Dental Hygienist in Fayetteville, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

As someone who’s watched the dental hygiene job market evolve in Northwest Arkansas for over a decade, I can tell you the numbers here are solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in the Fayetteville metro is $85,166/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.95/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $87,530/year, but remember that national figure includes high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York. In Fayetteville, that salary goes much, much further.

The job market is stable and growing. There are approximately 203 jobs in the Fayetteville-Bentonville-Springdale metro area at any given time, and the 10-year projected job growth is 9%. This growth is fueled by a couple of key factors: an aging population (Arkansas as a whole has a growing senior demographic) and the continued expansion of specialized dental practices. While 9% isn't explosive growth, it’s consistent and reliable, meaning you’re not chasing fads; you’re building a career in a field with steady demand.

Here’s how experience typically translates to earnings in our local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Fayetteville Area)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $90,000
Senior (8-15 years)	$88,000 - $95,000
Expert (15+ years)	$92,000+

When you compare Fayetteville to other Arkansas cities, the dynamic shifts. Fayetteville is more affordable than Little Rock (where salaries might be slightly higher but cost of living is closer to the national average), and it's on par with Northwest Arkansas's other major cities, Springdale and Bentonville. However, the real advantage here is the proximity to Bentonville, the global headquarters of Walmart. Many dental practices in the region serve corporate families, which can lead to more consistent patient volume and, at times, premium fees for practices specializing in complex restorative work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $85,166/year sounds great on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Fayetteville? First, we need to account for taxes and housing.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):
Using standard deductions for a single filer (federal, state, Social Security, Medicare), your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $5,100 - $5,200. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home will depend on your benefits, 401(k) contributions, and insurance.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $5,150
• Average 1BR Rent: -$924
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$180
• Groceries: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Avg. for NWA): -$450
• Health Insurance (Employer contribution): -$150
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining, Hobbies): -$700
• Student Loans/Other Debt: -$500
• Savings/Investments: $1,846

This leaves you with a very healthy $1,800+ to put toward savings, investments, or aggressive debt repayment. The key metric here is the rent. At $924/month, housing consumes less than 18% of your take-home pay, which is well below the recommended 30% threshold.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Fayetteville metro hovers around $300,000-$350,000. With a $85,166 salary and a solid down payment (or using an FHA loan), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,600 - $1,900. This is manageable on your take-home pay, especially if you have a partner with an income. There are plenty of starter homes and townhomes in the $250,000 - $300,000 range in neighborhoods like Mission Heights or south Fayetteville.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

The dental job market in Fayetteville is a mix of large corporate dental chains, private practices, and a few community-focused clinics. Based on current listings and industry chatter, here are the key employers to target:

1. Heartland Dental: This is one of the largest DSOs (Dental Support Organizations) in the country with multiple locations in Fayetteville and Springdale. They offer competitive benefits, structured training, and a clear path for advancement. Hiring is steady, and they often post jobs on their career page and LinkedIn.
2. Aspen Dental: Located on the busy Walton Blvd corridor, this practice is part of a national chain. It sees high patient volume, which is great for building speed and efficiency early in your career. They are known for aggressive marketing, so patient flow is rarely an issue.
3. Private Practices (The Local Gem): Don't overlook the numerous independent practices. Look for signs on College Ave (north of the university) and Mission Blvd. A prime example is Fayetteville Dental Care, a long-standing practice known for its focus on patient relationships. Working for a private practice often means more autonomy and a closer-knit team, but benefits might be less comprehensive than a large DSO.
4. University of Arkansas (U of A) - Pat Walker Health Center: This is a unique opportunity. Serving the student population offers a different pace and patient demographic. Positions here are highly competitive but come with excellent state benefits (retirement, health insurance) and a stable work environment. Check the U of A HR website or HireArkanJOBS.
5. Northwest Arkansas Community Health Centers (NWACHC): With a clinic on N. College Ave, this is a fantastic option if you're interested in public health or serving underserved populations. The pay may be slightly lower than private practice (closer to $78,000 - $82,000), but it comes with strong job security, loan repayment programs, and a mission-driven environment.
6. Children's Dental Health Practice: There are several pediatric-focused practices in the area, such as Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry. If you specialize in pediatric hygiene, these practices are always in need of hygienists who are great with kids and anxious patients.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised. Join the Arkansas Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) state chapter. Attend the annual meeting (often held in Little Rock or virtually). Networking here is the fastest way to hear about openings in private practices before they hit job boards.

Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas is part of the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) for clinical exams. The process is straightforward but requires meticulous paperwork.

Requirements & Timeline (from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners):

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (typically an associate's degree).
2. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): Pass this written exam.
3. Clinical Exam: Pass a regional clinical exam (CRDTS is the most common for Arkansas graduates).
4. State Licensure Application: Submit transcripts, exam scores, a $215 application fee, and proof of CPR certification to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
5. Check Processing: The Board processes applications, which can take 4-6 weeks after all documents are received.

Costs to Get Started:

• NBDHE Exam Fee: ~$425
• CRDTS Clinical Exam Fee: ~$1,050
• Arkansas Licensure Fee: $215
• Total Estimated Upfront Cost: $1,690

Timeline: From graduation to holding your license in hand, expect 2-3 months. If you're moving from another state, the process is similar but may require additional steps if your original exam wasn't CRDTS. Always check the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners website for the most current forms and fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live in Fayetteville directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for dental professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Mission Heights	Central, established, and quiet. Easy access to I-49 and College Ave. A 10-15 minute drive to most practices.	$850 - $1,000	Young professionals who want a balanced, residential feel. Great value.
Downtown / Dickson St.	Vibrant, walkable, with restaurants and bars. Can be noisy. Commutes to practices on the west side (Walton Blvd) are ~15 mins.	$1,100 - $1,400	Those who want an urban, social lifestyle and don't mind a higher rent.
South Fayetteville	More suburban, newer constructions, and family-oriented. Commutes can be 15-20 mins to northside practices.	$900 - $1,100	Individuals or couples planning to buy a home soon or who prefer a quieter setting.
Rogers (Crestwood / Pinnacle)	Just 25 minutes north on I-49. Upscale, with newer amenities. Many dental practices are in Rogers/Bentonville.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who work at a practice in Bentonville/Rogers and want a shorter commute.
West Fayetteville (Wedington Dr.)	Near the university, mix of students and professionals. Close to the U of A and several dental offices.	$800 - $950	Recent grads or those who value proximity to campus activities and a vibrant mix of people.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-49 and College Ave during rush hour (7:30-8:30 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM) can add 10-15 minutes to your commute. If you find a practice in south Fayetteville or the Washington Regional Medical Center area, living in Mission Heights or South Fayetteville will give you the easiest commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Dental Hygienist career in Fayetteville isn't just about cleaning teeth. There are clear paths for growth.

Specialty Premiums:

• Pediatrics: Practices often pay a premium ($2-4/hour more) for hygienists with pediatric experience or certification. The demand is high, given the number of young families in NWA.
• Periodontics: Working in a specialty periodontal office (often in conjunction with a periodontist) requires advanced training in scaling and root planing (SRP) and can command a higher salary ($88,000+).
• Corporate Dental (On-Site for Walmart/Bentonville): Some large local employers have on-site dental clinics for employees. These positions are rare but offer excellent pay, benefits, and a unique corporate environment.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Leadership: Move into a Hygiene Coordinator or Lead Hygienist role, managing schedules, training, and inventory. This can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your salary.
2. Education & Sales: With experience, you can transition into representing a dental supply company (like Patterson Dental, which has a large distribution center in the region) or teaching at a local dental assisting program (e.g., at Northwest Arkansas Community College - NWACC).
3. Advanced Education: Pursue a bachelor's or master's degree to become a Dental Hygiene Educator at a university (like the U of A School of Dentistry in Little Rock) or move into public health administration.

