Mississippi Dental Hygienist License 2026: Complete RDH Licensing Guide

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Mississippi

Mississippi faces one of the most significant dental access challenges in the United States, with large portions of the state — particularly the Delta region — classified as dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). For RDH candidates, this translates into strong job security, loan repayment opportunities, and meaningful public-health impact. Here is everything you need to earn your Mississippi dental hygienist license.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Mississippi requires graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). In-state options include programs at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Hinds Community College, both offering the Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (ADDH). For candidates seeking a bachelor's degree, several neighboring states and online completion programs offer CODA-accredited BSDH pathways.

The ADDH (two years) meets Mississippi's minimum licensure requirement. However, the BSDH is increasingly preferred by hospital systems, community health centers, and employers seeking hygienists who can assume supervisory or public health roles.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE

Candidates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a 350-question computer-based exam administered by the JCNDE. The exam covers biomedical sciences, dental hygiene sciences, and case-based clinical scenarios. The examination fee is approximately $450. Scores are valid indefinitely and accepted by all state dental boards.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination

Mississippi accepts the following regional clinical examinations:

• ADEX (CDCA Dental Hygiene Examination) — available at multiple Southern test sites.
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service) — offered at testing sites accessible from Mississippi.

Both exams assess live-patient periodontal instrumentation, radiographic technique, and clinical dental hygiene skills. Confirm current test dates and site locations with each agency directly, as schedules change seasonally.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

Submit your application to the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners. You will need:

• Completed application form and fee (~$75–$100 for initial licensure)
• Official CODA-accredited program transcripts
• NBDHE passing score report
• Clinical examination passing score
• Background check

Mississippi dental hygienist licenses are renewed every two years. The Board's website provides renewal deadlines and fee schedules.

Continuing Education Requirements

Mississippi requires 20 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. The Board accepts ADA CERP-recognized courses, Mississippi Dental Association (MDA) events, and courses offered by CODA-accredited dental schools. CPR/BLS certification satisfies a portion of the CE requirement. There are no specific mandatory topic requirements beyond the general 20-hour total, though infection control is strongly recommended and often required by employers.

Mississippi Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Mississippi dental hygienist salaries are among the lower tiers nationally, reflecting the state's overall wage environment — but rural shortage area premiums and loan repayment benefits can substantially offset this.

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $48,000–$58,000/year
• Mid-career (3–7 years): $58,000–$68,000/year
• Experienced (8+ years): $68,000–$78,000/year
• FQHC/public health: Loan repayment up to $50,000 over two years (NHSC)

Jackson and the Gulf Coast (Gulfport–Biloxi corridor) offer the highest in-state wages. Delta-region positions at community health centers frequently come with NHSC or state loan repayment incentives that can make total compensation highly competitive.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Mississippi

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — Delta Health Center, North Mississippi Primary Health Care, and Community Health Centers of the Gulf Coast all employ dental hygienists and are NHSC-eligible sites.
• University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) — Jackson-based academic health system with dental clinic positions.
• Coast Dental / Aspen Dental — DSO presence along the Gulf Coast corridor.
• Mississippi State Department of Health — Public health dental programs in school-based and mobile settings.
• Private practices statewide — Independent practices in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and Biloxi represent the largest single employer category.

The Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program and HRSA resources are worth researching if you plan to practice in a shortage area — dental hygienists serving HPSAs are eligible for state-level support alongside federal NHSC awards.