The dental hygienist profession represents a significant role in preventative health care, serving as a primary provider of essential oral services. These licensed professionals work closely with dentists, performing clinical, educational, and therapeutic duties that contribute directly to a patient’s overall wellness. Pursuing this career path requires a structured educational journey, followed by a rigorous examination and administrative licensure process. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the specific steps and requirements necessary to achieve professional licensure as a dental hygienist in Missouri.
Understanding the Role and Necessary Prerequisites
The scope of practice for a licensed dental hygienist in Missouri is broad, encompassing preventative and educational procedures performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Primary clinical duties include scaling and polishing teeth, administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia under specific conditions, and conducting periodontal root planing and debridement. Hygienists also take and process dental radiographs and apply preventative agents like sealants and fluorides. Patient education forms a significant component of the role, instructing individuals on proper oral hygiene techniques and the relationship between diet and oral health.
Before applying to a formal dental hygiene program, prospective students must fulfill foundational educational requirements, starting with a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. Applicants must also complete specified college-level prerequisite courses, which typically include core sciences like biology, general chemistry, human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Many programs require these science courses to be completed with a minimum grade point average, often 3.0 or higher, ensuring a strong academic foundation.
Completing Accredited Dental Hygiene Education
The path to licensure in Missouri mandates the successful completion of a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This accreditation ensures the program meets nationally recognized standards for curriculum, faculty, and clinical facilities. While a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is the most common entry-level credential, some institutions also offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Programs typically require two to three years of full-time study.
The curriculum is divided into both didactic and clinical components. Didactic coursework covers advanced topics such as oral pathology, pharmacology, periodontics, radiology, and pain management. Students learn the theoretical basis for clinical procedures and the systemic connections of oral health. This academic foundation is coupled with extensive clinical training, where students practice on manikins and then on actual patients under the direct supervision of faculty members. Clinical practice develops proficiency in patient assessment, instrumentation, and therapeutic procedures, including administering local anesthesia and performing complex scaling and root planing. Graduates receive the necessary education and clinical competency to qualify for the national and regional examinations required for licensure.
Navigating the Required Examinations
Candidates for Missouri licensure must successfully pass two distinct examination components after completing their accredited program: a cognitive exam and a clinical skills assessment. The first is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a comprehensive, computer-based exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. This examination assesses the candidate’s understanding of the scientific basis of practice, clinical patient services, and community health principles. The NBDHE is typically taken toward the end of the academic program and is a prerequisite for the clinical examination.
The second mandatory component is a clinical competency examination, which evaluates practical skills in a controlled setting. Missouri accepts scores from several regional testing agencies, including the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA). These exams require candidates to perform various procedures, such as periodontal debridement, on a live patient or a manikin to prove mastery of instrumentation and patient management. Passing both the NBDHE and an accepted regional clinical exam confirms the candidate is prepared to practice safely and effectively.
Applying for Licensure Through the Missouri Dental Board
With the academic and examination requirements fulfilled, the next step involves submitting a formal application for licensure to the Missouri Dental Board (MDB), the governing authority for the profession. The application process requires the submission of several official documents to verify eligibility. Applicants must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from their CODA-accredited school to the MDB. Proof of passing scores for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the accepted regional clinical competency examination must also be submitted from the respective testing agencies.
The MDB requires applicants to hold current certification in Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (BLS) or an equivalent. This certification must include written and manikin testing by a physically present instructor, as online-only courses are not accepted. Applicants must pass the Missouri jurisprudence examination with a score of at least eighty percent, which evaluates knowledge of state dental laws and rules. Finally, the complete application package, including a two-inch by three-inch photograph and the nonrefundable application fee of $100.00, must be submitted and processed by the Board within one year.
Maintaining Your Missouri Dental Hygiene License
Once licensed, a dental hygienist must meet ongoing requirements to maintain an active license status with the Missouri Dental Board. The renewal cycle operates biennially, with licenses requiring renewal every two years in November of even-numbered years. Renewal is contingent upon completing thirty hours of approved continuing education (CE) during the two-year period preceding the renewal date. A maximum of five hours may be in practice management, while the remaining hours must be technical and directly relate to clinical practice. Licensees must retain documentation of completed CE hours for a minimum of six years. Maintaining current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also a continuous requirement for license renewal.
Career and Salary Expectations in Missouri
The employment outlook for dental hygienists in Missouri remains positive, reflecting a steady demand for preventative oral health care professionals. Job growth projections indicate a healthy career landscape for new licensees. The largest concentrations of employment are typically found in major metropolitan areas, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, though opportunities exist across urban and rural communities. The average annual salary for a dental hygienist in Missouri is approximately $79,740, based on recent data. Salaries vary based on geographic location, years of experience, and practice setting, with experienced hygienists potentially earning over $90,000 annually.