How to become a Dental Hygienist in Massachusetts
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in Massachusetts, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top 7 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Massachusetts
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| MCPHS University | Boston | Learn More |
| Bristol Community College | Fall River | Learn More |
| Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner | Gardner | Learn More |
| Middlesex Community College, Lowell | Lowell | Learn More |
| Regis College | Weston | Learn More |
| Springfield Technical Community College | Springfield | Learn More |
| Cape Cod Community College | West Barnstable | Learn More |
| Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester | Learn More |
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
There are currently 7 CODA accredited programs in Massachusetts.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license.
Massachusetts Dental Hygienist License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and have passed all additional certification exams it is a requirement of Massachusetts law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Massachusetts. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry
Phone: (617) 973-0971
Website: http://www.mass.gov/dph/boards/dn
Dental Hygienist Salary in Massachusetts
| Salary | $82,290 |
| Hourly Wage | $39.56 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $64,790 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $101,760 |
| # Employed | 5,660 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Massachusetts is $82,290 – 10% above the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $39.56.
There are currently 5,660 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
To see how Massachusetts compares with other states view our breakdown of dental hygienist salary by state
Massachusetts Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts given the strong salary levels and jobs growth for the career.
Dental hygiene salaries are among some of the highest in the healthcare industry and it is projected that an additional 30,000 positions will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024 representing an almost 15% increase in employment.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental hygienists across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Massachusetts;
Area Number Employed Salary
Barnstable Town, MA 250 $85,330.00
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH 4590 $80,240.00
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA NECTA Division 2480 $80,880.00
Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division 180 $81,120.00
Framingham, MA NECTA Division 440 $83,390.00
Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury Town, MA-NH NECTA Division 170 $91,870.00
Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division 220 $65,590.00
Leominster-Gardner, MA 120 $88,470.00
Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division 310 $86,700.00
Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, MA NECTA Division 100 $77,100.00
New Bedford, MA 120 $72,840.00
Peabody-Salem-Beverly, MA NECTA Division 250 $67,510.00
Pittsfield, MA 90 $73,510.00
Springfield, MA-CT 610 $83,660.00
Taunton-Middleborough-Norton, MA NECTA Division 120 $75,800.00
Worcester, MA-CT 710 $79,990.00
Northwest Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area 50 $72,620.00
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Massachusetts
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Massachusetts;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 9870 | $61,230.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 3940 | $53,660.00 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 2460 | $59,810.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 10870 | $30,020.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 3390 | $42,660.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 2900 | $31,300.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 9160 | $34,900.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 22790 | $29,900.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 2480 | $29,970.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***