Dental Hygienist in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Tennessee employs 4,570 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $84,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $84,640 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $76,190
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $94,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,300
- Employed in Tennessee
- 4,570
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $94,030 (1,490 employed)
- Knoxville
- $84,640 (590 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $83,460 (460 employed)
- Clarksville
- $81,260 (200 employed)
- Memphis
- $78,580 (650 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $84,640 median stretches to roughly $92,100 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +13.3%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Dental Hygienist — regulated by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (typically a 2-year associate degree) covering clinical hygiene, radiography, local anesthesia, and patient care.
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical board examination (WREB/ADEX or equivalent accepted by the TN Board of Dentistry).
- Apply to the Tennessee Board of Dentistry for licensure. Renew every two years with continuing education.
Official requirements: Tennessee Board of Dentistry →
Training in Tennessee
Tennessee State University (Nashville) and Roane State Community College offer CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs. Nashville's large and rapidly growing population, combined with HCA Healthcare's outpatient network and a thriving private practice dental market, creates consistent hygienist demand across all four major metros.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers — Associate
- Chattanooga State Community College — Associate
- Concorde Career College-Memphis — Associate
- East Tennessee State University — 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 Tennessee?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Tennessee is $84,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $76,190, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,300. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Tennessee?
Licensed Dental Hygienist, overseen by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (typically a 2-year associate degree) covering clinical hygiene, radiography, local anesthesia, and patient care.
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Tennessee?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Tennessee metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $94,030, followed by Knoxville ($84,640), Chattanooga ($83,460). 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 Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers, Chattanooga State Community College, Concorde Career College-Memphis. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Tennessee?
Tennessee projects dental hygienists employment to change +13.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 370 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Board of Dentistry (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.