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If you want to work as a dental hygienist in Idaho, first look at the criteria you have to meet.
Read on below to get a better idea of how to start your new career.
Article Table of Contents
Education Requirements
In Idaho, the dental hygienist license is managed by The Idaho State Board of Dentistry.
Before you can apply for certification, you will need to obtain an associate’s degree from a school that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
As of now, this state offers 5 degrees approved by CODA, as follows:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Master of Science
Some of the courses you will be studying include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Pain and Control Methodology
- Testing and Board Reviews
- Medical Emergencies
- Introduction to Dental Hygiene Theory
- Dental Radiology
- Head and Neck Anatomy
- Dental Anatomy Embryology
- Oral Pathology
- Periodontics
- Dental Materials
- Special Needs Patients
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Dental Hygiene Clinics
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Carrington College | 1122 North Liberty Street, Boise, Idaho 83704-8742 |
| Idaho State University | 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 |
Taking the National Board Exam
To get the certification, you first need to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
This exam requires:
- Agree to Rules and Regulations in NBDHE Guide
- Register for DENTPIN Number
- Apply for NBDHE Exam
- Schedule a Time and Location to Take Exam
The exam vendor in Idaho is Pearson Vue and the exam can be taken in neighboring states as well.
Regional Clinical and Local Anesthesia Examination
The Western Region Examining Board (WREB) provides this exam in Idaho.
To take the local anesthesia exam, you need to be a student or have completed a program in an accredited school and prove you finished a local anesthesia course.
Test results from the Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS) and American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) are also accepted by the Board.
Jurisprudence Test
After submitting the application and required fee to the Idaho State Board of Dentistry, you can take this exam.
The test is open book, and taking it allows you to practice according to the Idaho Dental Practice Act and Administrative Rules.
Send The Application
To get your certification, you need to send the paperwork below:
- Application Form
- Current Photograph, passport style
- A $150 fee
- National Board Scores
- Transcript with Degree Posted
- Certification of Education
- Licensure Verification
- Proof of Dental Hygiene Clinical Exam
- Proof of Local Anesthesia Examination
- Authorization for Release of Personal Information
- Current CPR Certification
- Jurisprudence Exam
- Last License Fee
If you took a regional practical exam, send in a legalized copy of the certificate.
If you took the state practical exam, the state will send in verification to the Board.
Other Certifications
You can get the Extended Access Dental Hygiene if you meet the below criteria:
- An unrestricted dental hygiene certification
- Have 2 years of experience in the field
- At least 1000 hours of practice
This certification gives you the chance to perform activities in any extended oral health care programs.
Salary Info
Those with a higher degree and extra certifications have the chance of earning a higher salary than their peers.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $70,941 |
| Meridian | $70,866 |
| Nampa | $70,193 |
| Idaho Falls | $67,968 |
| Caldwell | $70,118 |
| Pocatello | $64,974 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $73,572 |
| Twin Falls | $64,750 |
| Post Falls | $73,732 |
| Lewiston | $73,819 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 820 | $81,920 | $39.38 | $90,790 | $60,850 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 180 | $87,230 | $41.94 | $96,530 | $80,300 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 70 | $87,220 | $41.94 | $100,490 | $63,960 |
| Pocatello, ID | 110 | $77,060 | $37.05 | $91,250 | $64,690 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 90 | $81,550 | $39.21 | $94,530 | $64,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
The license needs to be renewed every 2 years.
To renew it, you need to take 24 extra education hours in oral hygiene.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygiene by State