit to a medical exam to partake in clinical participation. Students with prior relevant credits can present transcripts for program credits at Brookdale. For more info, contact the Registration Office or call (732) 224-2375.
Pemberton, NJ
Burlington County College – Dental Hygiene has a student body of 8500 at their two campuses at Mount Laurel and Pemberton Township. BCC offers a CODA-accredited 2-year AAS Degree program. They also have extensive distant learning courses and various satellite facilities in high schools across Burlington County, the largest county in NJ with a population of approximately 450,000. The Dental Hygiene center at BCC is located in the Lewis M. Parker Center, room 318 on the Pemberton campus at 601 Pemberton Browns Mills Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068 (tel. 609-894-9311).
Other DH Schools in New Jersey (check accreditations directly with your college)
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (at their Scotch Plains Campus) has an AAS Degree program that consists of six prerequisite courses and four semesters. Rowan College at Burlington County offers a 2-year AAS Degree program. If you have a HS or GED diploma, have transcripts sent to their admissions office and take their placement test (for more info, check with the Office of the Registrar at 856-222-9311, ext. 1560). Camden County College – Dental Hygiene also offers a 2-year, full-time, AAS CODA-accredited program. Eastern International College offers a CODA-accredited 2-year, AAS program at their Jersey City main campus. This has 78 credits of which 30 are in general information, and 48 in the program’s major courses.
College Listings
Related Links
How to Become a Dentist in New Jersey