Tennessee requires a state-level dental hygienist license. The licensing authority is State Board of Dentistry / Dental Hygiene. The median salary is $68,670 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Tennessee requires a dental hygienist to hold a state license. Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care and education. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Dentistry / Dental Hygiene.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program (2-3 years) |
| Experience Details | Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program (2-3 years) |
Tennessee requires passing the Tennessee Dental Hygienist Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $500.
| Exam Name | Tennessee Dental Hygienist Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) + Regional Clinical Exam |
| Application Fee | $500 |
Getting licensed as a dental hygienist in Tennessee takes 12 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $500 and renewal fees of $500 every 2 years. Continuing education of 20 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $500 |
| License Renewal | $500 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 20 hours |
Dental Hygienists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $68,670, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Tennessee |
| National average | $87,150 |
Yes — Tennessee requires a state-level dental hygienist license. Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care and education.
The required exam is the Tennessee Dental Hygienist Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $500.
The median annual salary for dental hygienists in Tennessee is $68,670. The national median is $87,150.
Tennessee requires 20 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 12 months including experience requirements.