How to become a Dental Hygienist in Indiana
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Indiana (IN) 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 Indiana, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Take the first step today and request information on course curriculum, tuition, etc from your top chosen dental hygiene schools and/or related dental programs.
Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Indiana
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College - East Central | Anderson | Learn More |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville | Learn More |
| Indiana University - Northwest | Gary | Learn More |
| Indiana University School of Dentistry | Indianapolis | Learn More |
| Ivy Tech Community College - Southeast | South Bend | Learn More |
| Indiana University | South Bend | 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 6 CODA accredited programs in Indiana.
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.
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Indiana 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 Indiana law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Indiana State Board of Dentistry Indiana Professional Licensing Agency governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Indiana. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Indiana State Board of Dentistry Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Phone: (317) 234-2003
Website: http://www.pla.in.gov
Dental Hygienist Salary in Indiana
| Salary | $67,150 |
| Hourly Wage | $32.28 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $49,840 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $82,810 |
| # Employed | 4,790 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Indiana is $67,150 – 10% below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $32.28.
There are currently 4,790 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Indiana Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Indiana 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 Indiana;
Area Number Employed Salary
Bloomington, IN 90 $78,100.00
Elkhart-Goshen, IN 190 $61,980.00
Evansville, IN-KY 260 $68,590.00
Fort Wayne, IN 370 $61,380.00
Gary, IN Metropolitan Division 510 $70,110.00
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN 1540 $68,920.00
Kokomo, IN 140 $66,920.00
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN 100 $72,830.00
Michigan City-La Porte, IN 70 $56,060.00
Muncie, IN 90 $59,690.00
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI 370 $69,840.00
Terre Haute, IN Not Avalable $67,360.00
Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area 320 $59,330.00
Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area 180 $58,130.00
Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area 330 $67,390.00
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Indiana
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Indiana;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 2340 | $68,470.00 |
| Physician Assistants | 1000 | $96,220.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 910 | $50,560.00 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 690 | $62,110.00 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | 2390 | $33,160.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 4390 | $29,460.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 740 | $39,340.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 740 | $31,350.00 |
| Home Health Aides | 5730 | $23,920.00 |
| Nursing Assistants | 23130 | $26,300.00 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 400 | $53,720.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 930 | $45,970.00 |
| Massage Therapists | 820 | $39,640.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 3260 | $37,820.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 4810 | $31,970.00 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | 970 | $32,790.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 1160 | $29,190.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***