10-Year Outlook (9% Growth): This growth is not just in new offices. It’s about the evolution of the role. As dentists focus more on complex procedures (implants, cosmetic work), hygienists are becoming the primary oral health educators and preventive care managers. Your value will continue to increase, especially if you stay current with new technologies (like intraoral scanners) and patient communication techniques.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown of what it’s like to build your career here.

Pros (The Upside)	Cons (The Reality Check)
Excellent Cost of Living. Your $85,166 salary feels like $110,000+ in many other cities.	Limited Specialties. You’ll find general, pediatric, and periodontal practices, but not every dental niche is represented.
Stable Job Market. With 203 jobs and 9% growth, you're not in a boom/bust cycle.	Competitive for the Best Jobs. The top private practices and university positions can be hard to get without networking.
Access to Nature & Culture. Easy access to the Razorback Greenway, Devil's Den State Park, and the Walton Arts Center.	Car-Dependent City. Public transit is limited; you’ll need a reliable vehicle.
A True Professional Community. The ADHA chapter is active, and dentists in the area tend to know each other.	Weather. Summers are hot and humid; springs can bring severe thunderstorms.
Gateway to Bentonville. Proximity to Walmart's HQ means potential for high-end private clientele and corporate opportunities.	Limited Diversity. While improving, the region is less diverse than major metropolitan areas.

Final Recommendation:
Fayetteville is an exceptional choice for a Dental Hygienist who values affordability, work-life balance, and a stable career path. It’s ideal for:

• New graduates looking to pay off student loans quickly while enjoying a low cost of living.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a change of pace from a high-stress city without sacrificing a professional salary.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who want their weekend hiking or biking to be a 20-minute drive, not a 2-hour flight.

If you’re looking for the cutting-edge, fast-paced energy of a major coastal metropolis with endless specialty options, this might not be your first choice. But if you want to live comfortably, build a solid career, and have room to breathe—and maybe even buy a home—Fayetteville deserves your serious consideration.

FAQs

1. How does the licensure process work if I'm already licensed in another state?
If you are licensed in another state, you'll apply for licensure by endorsement. You must have an active license in good standing and have passed a regional clinical exam (like CRDTS or WREB) and the NBDHE. The $215 application fee still applies. Arkansas is part of the Dental Compact, which can streamline licensure for some, but verify your eligibility on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners website.

2. Is the job market competitive with so many hygienists graduating from the U of A?
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock has a dental hygiene program, and many graduates do move to NWA. However, the 203 jobs and 9% growth indicate the market can absorb new grads. Your best advantage is gaining experience quickly (even in a DSO like Heartland) and networking through the ADHA to access the private practice market.

3. What's the typical work schedule?
Most full-time positions are 4 days a week (8-9 hour shifts), offering a 3-day weekend. This is a huge benefit for work-life balance. Part-time opportunities are also common, especially in private practices. Corporate and DSO schedules may be more rigid (5 days a week), so ask about this during interviews.

4. Are there opportunities for continuing education locally?
Yes. The Arkansas Dental Association (ADA) holds annual meetings and continuing education seminars, often in Little Rock or Little Rock. Locally, the Northwest Arkansas Dental Society is active. The U of A also hosts continuing education events. Many employers offer a $1,000 - $2,000 annual stipend for CE, a critical factor to ask about when negotiating your salary.

5. What's the lifestyle like outside of work?
Fayetteville surprises people. It’s a college town (University of Arkansas) with a youthful energy, fantastic live music (especially country/rock), and a thriving food scene. The outdoor access is unparalleled—Fayetteville is consistently ranked one of the best places to bike and hike in the US. If you enjoy a community feel without big-city stress, you'll likely find a great fit here.