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How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin - WI

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 11 2010

Careers in the Wisconsin dental field are on the rise, as they are in much of the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently estimated that careers in dental hygiene and dental assisting will increase by over 30% in the coming years. As of May 2008, there were 4,550 registered dental hygienists in Wisconsin. Dental hygienists in the state are required to be licensed. Flexible training options and educations make this career appealing to high school graduates, those looking to re-enter the workforce, and even those who want to make a career change.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin

All dental hygienists in Wisconsin are required to become licensed by the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board. The majority of dental hygienists become licensed by examination. Wisconsin will also license dental hygienists by endorsement. Endorsement is primarily used to license dental hygienists who have been licensed previously in another state.

In order to become a dental hygienist licensed by examination in Wisconsin, follow the steps below:

1. Prepare accordingly by successfully completing high school or a GED.
2. Apply to an American Dental Association accredited dental hygiene program.
3. Graduate from dental hygiene program.
4. Receive and maintain CPR/AED certification.
5. Pass the required written and clinical examinations required by the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board. Acceptable exams include: CRDTS, WREB, NERB, SRTA, ADEX, and CITA. The exam must be passed within five years prior to the date of application.
6. Submit an application, fee, and all required documentation to obtain a dental hygiene license in Wisconsin, to the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.