If you love the idea of living and working as a dental hygienist in the southwest, consider New Mexico. New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the United States by area. It is also the sixth least densely populated. The state is known for its desert landscapes, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history.
There are many exciting destinations you can explore while you are living there. The most famous is probably Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which consists of more than 119 amazing caves. Also famous are White Sands National Monument and Bandelier National Monument. Another popular attraction which gives you an eagle’s eye view of some of the most amazing terrain imaginable is the Sandia Peak Tramway. Additionally, you will find plenty of other parks to explore in the Rocky Mountains.
Into history? In New Mexico, you can delve into many different historical epochs. Check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, or head to Los Alamos to learn about the development of the atomic bomb.
New Mexico Dental Hygiene Programs
Now that you know the licensing requirements to become a dental hygienist in New Mexico, you are ready to get started. Review the list of schools below to find New Mexico colleges offering accredited dental hygiene programs.
| Institute | Address | Website | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University-Doña Ana Community College | MSC 3DA PO Box 30001 Las Cruces, NM 88003 | dabcc.nmsu.edu | AS |
| Pima Medical Institute | 4400 Cutler Avenue NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 | pmi.edu | AAS |
| San Juan College | 4601 College Boulevard Farmington, NM 87402 | www.sanjuancollege.edu | AAS |
| University of New Mexico | 2320 Tucker NE Albuquerque, NM 87131 | dentalmedicine.unm.edu | BS-DH |
License Requirements
Ready to become a New Mexico dental hygienist? Here are the licensing requirements you will need to meet:
- Get a Level II Background Report.
- Pay the $400 application fee.
- Provide identification papers.
- Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and submit official transcripts on school letterhead with an embossed seal. These have to be sent straight from the school to the Board.
- Provide certificates proving you have completed 15 hours of continuing education within the past year.
- Complete and pass the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and submit your certificate or score card.
- Provide a copy of your CPR or BLS certification.
- Prove you have taken an OSHA Infection Control course sometime in the past year.
- If you have held a license in any other states, provide verification.
- Take and pass the New Mexico Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 75% or higher.
Dental Hygienist Salary in New Mexico
What is career demand like for dental hygienists in New Mexico, and how much money do they earn? Right now, 1040 hygienists working in the state are pulling an annual mean wage of $91,080. Over time, the job openings available in the state should grow since the field itself is growing at a rate of 20%, which is considered to be quite swift.
You may be wondering what dental hygienists make elsewhere in the country. Actually, on average, it is quite a bit less; the mean is just $75,860. The cost of living varies quite a bit across the state of New Mexico, but some areas are quite expensive, so it is likely that this is also why you might earn more money there.
| Area Name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 500 | $35.25 | $73,330 |
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | 130 | $38.97 | 48,1070 |
| Farmington | 100 | $38.43 | $79,940 |
| Las Cruces | 130 | $31.42 | $65,360 |
| Northern New Mexico non-metropolitan area | 140 | $39.93 | $83,060 |
| Santa Fe | - | $43.30 | $90,060 |
Neighboring Schools
New Mexico is a popular destination for students of dental Hygiene. Check out how schools in neighboring states compare, before you make your final decision. New Mexico is bounded by Colorado to the north, Oklahoma and Texas to the east, Texas to the south, and Arizona.