How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in Tennessee (2026)

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Tennessee

Tennessee's healthcare sector has grown dramatically alongside Nashville's emergence as a national hub for healthcare corporations, hospital systems, and dental service organizations. From Music City's booming suburban practices to the academic dental programs in Memphis and the Appalachian communities served by Knoxville-area clinics, Tennessee offers a diverse practice environment. Licensure is issued by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Health.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Tennessee requires graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Strong in-state programs are available at Roane State Community College (Harriman), Tennessee State University (Nashville), Concorde Career College (Memphis and Nashville), and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis). Out-of-state graduates from CODA programs may apply for Tennessee licensure through the standard pathway.

Nashville's status as a corporate healthcare hub means new dental groups and DSOs launch frequently in the metro area, creating consistent job demand for new graduates.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), administered by the JCNDE, is required for Tennessee licensure. Most candidates sit during or shortly after their graduating semester. A passing score must be included in your application to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. The exam tests dental hygiene sciences, pathology, radiology, periodontology, and community health through a comprehensive computer-based format.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination

Tennessee accepts the ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners) clinical examination. ADEX's live-patient format uses standardized competency scoring and is accepted in over 40 states — useful for Tennessee candidates who may practice cross-border in Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, or Alabama. Testing sites are available throughout the Southeast region and nationally. Score reports must be forwarded from ADEX to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

After passing both boards, submit your application to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Required materials include:

• Completed Tennessee Board application
• Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited program
• Official NBDHE and ADEX score reports
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Application fee — approximately $75–$100
• Background check

Visit tn.gov/health and navigate to Dental Professionals for the current application and fee schedule. Tennessee offers online licensure verification through the same portal.

Continuing Education Requirements

Tennessee RDHs must complete 20 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. The Tennessee Board does not currently mandate specific subject categories within the 20 hours, though infection control updates are broadly recommended. CE providers should be recognized by a major dental CE accrediting body such as ADA CERP or AGMD. Tennessee's active professional associations — the Tennessee Dental Hygienists' Association (TDHA) — offer frequent CE programming across the state. Retain all CE records for a minimum of three years.

Tennessee Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Tennessee's cost of living remains below the national average, but Nashville's explosive growth is driving compensation upward in that market:

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $52,000–$63,000/year
• Mid-career (3–7 years): $63,000–$76,000/year
• Experienced (8+ years): $76,000–$90,000/year
• Nashville metro (including Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro): top of range; corporate dental groups and DSO headquarters drive above-market compensation; per-diem rates $38–$55/hr
• Memphis metro: strong hospital-system demand; Mid-South Dental Center and affiliated practices hire consistently
• Knoxville metro: mid-range; UT Health affiliates and private practices along Kingston Pike corridor
• Rural and Appalachian Tennessee: NHSC loan repayment available in designated shortage areas

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Tennessee

• Private and group dental practices — largest employment sector statewide; particularly dense in Nashville's Cool Springs, Williamson County, and East Nashville corridors
• Dental Service Organizations — Tennessee is a DSO-heavy state; Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental, Dental Care Alliance, and several Nashville-headquartered DSOs operate dozens of locations
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center — hospital-based dental services in Nashville
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) — dental school clinic in Memphis employs staff RDHs and adjunct faculty
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare — Memphis hospital system with dental programs
• FQHCs — Cherokee Health Systems (East TN), Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (Nashville), and others
• Public health and school-based programs — Tennessee Oral Health Program places dental hygienists in community and school settings