How to become a Dental Hygienist in New Jersey
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in New Jersey 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 New Jersey, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Take the first step and reach out to your preferred dental hygiene schools in your area for information on course curriculum, admissions requirements, and tuition and fees.
Top 6 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools New Jersey
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Camden County College | Blackwood | Learn More |
| Middlesex County College | Edison | Learn More |
| Eastern International College, Jersey City | Jersey City | Learn More |
| Bergen Community College, Paramus | Paramus | Learn More |
| Rowan College at Burlington County | Pemberton | Learn More |
| Rutgers University, Camden | Scotch Plains | 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 New Jersey.
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.
New Jersey 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 New Jersey law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry governs the licensing of dental hygienists in New Jersey. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: New Jersey State Board of Dentistry
Phone: (973) 504-6405
Website: http://www.boardofdentistry.net/new-jersey-board-of-dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in New Jersey
| Salary | $85,500 |
| Hourly Wage | $41.11 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $67,270 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $101,190 |
| # Employed | 5,710 |
The average dental hygienist salary in New Jersey is $85,500 – 14% above the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $41.11.
There are currently 5,710 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
New Jersey Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in New Jersey 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 New Jersey. The greatest number of hygienists are employed in the Newark area whilst the highest average salary is paid in the Ocean City area.
| Area | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 90 | $75,680.00 |
| Camden, NJ Metropolitan Division | 850 | $80,980.00 |
| Newark, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division | 1920 | $85,360.00 |
| Ocean City, NJ | Not Avalable | $87,930.00 |
| Trenton, NJ | 240 | $73,870.00 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 120 | $77,380.00 |
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in New Jersey
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in New Jersey;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 1240 | $89,290.00 |
| Physician Assistants | 590 | $105,470.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 610 | $53,140.00 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 420 | $66,050.00 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | 1610 | $34,310.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 2520 | $31,490.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 420 | $41,810.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 550 | $32,440.00 |
| Home Health Aides | 6660 | $23,350.00 |
| Nursing Assistants | 6620 | $26,750.00 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 140 | $59,130.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 320 | $47,850.00 |
| Massage Therapists | 340 | $28,320.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 2430 | $33,020.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 4840 | $28,790.00 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | 370 | $37,450.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 540 | $29,480.00 |