Dental Hygienist in Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

If you're considering a move to Arkansas's capital, you're looking at a solid career path with a cost of living that works in your favor. The median salary for a Dental Hygienist in the Little Rock metro is $84,667/year, or about $40.71/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $87,530/year, but the gap narrows significantly when you factor in Arkansas's affordable living costs.

The local job market is robust, with 407 open positions in the metro area. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection for the region sits at 9%, which is steady and reliable, indicating sustained demand for dental care professionals.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the local market:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	Corporate chains (Heartland Dental), community health centers
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Private practices (especially in newer suburbs), orthodontic offices
Senior (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Periodontal/specialty offices, established private practices
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Practice management, public health administration, education

When compared to other Arkansas cities, Little Rock leads in both salary and opportunity:

• Little Rock: $84,667 median, 407 jobs
• Fayetteville (NWA): $83,500 median, ~200 jobs (more seasonal fluctuation from university)
• Fort Smith: $78,000 median, ~100 jobs
• Jonesboro: $76,500 median, ~70 jobs

Insider Tip: While the Fayetteville area (home to the University of Arkansas) has a slightly lower median, demand for hygienists is fierce due to a rapidly growing population and a large university student base needing care. Little Rock offers more diverse practice types and a stronger corporate presence.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The Cost of Living Index for Little Rock is 89.1 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 11% further here than the national average. The median 1-bedroom rent sits at $950/month.

For a Dental Hygienist earning the median $84,667/year, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Monthly Budget (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax)

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$7,055	$84,667 / 12
Taxes (Est. 22% Fed + 4.9% State + FICA)	-$2,222	AR has a progressive income tax; this is a conservative estimate for a single filer
Net Monthly Income	$4,833	Take-home pay
Rent (1BR Median)	-$950	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	-$250	AR summers can be hot; utility costs rise July-August
Groceries	-$400	Arkansas has no sales tax on groceries, which helps
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized)	-$250	Varies by employer
Student Loans	-$300	Average for hygienists
Savings/Retirement (10%)	-$483	Recommended
Discretionary	-$1,750	After all essentials, you're left with a healthy buffer

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Little Rock is around $225,000. With the above budget, you could comfortably afford a mortgage of $1,200-$1,400/month (including taxes and insurance), which would get you a 3-bedroom home in many good neighborhoods. Many hygienists in Little Rock are homeowners by their mid-30s.

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

The local market is a mix of large corporate entities, multi-site private practices, and community health centers. Hiring trends favor hygienists who are comfortable with digital charting (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, etc.) and have a gentle, patient-focused demeanor.

1. Aspen Dental: Multiple locations throughout the metro (Sherwood, West Little Rock, Bryant). They frequently hire for high-volume practices. Great for new grads seeking experience. Starting pay can be at the lower end of the range, but benefits are comprehensive.
2. Heartland Dental: Manages several practices in the area. Similar to Aspen, they offer structured career paths and continuing education support. A solid choice for those looking for stability.
3. Arkansas Children's Hospital - Dental Clinic: Located in the Medical District. This is a prestigious, public health-focused role dealing with pediatric patients. Highly competitive; often requires 2+ years of experience. Salary is at the mid-to-upper range.
4. UAMS College of Dentistry: The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a major employer for both clinical and educational hygienist roles. They run community clinics and are involved in cutting-edge research. Good for those interested in academia or specialized care.
5. Private Group Practices (e.g., Dr. Mark L. McFarland, DDS; Dr. Stephen J. Henley, DDS): Established, high-end private practices in areas like Hillcrest and Chenal Valley. These jobs are coveted for higher pay, better hours (no weekends), and a more personal patient relationship. They often hire through word-of-mouth.
6. Community Health Centers (e.g., The Centers for Youth & Families, Access Community Health): Serve low-income and Medicaid populations. Mission-driven work with a strong focus on public health. Pay can be slightly lower but often comes with excellent state benefits and loan forgiveness programs (e.g., NHSC).
7. Corporate Dental Management (e.g., Pacific Dental Services): Another larger player with several locations. Known for a fast-paced environment and focus on production.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable shift towards corporate-owned practices in the suburbs (Bryant, Maumelle, Cabot). Meanwhile, the most established private practices in the city center (Hillcrest, The Heights) have high retention and rarely post public job ads. Networking at local dental society meetings is key for those premium jobs.

Getting Licensed in AR

The Arkansas State Dental Board governs licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate or bachelor's degree).
2. National Boards: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. Clinical/Regional Exam: Pass the ADEX (CDCA) clinical exam or an equivalent regional exam.
4. State Law Exam: Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam (open-book).
5. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
6. CPR Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Estimated Cost: $1,200 - $1,800 (exam fees, application fees, background check).
• Timeline: If you're already a licensed hygienist in another state, the process can take 4-6 weeks for a reciprocity application. For a new graduate, from exam to license in hand, plan for 2-4 months.
• Reciprocity: Arkansas has reciprocity with many states. Check the Arkansas State Dental Board website for the current list. You will still need to pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam.

