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Dental Hygienist in Indiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Indiana employs 5,020 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $92,330 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Indiana licensing picture, and where to train.

What Dental hygienists Earn in Indiana (May 2025)

Indiana median pay: $92,330 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $74,970
Experienced (75th percentile): $99,020
Top earners (90th percentile): $102,280
Employed in Indiana: 5,020
U.S. median (for comparison): $94,260 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Indiana markets:

Indianapolis: $97,470 (1,780 employed)
Fort Wayne: $86,120 (460 employed)
Evansville: $82,800 (200 employed)
South Bend: $82,650 (280 employed)
Terre Haute: $79,210 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Indiana

Prices in Indiana run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $92,330 median stretches to roughly $98,960 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Indiana (2024–2034)

Indiana is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +6.0%, slower than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 360 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Indiana License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Dental Hygienist — regulated by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA).

Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program at Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indianapolis), Ivy Tech Community College, or Vincennes University.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical board examination (CRDTS/ADEX or WREB accepted by the Indiana Board of Dentistry).
Apply to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry (IPLA) for licensure. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Indiana State Board of Dentistry — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) →

Training in Indiana

IU School of Dentistry in Indianapolis is Indiana's primary dental hygiene training center and a major employer pipeline. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend all have active private practice dental markets. Indiana's growing suburban population and employer-based dental insurance coverage drive consistent hygienist demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Indiana include:

Indiana University-Indianapolis — Associate / Bachelor's
Indiana University-Kokomo — Associate
Indiana University-Northwest — Bachelor's
Indiana University-South Bend — Bachelor's

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 Indiana?

The median wage for dental hygienists in Indiana is $92,330 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $74,970, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $102,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Indiana?

Licensed Dental Hygienist, overseen by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program at Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indianapolis), Ivy Tech Community College, or Vincennes University.

Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Indiana?

Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.

Which Indiana metros pay dental hygienists the most?

Among Indiana metro areas, Indianapolis leads at $97,470, followed by Fort Wayne ($86,120), Evansville ($82,800). 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 Indiana?

Real Indiana options include Indiana University-Indianapolis, Indiana University-Kokomo, Indiana University-Northwest. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Indiana?

Indiana projects dental hygienists employment to change +6.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 360 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), Indiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Indiana State Board of Dentistry — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) (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 Indiana wages · Indiana 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.