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

Looking to start a career as a dental hygienist in the Volunteer State? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed dental hygienist in Tennessee.

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)

Tennessee requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Accredited programs in Tennessee include:

• Chattanooga State Community College
• East Tennessee State University
• Remington College (Memphis)
• Tennessee State University
• Roane State Community College
• Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Memphis)
• Volunteer State Community College

Program components include:

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

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:

• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)

Step 3: Tennessee State Licensure

Submit an application to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry including:

• Official transcripts
• National Board scores
• Clinical examination results
• Background check
• Current CPR certification
• Application fee
• Proof of completion of Tennessee jurisprudence exam

Additional Certifications

Tennessee offers certifications for:

Administration of Local Anesthesia

Requirements include:

• Completion of approved course
• Clinical competency examination
• Continuing education

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring

Requirements include:

• Completion of approved course
• Clinical competency verification
• Annual certification renewal

Maintaining Your License

Continuing Education Requirements

• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license biennially by December 31st
• Required courses:
• Chemical dependency
• Infectious disease control
• Tennessee dental practice act
• Medical emergencies

Career Opportunities

Work Settings

• Private dental practices
• Public health clinics
• Educational institutions
• Corporate dental organizations
• Military bases
• Research facilities
• Mobile dental units

Salary Expectations

As of 2024, Tennessee 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
• Dental coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Continuing education allowance

Regional Salary Variations

• Nashville/Davidson: Higher range
• Memphis: Competitive urban rates
• Knoxville: Strong mid-range
• Rural areas: Often include incentives

Tips for Success

1. Professional Networking

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

1. Career Development

• Stay current with technology
• Pursue additional certifications
• Develop specialized skills
• Build strong patient relationships

1. Essential Skills

• Clinical expertise
• Patient communication
• Time management
• Physical stamina
• Attention to detail
• Technology proficiency
• Southern hospitality

Tennessee-Specific Resources

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

Financial Aid Options

• Tennessee Promise Scholarship
• Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
• Federal student loans
• School-specific scholarships
• Professional organization scholarships
• Work-study programs

Regional Considerations

Tennessee offers diverse practice opportunities:

Urban Areas

• Nashville
• Memphis
• Knoxville
• Chattanooga
  Features:
• Higher patient volume
• Competitive salaries
• More job opportunities
• Diverse patient population

Rural Areas

Benefits include:

• Loan repayment programs
• Higher starting salaries
• Community involvement
• Less competition
• Potential sign-on bonuses

Cultural Considerations

Tennessee’s diverse population requires:

• Cultural competency
• Understanding of rural health needs
• Community outreach experience
• Southern cultural awareness

Professional Development

Continuing Education Opportunities

• State dental conferences
• Online courses
• Hands-on workshops
• Study clubs
• Manufacturer training
• University-sponsored programs

Professional Organizations

Membership benefits include:

• Networking opportunities
• Educational resources
• Professional advocacy
• Career support
• Leadership development

Work-Life Balance

Tennessee offers unique quality of life benefits:

• No state income tax
• Reasonable cost of living
• Rich music and culture
• Outdoor recreation
• Four distinct seasons
• Family-friendly communities

The path to becoming a dental hygienist in Tennessee combines professional opportunity with southern hospitality and lifestyle benefits. With multiple accredited programs across the state and various practice settings from urban to rural, Tennessee provides an excellent environment for building a rewarding career in dental hygiene. The state’s commitment to oral health education and preventive care, combined with its growing healthcare infrastructure, makes it an attractive destination for dental hygiene professionals.