How to become a Dental Hygienist in Idaho
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Idaho 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 Idaho, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Take the first step and request more information on program structure, admissions, tuition and financial assistance from your preferred dental hygiene schools and related courses in your area.
Top 3 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Idaho
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University | Pocatello | Learn More |
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls | Learn More |
| Carrington College | Boise | 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 3 CODA accredited programs in Idaho.
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.
Idaho 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 Idaho law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Idaho State Board of Dentistry governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Idaho. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Idaho State Board of Dentistry
Phone: (208) 334-2369
Website: http://isbd.idaho.gov/
Dental Hygienist Salary in Idaho
| Salary | $74,490 |
| Hourly Wage | $35.81 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $60,170 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $94,660 |
| # Employed | 1,650 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Idaho is $74,490 – slightly below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $35.81.
There are currently 1,650 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Idaho Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Idaho 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 Idaho;
Area Number Employed Salary
Boise City, ID 730 $70,780.00
Coeur d'Alene, ID 130 $87,100.00
Idaho Falls, ID 160 $73,220.00
Lewiston, ID-WA 50 $78,880.00
Pocatello, ID 90 $67,450.00
Panhandle of Idaho nonmetropolitan area 70 $66,970.00
Southwest Idaho nonmetropolitan area 30 $70,290.00
Southcentral Idaho nonmetropolitan area 100 $72,290.00
Southeast Idaho nonmetropolitan area 90 $72,260.00
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Idaho
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Idaho;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 7820 | $69,880.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 4930 | $54,430.00 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 2150 | $74,710.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 19160 | $30,210.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 2750 | $44,870.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 3640 | $32,940.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 13200 | $37,120.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 18420 | $31,970.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 5330 | $34,340.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***