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Becoming a dental hygienist in Kentucky can be a lucrative career.
To start working in the field, you first need to get licensed.
The licenses in this state are managed by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.
Article Table of Contents
Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
To get a certification, you first need to complete a program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). and get an associate’s degree.
The program will cover topics as:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition
- Biology of the Head and Neck
- Dental Anatomy
- Radiography
- Dental Hygiene Theory
- Dental Hygiene Principles of Practice
- Microbiology
- Physical Diagnosis and Medical Management
- Preclinical Radiography
- Oral Pathology
- Pain and Anxiety Control
- Community Dental Health
You will also need to take HIV classes at the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services (CHFS).
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Big Sandy Community and Technical College | One Bert Combs Dr, Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | 470 Cooper Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40506 |
| University of Louisville | 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, Kentucky 40292-0001 |
| Western Kentucky University | 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1000 |
Take the Certification Tests
To get licensed, you need to take a National, Regional, and Jurisprudence test.
National Board Exam
This exam is managed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
To take it, you need to:
- Read and Agree to NBDHE Guide
- Register for DENTPIN
- Apply for Exam
As of now, Kentucky offers 2 testing centers for this exam.
Regional Exam
You must take this exam no longer than 5 years before applying for a license.
This exam is offered by the following agencies:
- Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CITA)
- Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS)
- North East Regional Board (NERB)
- Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc. (SRTA)
- Western Region Examining Board (WREB)
Jurisprudence Exam
This test is open book and instructions are available on the Kentucky Board of Dentistry site.
It covers Kentucky State Statutes and Regulations.
Send in the Application
You can apply by either taking an exam or by credentials if you hold a certification in another state.
Applying by Exam
Send in the following paperwork:
- Verification of graduation from CODA-accredited dental hygiene school
- National Board Dental Hygiene Examination scores
- Scores from one of the regional tests
- Pass Jurisprudence Exam
- Finish Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services (CHFS) HIV/AIDS class
- Current CPR certification
- Criminal background check
- Application and $75-$125 fee
To take the background check, you must have your fingerprints taken, pay the $18 fee and mail the form.
Certification by credentials
To apply by credentials, you must:
- Send in proof of holding a license
- Proof from the National Practitioner Data Bank Report
- The AADE Clearinghouse Report
- A legal form stating you worked as a dental hygienist for the past 5 years.
Salary Information
There are several aspects that influence how much a dental hygienist in Kentucky earns.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $70,507 |
| Lexington | $70,410 |
| Bowling Green | $67,397 |
| Owensboro | $70,220 |
| Covington | $73,116 |
| Richmond | $69,698 |
| Georgetown | $70,370 |
| Florence | $73,086 |
| Hopkinsville | $67,292 |
| Nicholasville | $70,290 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 120 | $69,590 | $33.46 | $80,120 | $50,530 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 430 | $73,200 | $35.19 | $95,250 | $57,130 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 730 | $72,740 | $34.97 | $91,750 | $61,080 |
| Owensboro, KY | 90 | $67,850 | $32.62 | $77,430 | $48,320 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Renewing the license
The license should be renewed every 24 months, for which you need 30 extra hours of education.
Out of these,10 hours must be completed in a live presentation.
Some of the subjects covered in the extra classes include:
- Diagnosing oral pathology
- Understanding pharmaceutical products
- Infection Control
- Medical and Scientific subjects
- Clinical topics
- Technology
- Immunization
Renewing the license costs between $240 and $630.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygiene by State