How to become a Dental Hygienist in Missouri
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Missouri 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 Missouri, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Missouri
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri College of Cosmetology North | Brentwood | Learn More |
| Missouri Southern State University | Joplin | Learn More |
| University of Missouri, Kansas City | Kansas City | Learn More |
| State Fair Community College, Sedalia | Sedalia | Learn More |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield | Learn More |
| Saint Louis Community College, Forest Park | St. Louis | Learn More |
| North Central Missouri College | Trenton | 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 7 CODA accredited programs in Missouri.
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.
Missouri 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 Missouri law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Missouri State Dental Board governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Missouri. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Missouri State Dental Board
Phone: (573) 751-0040
Website: http://pr.mo.gov/dental.asp
Dental Hygienist Salary in Missouri
| Salary | $69,980 |
| Hourly Wage | $33.64 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $53,040 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $87,040 |
| # Employed | 3,470 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Missouri is $69,980 – 6% below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $33.64.
There are currently 3,470 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Missouri Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Missouri 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 Missouri;
Area Number Employed Salary
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL 70 $69,190.00
Columbia, MO 180 $78,520.00
Jefferson City, MO 40 $73,750.00
Joplin, MO 120 $64,280.00
Kansas City, MO-KS 1360 $70,430.00
St. Joseph, MO-KS 60 $68,160.00
St. Louis, MO-IL 1530 $62,440.00
Springfield, MO 290 $64,840.00
Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area 230 $61,890.00
North Missouri nonmetropolitan area 130 $70,580.00
Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area 120 $64,170.00
Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Not Avalable $63,040.00
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Missouri
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Missouri;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 780 | $68,510.00 |
| Physician Assistants | 440 | $97,030.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 360 | $52,660.00 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 200 | $71,800.00 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | 600 | $30,440.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 1170 | $33,390.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 420 | $44,930.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 410 | $30,120.00 |
| Home Health Aides | 1090 | $22,500.00 |
| Nursing Assistants | 5970 | $25,200.00 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 70 | $51,040.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 170 | $44,820.00 |
| Massage Therapists | 170 | $34,670.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 1180 | $34,230.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 1150 | $31,240.00 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | 320 | $31,660.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 230 | $31,060.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***