Arkansas Dental Hygiene Programs, Licensing and Salaries
If you are thinking of becoming a dental hygienist in Arkansas then you will want to know about the top dental hygiene schools in the area.
You will also no doubt be pleased to learn that the average salary for Dental Hygienists in the USA is among some of the highest in the healthcare industry.
There also continues to be strong job growth in the sector with an additional 30,000 positions projected to be created between 2016 and 2024 representing an almost 15% increase in employment.
Get started today and take the first steps towards your new career by reaching out to dental hygiene schools and related dental programs near you in Arkansas.
How to become a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas
To become a dental hygienist in Arkansas you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in Arkansas, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs Arkansas
| Area | School | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith | University of Arkansas | visit website |
| Little Rock | University of Arkansas | visit website |
There are only 2 accredited programs in Arkansas at present.
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license.
You might be interested in viewing schools in neighboring States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas
Arkansas Dental Hygienist License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and have passed all additional certification exams it is a requirement of Arkansas law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners governs the licensing of Dental Hygienists in Arkansas. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Phone: (501) 682-2085
Email: donna.cobb@arkansas.gov
Website: http://www.asbde.org
Dental Hygienist Salary in Arkansas
| Salary | $68,580 |
| Hourly Wage | $32.97 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $45,800 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $88,530 |
| # Employed | 1,420 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Arkansas is $68,580 – 8% below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $32.97.
There are currently 1,420 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Learn more about income levels for Dental Hygienists
Top Paying Metro Areas in Arkansas for Dental Hygienists
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Arkansas given the strong salary levels and jobs growth for the career.
Dental hygiene salaries are among some of the highest in the healthcare industry and it is projected that an additional 30,000 positions will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024 representing an almost 15% increase in employment.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental hygienists across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Arkansas;
| Area | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR | 100 | $70,760 |
| Hot Springs, AR | not known | $67,990 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 220 | $67,760 |
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 100 | $67,350 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 430 | $66,240 |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 110 | $64,870 |
Related Healthcare Careers
The table below compares key data for Dental Hygienists with other entry level healthcare and healthcare assisting roles in Arkansas;
| Career | Number Employed | Hourly Wage | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 1,400 | $30.97 | $64,410 |
| Physician Assistants | 400 | $35.04 | $72,880 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 1,080 | $24.05 | $50,020 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 360 | $28.15 | $58,550 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | 2,220 | $14.06 | $29,230 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 3,620 | $13.79 | $28,680 |
| Surgical Technologists | 890 | $19.23 | $40,010 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 300 | $12.68 | $26,380 |
| Home Health Aides | 7,040 | $9.05 | $18,830 |
| Nursing Assistants | 17,950 | $10.61 | $22,070 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 200 | $31.41 | $65,340 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 990 | $25.02 | $52,030 |
| Massage Therapists | 260 | $18.65 | $38,790 |
| Dental Assistants | 2,530 | $15.64 | $32,520 |
| Medical Assistants | 2,900 | $13.82 | $28,750 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | 650 | $14.39 | $29,920 |
| Phlebotomists | 880 | $13.11 | $27,280 |