How to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Dakota: A Complete Guide

Looking to start a career as a dental hygienist in the Mount Rushmore State? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed dental hygienist in South Dakota, where there’s a growing demand for oral healthcare professionals.

Educational Requirements

Step 1: Complete Prerequisites (1-2 years)

Before entering a dental hygiene program, complete these prerequisite courses:

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

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

South Dakota requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. The state’s primary program is:

• University of South Dakota (USD) Department of Dental Hygiene

Program components include:

• Classroom instruction
• Laboratory practice
• Clinical experience
• Patient care
• Radiography
• Local anesthesia training
• Community health
• Research methodology

Licensing Requirements

Step 1: National Board Examination

Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).

Step 2: Clinical Examination

Successfully complete one of these regional clinical examinations:

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

Step 3: South Dakota State Licensure

Submit an application to the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry including:

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

Additional Certifications

South Dakota offers certifications for:

Local Anesthesia Administration

• Included in USD’s program curriculum
• Required for licensure
• Ongoing education requirements

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring

• Optional certification
• Requires additional training
• Annual renewal requirements

Maintaining Your License

Continuing Education Requirements

• Complete 75 hours of continuing education every five years
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license annually by December 31st
• Required topics include:
• Infection control
• Medical emergencies
• OSHA standards
• Ethics

Career Opportunities

Work Settings

• Private dental practices
• Public health clinics
• Indian Health Service facilities
• Educational institutions
• Mobile dental units
• Corporate dental organizations
• Research facilities

Salary Expectations

As of 2024, South Dakota dental hygienists typically earn:

• Entry-level: $58,000-$68,000/year
• Mid-career: $68,000-$80,000/year
• Experienced: $80,000-$95,000/year
• Benefits often include:
• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Continuing education allowance
• Relocation assistance (rural areas)

Career Advancement Options

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

Tips for Success

1. Professional Networking

• Join the South Dakota Dental Hygienists’ Association
• Attend state dental conferences
• Participate in local dental society meetings
• Connect with USD alumni

1. Career Development

• Consider rural practice opportunities
• Develop cultural competency
• Build strong patient relationships
• Stay current with technology

1. Essential Skills

• Clinical expertise
• Patient communication
• Time management
• Physical stamina
• Attention to detail
• Technology proficiency
• Cultural sensitivity

South Dakota-Specific Resources

• South Dakota State Board of Dentistry: [website]
• South Dakota Dental Hygienists’ Association: [website]
• South Dakota Dental Association: [website]

Financial Aid Options

• South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
• Build Dakota Scholarship Fund
• Federal student loans
• USD scholarships
• Indian Health Service scholarships
• Rural recruitment incentives

Geographic Considerations

Urban Practice

Major cities include:

• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City
• Aberdeen
  Benefits:
• Higher patient volume
• More job opportunities
• Professional networking
• Continuing education access

Rural Practice

Benefits include:

• Loan repayment programs
• Higher starting salaries
• Sign-on bonuses
• Housing allowances
• Community impact
• Lower cost of living

Special Opportunities

Indian Health Service (IHS)

• Competitive salaries
• Federal benefits
• Loan repayment
• Cultural experience
• Professional development

Rural Health Initiatives

• State loan repayment programs
• Rural recruitment incentives
• Community health focus
• Broader scope of practice

Cultural Considerations

Native American Communities

• Nine tribal reservations
• Cultural competency training
• Traditional healing practices
• Community outreach

Rural Communities

• Strong community ties
• Varied patient needs
• Multiple practice locations
• Travel opportunities

Weather Considerations

South Dakota’s climate affects practice:

• Winter preparedness
• Flexible scheduling
• Emergency protocols
• Travel planning

Professional Development

Continuing Education

• State dental conferences
• Online courses
• USD-sponsored programs
• Regional workshops
• Study clubs
• Manufacturer training

Leadership Opportunities

• Professional associations
• Community health programs
• Mentorship roles
• Public health initiatives

The path to becoming a dental hygienist in South Dakota offers unique opportunities, especially in rural and Native American communities. While the state has only one dental hygiene program, its strong focus on rural health and various practice settings provides excellent career potential. The combination of competitive compensation, loan repayment programs, and community impact makes dental hygiene an attractive career choice in South Dakota.