The role of a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is to provide preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare, which is a licensed profession requiring formal authorization to practice. This legal mandate ensures that all practitioners meet a standardized level of competency and education to protect the public. The path to becoming an RDH is a structured, multi-step process involving specific educational achievements and the successful completion of national and regional examinations. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the necessary requirements to obtain a dental hygiene license.
Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program
The foundational requirement for dental hygiene licensure is graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA is the specialized accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that sets the standards for dental education programs. Attending a CODA-accredited school ensures the curriculum meets the necessary academic and clinical benchmarks required for entry-level practice and eligibility for the national board examination.
Most prospective dental hygienists enroll in an entry-level program at a community college, technical school, or university. These programs typically award an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, taking two to three years. Some universities offer a four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene, often preferred for those interested in teaching, research, or public health roles. All entry-level programs combine didactic coursework in biomedical and dental hygiene sciences with extensive clinical experiences.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
Candidates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) following or nearing the completion of their CODA-accredited program. This comprehensive written examination assists state boards in evaluating a candidate’s qualifications for licensure. The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), an agency of the American Dental Association, oversees the NBDHE, and the test is administered through authorized testing centers.
The NBDHE assesses a candidate’s ability to understand and apply information from the basic biomedical and dental hygiene sciences in a problem-solving context. The examination consists of 350 multiple-choice questions focusing on dental hygiene sciences and clinical dental hygiene. Passing this standardized national exam is a prerequisite for taking the clinical examination and applying for licensure in most states.
Succeed in Clinical and Regional Licensure Exams
After passing the national written examination, candidates must demonstrate clinical competency by passing a state or regional clinical licensure examination. This practical assessment evaluates a candidate’s ability to perform clinical skills, such as periodontal scaling and root planing, often on a patient or a manikin. Most state dental boards utilize regional testing agencies to administer these exams, standardizing the assessment and allowing results to be accepted across multiple jurisdictions.
The major regional testing agencies include:
- The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), which administers the ADEX exam.
- The Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS).
- The Western Regional Examining Board (WREB).
- The Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA).
These agencies offer examinations at various host institutions throughout the year. The passing score on the clinical exam is then submitted to the state board where the candidate intends to practice.
Fulfill State-Specific Licensing Requirements
Licensure is ultimately granted by the individual State Boards of Dentistry, even after passing the national and clinical exams. Each board has its own set of final application requirements that must be met before a license is issued. This involves submitting official documentation, including proof of graduation from the CODA-accredited program and the passing scores from both the NBDHE and the accepted clinical examination.
A consistent requirement across states is the successful completion of a jurisprudence exam, which tests the applicant’s knowledge of the state’s specific dental laws and regulations. Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check, often involving fingerprint submission and paying the associated fees. For licensed hygienists seeking to practice in a new state, some states offer licensure by endorsement or reciprocity, allowing a license to be granted based on prior licensure in another state, provided the applicant meets experience and good standing criteria. Candidates must consult the website of the state board where they wish to practice for the exact final steps and application fees, as requirements are specific and subject to change.
Maintain Your Licensure Through Continuing Education
Once a dental hygiene license is granted, the practitioner must meet ongoing requirements to keep the license active. This obligation centers on mandatory continuing education (CE) credits, ensuring the hygienist remains current with advancements in the field. The renewal cycle for a license is typically every one to three years, depending on state regulations.
The number of CE hours required varies by state, with many states requiring a biennial minimum of 24 to 36 hours. These hours often include specific mandates, such as a hands-on course in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or coursework in infection control and jurisprudence. Failure to complete the required CE hours and pay the renewal fee will cause the license to lapse, resulting in a loss of legal authorization to practice.