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Relocating Future Dental Hygienist... NC to MA or RI

I am currently in Dental Hygiene school in North Carolina. I am about to start my second year of the program, and will graduate in 2019. When I graduate, I plan to move to either Massachusetts or Rhode Island (somewhere close to the state lines).

North Carolina is one of the stricter states, where hygienists are not allowed to provide local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, and I believe the northern states allow it. I also have heard that the tests are completely different.. How will this affect me applying for a license up there?

I will be taking my boards clinical and written exam here in NC and am completely clueless as to how the process will work when I am ready to move...

#rdh #dental-hygienist #relocation #dental-hygiene #dentistry #dental #dental-practice

dentistry dental dental-hygienist dental-hygiene dental-practice relocation rdh
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Valerie’s Answer

I know in MA, most jobs prefer if you have anesthesia license and periodontal therapy. They base salary off of experience so it sounds like you have a lot of experience and advanced techniques.

I also researched some jobs in RI. They require you to graduate from an accredited Dental Hygiene school, unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in the state of RI, BLS certification, local anesthesia certification preferred as well.

I would call an accredited school in the state where you will be relocated and ask them if your exam will transfer or if there is another test you have to take. Maybe try to take an anesthesiology course and become certified to do that, otherwise it is preferred but not required. You may need some extra training here.
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Matt’s Answer

I see that your question is focused on requirements and certifications of your education and career. I have have moved across the country twice and I recommend that you seriously take into account what will be best for you and your family PERSONALLY. You can make changes to your job and career no matter where you live. Your learning requirements could change at anytime without your control, so you might choose RI because of their requirements now but they could require additional learning after you start. Choosing where you WANT to live is one of the few choices that you have control over in your life so go where you will be happiest.

Matt recommends the following next steps:

Visit a few cities in both states
Network with your colleagues on linkedin and ask them questions
monitor zillow in an area that you like so you can understand how much it would cost to rent/buy and how quickly or slowly properties come on the market
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