Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Dental Hygienist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental hygienist in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$81,810 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Dental Hygienist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $81,810, Dental Hygienists in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $94,260. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$81,810Hourly estimate
$39.3313% below national median
Difference: -$12,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Hygienist Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $81,810 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $77,440 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $98,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $89,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $83,500 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $59,840 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $66,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $83,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $83,270 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155325073
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Dental Hygienist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Tennessee is $81,810. Salaries range from $65,460 (10th percentile) to $97,460 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Dental Hygienists in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $94,260, with a state median of $81,810.
How many Dental Hygienists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 4,550 Dental Hygienists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Dental Hygienist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.