How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Oklahoma: A Complete Guide

Pursuing a career as a dental hygienist in Oklahoma offers excellent opportunities in healthcare with strong earning potential. This guide outlines the path to becoming a licensed dental hygienist in the Sooner State.

Educational Requirements

Step 1: Complete Prerequisites (1-2 years)

Before entering a dental hygiene program, you must complete prerequisite courses including:

• General Biology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• English Composition
• Psychology
• Mathematics
• Speech Communication
• Nutrition

Step 2: Earn Your Degree (2-3 years)

Oklahoma requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. The state offers several accredited programs:

• University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
• Rose State College
• Tulsa Community College
• Oklahoma City Community College

Program components include:

• Classroom instruction
• Laboratory practice
• Supervised clinical experience
• Direct patient care
• Infection control protocols
• Dental radiography

Licensing Requirements

Step 1: National Board Examination

Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

Step 2: Clinical Examination

Successfully complete one of these regional clinical examinations:

• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)

Step 3: Oklahoma State Licensure

Submit an application to the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry including:

• Official transcripts
• National Board scores
• Clinical examination results
• Background check
• Current CPR certification
• Jurisprudence examination completion
• Application fee

Maintaining Your License

Continuing Education Requirements

• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license annually by December 31st
• Complete required infection control and ethics courses
• Keep accurate records of all CE activities

Scope of Practice in Oklahoma

Oklahoma dental hygienists can perform various procedures including:

• Dental prophylaxis
• Periodontal scaling
• Root planing
• Dental sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental radiographs
• Patient education
• Local anesthesia (with proper certification)
• Nitrous oxide monitoring (with proper certification)

Career Opportunities

Work Settings

• Private dental practices
• Public health clinics
• Educational institutions
• Corporate dental chains
• Native American health facilities
• Military installations
• Mobile dental units

Salary Expectations

As of 2024, Oklahoma dental hygienists typically earn:

• Entry-level: $52,000-$62,000/year
• Mid-career: $62,000-$75,000/year
• Experienced: $75,000-$90,000/year
• Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off

Career Advancement Options

• Clinical practice specialization
• Dental hygiene education
• Public health programs
• Research opportunities
• Sales and consulting
• Practice management
• Corporate leadership roles

Tips for Professional Success

1. Network Effectively

• Join the Oklahoma Dental Hygienists’ Association
• Attend state dental conferences
• Participate in local dental society meetings
• Connect with program alumni

1. Gain Early Experience

• Consider dental assisting while completing prerequisites
• Volunteer at dental clinics or community health events
• Participate in school-sponsored clinics

1. Develop Key Skills

• Strong patient communication
• Clinical expertise
• Time management
• Physical stamina
• Attention to detail
• Technology proficiency

Oklahoma-Specific Resources

• Oklahoma Board of Dentistry: [website]
• Oklahoma Dental Hygienists’ Association: [website]
• Oklahoma Dental Association: [website]

Financial Aid and Scholarship Options

• Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)
• Oklahoma’s Promise
• Federal student loans
• Tribal education assistance
• Professional organization scholarships
• School-specific scholarships
• Work-study programs

Rural Practice Opportunities

Oklahoma offers special incentives for dental hygienists working in rural areas:

• Loan repayment programs
• Higher compensation packages
• Sign-on bonuses
• Additional benefits

Cultural Considerations

Oklahoma’s diverse population includes:

• Native American communities
• Rural populations
• Urban centers
• Military communities

Understanding cultural competency and developing skills to work with diverse populations is essential for success in Oklahoma.

The path to becoming a dental hygienist in Oklahoma requires dedication and commitment, but the reward is a stable career with excellent growth potential. The state’s diverse population and various practice settings offer unique opportunities for dental hygienists to make a significant impact on oral health care in their communities.