Known as the “Yellowhammer State,” Alabama is the 24th-most populous state in the US. The capital is Montgomery, but the largest city measured by population is Birmingham. The oldest city, Mobile, dates clear back to 1702, when it was founded as the capital of French Louisiana.
Alabama is in fact a state of great historical richness. Along with its appeal to history buffs, Alabama boasts quite a few other benefits which make it an excellent place to settle down and start a career. The cost of living is low, and Alabama has the fifth-lowest state taxes in the country. The cities are beautiful, but there are also plenty of appealing options for rural living. The weather is mild, the lifestyle is laid-back, and the warm southern hospitality never goes amiss.
Alabama Dental Hygiene Programs
Ready to discover the most exciting programs in dental hygiene in the state of Alabama? Following is a list of colleges offering Alabama dental hygiene programs. Good luck, and enjoy your journey toward a bright future working as an Alabama dental hygienist!
| Institute | Address | Website | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis Institute Birmingham | 100 London Parkway Birmingham, AL 35211 | www.fortisinstitute.edu | AAS |
| Wallace State College | 801 Main Street NE Hanceville, AL 35077 | www.wallacestate.edu | AAS |
License Requirements
How can you become a dental hygienist in Alabama?
- Provide verification of citizenship.
- Complete an accredited program in dental hygiene as approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Take and pass the Alabama Dental Hygiene Board Examination administered by the state.
- Pay the $225 fee.
You are not required to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination offered by the ADA to work as a dental hygienist in Alabama. If in the future you choose to move out of the state, however, you will have to take and pass the exam as it is required in most other states.
Dental Hygienist Salary in Alabama
Currently, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the role of dental hygienist is growing at a rate of 20%. This is much faster than the average rate of growth for all other professions. The median pay in 2018 was reported as $46,920 per year, or $22.56 per hour. The mean annual wage is just slightly lower, reported at $46,500.
What can you expect if you decide to start a career as a dental hygienist in beautiful Alabama? At present, the BLS reports that there are around 3,490 dental hygienists currently employed in the state. This is a higher density of employment in the field than you will find in many other states, including neighboring Mississippi.
How much are Alabama dental hygienists making? At present, the mean annual wage is $46,500. You will notice that this is substantially lower than the mean annual wage reported nationwide. So this may not be the best state to work in if you want to earn the highest pay, but there are other rewards for working as a dental hygienist in Alabama.
| Area Name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville | 90 | $21.21 | $44,120 |
| Auburn, Opelika | 80 | $22.78 | $47,380 |
| Birmingham, Hoover | 1080 | $22.14 | $46,050 |
| Daphne, Fairhope, Foley | 150 | $20.05 | $41,700 |
| Decatur | 140 | $22.74 | $47,290 |
| Dothan | 140 | $24.12 | $50,170 |
| Florence, Muscle Shoals | 130 | $21.40 | $44,520 |
| Mobile | 300 | $22.70 | $47,210 |
| Huntsville | 420 | $23.02 | $47,890 |
| Mobile, AL | 300 | $22.55 | $46,910 |