Pro-Tip: Keep all your original transcripts and exam scores in a dedicated folder. The Arkansas State Dental Board is efficient but requires precise documentation. Start your application online at their portal as soon as you have all your scores.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Commuting in Little Rock is generally easy, but choosing the right neighborhood can balance lifestyle and work.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Ideal For
Hillcrest / The Heights	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to downtown, UAMS, and many private practices. 10-15 min drive to most clinics.	$1,100 - $1,300	The hygienist who wants character, cafes, and a short walk to work.
Chenal Valley (West Little Rock)	Modern, suburban, master-planned. Where many new corporate clinics and large private practices are located. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who prefer newer amenities, gyms, and chain restaurants.
Hillcrest / The Heights	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to downtown, UAMS, and many private practices. 10-15 min drive to most clinics.	$1,100 - $1,300	The hygienist who wants character, cafes, and a short walk to work.
Barker / Downtown	Urban, vibrant, close to the River Market and UAMS. Can be noisy. Easy commute to the Medical District.	$900 - $1,150	Young professionals who want an active, city-center lifestyle.
Bryant	Family-focused, quiet suburb south of the airport. Growing rapidly with new clinics. 25-30 min commute to downtown.	$850 - $1,000	Hygienists with families or who want more space for their money.
North Little Rock (Park Hill)	Across the river, with its own identity. Good value, close to I-40. Some corporate clinics here. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$800 - $1,000	Budget-conscious hygienists who don’t want a long commute.

Insider Tip: If you work for a clinic in Chenal Valley, living in Bryant or Maumelle cuts your commute down dramatically. The I-30 corridor can get congested during rush hour, but it's nothing compared to major metros.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Little Rock offers more than just clinical hygiene. With the 9% projected growth, experienced hygienists can pivot into several lucrative paths.

Specialty Premiums:

• Periodontist Office: Similar to general practice, but often more focused on maintenance and surgical assisting. Pay can be at the higher end of the mid-career range.
• Orthodontist Office: Slightly lower hourly rate but often more predictable hours (no emergencies). Can be a good option for work-life balance.
• Pediatric Dentistry (Private): Requires a special touch. Pay is strong, especially in private practices.
• Public Health/Administration: With UAMS and Arkansas Children's, there's a path into program coordination or education, which can lead to salaries above $90,000 with benefits.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Lead Hygienist: Move from a purely clinical role to one with mentoring and scheduling duties. Pay bump of $5-$10/hour.
2. Corporate Trainer: With chains like Aspen or Heartland, experienced hygienists can train new hires and manage quality. Travel may be required.
3. Practice Management: Some hygienists transition into office manager roles, leveraging their clinical knowledge to run the business side. This can push salaries into the $90,000-$110,000 range.
4. Education: Become a clinical instructor at a dental hygiene school (like at UAMS). A Bachelor's or Master's degree is often required.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% growth isn't from opening hundreds of new practices, but from an aging population needing more care and a continued focus on preventive dentistry. The real growth will be in corporate-owned practices and specialized clinics. Hygienists who stay current with technology (like intraoral scanners and digital impressions) will be most in demand.

The Verdict: Is Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: Your $84,667 salary goes far here. You can afford a home and a comfortable lifestyle.	Job Saturation in Certain Areas: Some corporate chains have high turnover, which can lead to burnout if you're in the wrong environment.
Job Market: 407 open jobs and 9% growth means you have options and leverage.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a non-negotiable expense.
Work-Life Balance: Many private practices offer standard business hours. The city is manageable without long commutes.	Cultural & Social Scene: It's a mid-sized Southern city. If you crave a 24/7 metropolis, it will feel quiet.
Community: A tight-knit dental community. It's easy to network and find mentors.	Summers: It gets hot and humid. Your utility bill will spike.
Diverse Practice Settings: From world-class children's hospitals to corporate chains to private boutiques.	Limited Specialties: While there are periodontists and orthodontists, the number of highly specialized practices is smaller than in larger metros.

Final Recommendation: Little Rock is an excellent choice for a Dental Hygienist who values financial stability, a manageable pace of life, and a strong sense of community. It's particularly ideal for those looking to buy a home early in their career. If you're a new grad, it's a fantastic place to gain diverse experience. For seasoned hygienists, it offers a path to leadership without leaving a city with a heart.

FAQs

Q: I'm licensed in another state. How long will it take to get my Arkansas license?
A: If your state has reciprocity, the process is relatively quick. After submitting your application, exam scores, and background check, expect 4-6 weeks for processing. The Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam is the final step and can be taken online. Always check the Arkansas State Dental Board's website for the most current reciprocity agreements.

Q: Is it easy to find a part-time position?
A: Yes. Many private practices and even some corporate clinics offer part-time or 3-4 day workweeks. This is a popular option for hygienists who want to maintain work-life balance or have family commitments. Part-time positions are often not advertised; it's best to call practices directly and inquire.

Q: What's the demand for hygienists in the suburbs versus downtown?
A: Demand is strong in both, but for different reasons. Downtown and central city (Medical District) have many established practices and hospitals. The suburbs (Bryant, Maumelle, Sherwood) are seeing the fastest growth in new, corporate-owned clinics. Your choice depends on your preferred work environment.

Q: Do I need to know Spanish?
A: It's a major asset but not a requirement. The Hispanic population in Arkansas is growing, and being bilingual will make you a more attractive candidate, especially for community health centers and practices in certain neighborhoods. It can also lead to a higher salary.

Q: What's the best way to find a job here?
A: While Indeed and LinkedIn work, the most effective method is direct outreach. Identify practices you want to work for, call them, and ask to speak with the office manager or dentist. Attend meetings of the Arkansas Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) for networking. Many of the best jobs are filled through referrals before they're ever posted online.