How to become a Dental Hygienist in Mississippi
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Mississippi 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 Mississippi, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top 5 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Mississippi
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | Booneville | Learn More |
| Pearl River Community College | Hattiesburg | Learn More |
| University of Mississippi | Jackson | Learn More |
| Meridian Community College, Meridian | Meridian | Learn More |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | Moorhead | Learn More |
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).
There are currently 5 CODA-accredited programs in Mississippi.
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.
Mississippi 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 Mississippi law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Mississippi. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners
Phone: (601) 944-9622
Website: http://www.dentalboard.ms.gov
Dental Hygienist Salary in Mississippi
| Salary | $57,620 |
| Hourly Wage | $27.70 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $41,470 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $74,630 |
| # Employed | 1,400 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Mississippi is $57,620 – 23% below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $27.70.
There are currently 1,400 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Mississippi Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Mississippi 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 Mississippi;
Area Number Employed Salary
Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS 160 $60,500.00
Hattiesburg, MS 70 $45,310.00
Jackson, MS 260 $57,180.00
Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area (8)- $50,610.00
Northwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area 110 $62,060.00
Southeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area 160 $50,420.00
Southwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area 80 $54,760.00
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Mississippi
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Mississippi;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 3140 | $67,410.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 5250 | $34,800.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 1680 | $41,840.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 1340 | $36,140.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 9000 | $29,480.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 1760 | $28,790.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***