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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Mississippi. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $400. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$400
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions (200 discipline-based + 150 case-based), computer-based, 9 hours, administered by Pearson VUE
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Mississippi Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE (75 passing), clinical exam, jurisprudence exam, CPR, background check, NPDB/HIPDB self-query
Supervision
Direct supervision (primary)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with certification, direct supervision ONLY; N2O permitted with direct supervision ONLY; no restorative or laser privileges; primarily direct supervision state with limited general supervision (patients of record only, max 10 consecutive business days, excludes LA/N2O)
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
Direct supervision is the PRIMARY mode; limited general supervision available ONLY for patients of record, maximum 10 consecutive business days, and excludes LA/N2O procedures; NOT a direct access state
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee (one of the highest) | $400 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee LA certification renewal fee | $25 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal (even years) plus mandatory PHN assessment | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Application $400 (excludes NBDHE exam fee); one of the highest initial application fees | $400 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (even years)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
Biennial (even years) plus mandatory PHN assessment; LA cert renewal $25 additional
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
By credentials
Transfer Details
Mississippi accepts out-of-state licenses by credentials; NPDB self-query required
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA certification (direct supervision only)
NPDB/HIPDB self-query
Online renewal mandatory
Primarily direct supervision (most restrictive); general supervision limited to 10 consecutive business days for patients of record only, excludes LA/N2O; mandatory PHN assessment with renewal; $400 application fee (among highest); online renewal mandatory
Mississippi is a primarily direct supervision state -- one of the most restrictive.
General supervision is limited to patients of record only, maximum 10 consecutive business days, and excludes LA/N2O procedures.
Application fee of $400 is one of the highest among states.
Mandatory PHN assessment is required with biennial renewal.
Online renewal is mandatory.
Maximum 5 hours of CE may be from home study; maximum 4 hours per year CPR.
NPDB/HIPDB self-query is required for both initial application and reciprocity.
Dental hygienist scope of practice is expanding rapidly across states. Direct access, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, and restorative functions vary significantly by state and may have changed since this data was last verified. Always confirm current scope with your state dental board.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Mississippi.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#50 of 51
Cost
#34 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$62,390
25th percentile
Median
$66,290
-30% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$74,170
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,520 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Hygienists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+10,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
12,200
per year (avg.)
218,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+246% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$66,290
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$37,130
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$66,290
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$128,570
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Mississippi requires a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.