How to become a Dental Hygienist in Nebraska
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Nebraska 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 Nebraska and near you, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top 2 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Nebraska
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Central Community College, Hastings | Hastings | Learn More |
| University of Nebraska, Lincoln | Lincoln | 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 2 CODA accredited programs in Nebraska.
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.
Nebraska 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 Nebraska law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Division of Public Health Lic. Unit governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Nebraska. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Division of Public Health Lic. Unit
Phone: (402) 471-2118
Website: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/crl_medical_dent_dentist_dentist.aspx#Board
Dental Hygienist Salary in Nebraska
| Salary | $64,580 |
| Hourly Wage | $31.05 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $46,790 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $80,320 |
| # Employed | 1,280 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Nebraska is $64,580 – 14% below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $31.05.
There are currently 1,280 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Nebraska Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Nebraska 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 Nebraska;
Area Number Employed Salary
Grand Island, NE 80 $60,780.00
Lincoln, NE 350 $65,830.00
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA 370 $68,180.00
Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area 70 $60,040.00
Central Nebraska nonmetropolitan area 160 $61,450.00
Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area 110 $69,810.00
Southeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area 30 $53,360.00
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Nebraska
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Nebraska;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 1510 | $89,190.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 810 | $60,770.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 680 | $33,540.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 2820 | $35,030.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 5920 | $31,740.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 880 | $35,080.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***