Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Dental Hygienist Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental hygienist in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Dentistry Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$81,510 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Dental Hygienist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Dentistry Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $81,510, Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania earn 14% below the national median of $94,260. Pennsylvania ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$81,510Hourly estimate
$39.1914% below national median
Difference: -$12,750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Hygienist Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor Dental Hygienist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $129,760 |
| #2 | Washington | $125,370 |
| #3 | California | $121,080 |
| #4 | Oregon | $118,280 |
| #5 | Colorado | $106,730 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Hygienist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $81,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $95,560 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $102,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $99,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $105,140 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $72,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $81,620 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Dentistry Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837162
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Hygienists.
What education do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Hygienist licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Dental Hygienist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania is $81,510. Salaries range from $63,230 (10th percentile) to $102,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania earn 14% below the national median of $94,260, with a state median of $81,510.
How many Dental Hygienists work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 8,640 Dental Hygienists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Dentistry Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Dentistry/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Dental Hygienist license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.