Dental Hygienist in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arkansas employs 1,740 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $86,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $86,760 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $62,170
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $93,600
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,730
- Employed in Arkansas
- 1,740
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Arkansas markets:
- Little Rock
- $89,160 (490 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $87,210 (410 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $86,650 (80 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $84,480 (150 employed)
- Texarkana
- $82,800 (70 employed)
- Memphis
- $78,580 (650 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $86,760 median stretches to roughly $99,839 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +20.1%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a clinical exam.
- Apply to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners →
Training in Arkansas
One of the best-paid 2-year healthcare paths. Seats are competitive — plan prerequisites early and check program pass rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Associate / Bachelor's
- University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — Bachelor's
- University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.
Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.
Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
First Steps
Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Arkansas?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Arkansas is $86,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $62,170, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Arkansas?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Arkansas metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Little Rock leads at $89,160, followed by Fayetteville ($87,210), Jonesboro ($86,650). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Hygienist in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects dental hygienists employment to change +20.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.