The dental hygienist is a licensed preventive oral health professional who plays a fundamental part in maintaining a patient’s overall well-being. Their responsibilities extend beyond simple cleanings to include assessing patient conditions, taking radiographs, applying preventive agents like sealants and fluoride, and educating the public on oral hygiene practices. Successfully practicing in Tennessee requires navigating a structured path of education, passing specific examinations, and securing a state license to ensure a high standard of public protection.
Prerequisites and Selecting an Accredited Program
The journey toward licensure in Tennessee begins with a solid academic foundation, typically requiring a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Before formally applying to a dental hygiene program, prospective students must complete a series of college-level prerequisite courses. Required coursework commonly includes human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, often requiring a minimum grade point average for entry. Program selection must be deliberate, as the state of Tennessee requires graduation from a program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA CODA). Graduating from a CODA-accredited institution is a mandatory requirement for sitting for the national board examination and ultimately obtaining a license in Tennessee.
Required Educational Credentials
The minimum educational requirement for a dental hygienist license in Tennessee is an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Dental Hygiene. This two-year, full-time program, completed after the prerequisite courses, combines intense classroom instruction with extensive hands-on clinical training. The curriculum covers subjects such as periodontology, oral pathology, radiography, and pain management techniques. While the A.A.S. degree is the standard and sufficient minimum for state licensure, some students elect to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dental Hygiene. The four-year bachelor’s degree provides a broader educational background that can unlock opportunities in research, public health, education, or corporate sales roles.
Passing the Necessary Examinations
Licensure in Tennessee is contingent upon successfully completing three distinct examinations that verify both cognitive knowledge and clinical competency. The first required assessment is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which evaluates a candidate’s understanding of dental hygiene theory and patient care principles. The second requirement is a hands-on clinical examination, which assesses practical skills in a controlled setting. Tennessee accepts results from several recognized regional testing agencies, including the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB), the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), or the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS). The final mandatory step is the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination, a state-specific, open-book test focusing exclusively on the laws, rules, and regulations governing the practice of dental hygiene within Tennessee.
Submitting Your Tennessee Licensure Application
After successfully completing the educational program and passing all three required examinations, the candidate must submit a formal application to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry (TBOD). This administrative phase consolidates all evidence of competency and character into a single submission for state review. The application package must include:
- Official transcripts sent directly from the CODA-accredited school and verification of passing scores from the national and clinical testing agencies.
- A current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification for healthcare providers.
- Completion of a mandatory criminal background check and fingerprinting process, typically facilitated through an approved vendor.
- Required non-refundable application fees.
- Two original letters of recommendation from licensed dental professionals attesting to the applicant’s good moral character.
Maintaining Your License Through Continuing Education
Maintaining the dental hygienist license in Tennessee is a recurring requirement that ensures practitioners remain current with evolving standards and practices. Licenses operate on a biennial renewal cycle, requiring completion of 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) credits during each renewal period. The TBOD mandates that a portion of these hours must cover specific topics that address public health concerns within the state. A minimum of two hours must be dedicated to chemical dependency education during each cycle. While many courses are available online, no more than 50% of the total CE hours, or 15 hours, may be obtained through web-based or self-study formats.
Career Outlook for Dental Hygienists in Tennessee
The dental hygienist profession in Tennessee offers a favorable career trajectory characterized by strong demand and competitive compensation. The job outlook for hygienists is projected to grow substantially faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an increased emphasis on preventive care and the aging population. This consistent demand creates a stable employment environment across the state. The average annual salary for dental hygienists in Tennessee typically ranges between $70,898 and $75,920, according to recent data. While this average may be slightly lower than the national median, the lower cost of living in Tennessee allows the income to maintain a comparable standard of living. Opportunities for higher earnings are often found in major metropolitan areas such as Nashville and Memphis.