Dental Hygienist License Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Breakdown
Government licensing fees for dental hygienists range from $25 to $625 depending on the state. But government fees are only one part of the total cost. This guide breaks down every cost component so you know exactly what to budget before you begin.
Across the 51 states we track, the biggest variable is not the state application fee — it’s the clinical board exam and the education program itself. Understanding each cost category helps you plan your finances and choose the most affordable path.
Two Types of Costs
Government & Exam Fees
Fixed costs paid to government agencies or testing organizations. These are the fees tracked on this site and reflected in the state table below.
- State application / initial license fee: $25–$625
- NBDHE exam fee: ~$465 (paid to JCNDE)
- Clinical board exam: $400–$1,200 (varies by regional agency)
- Jurisprudence exam: $0–$75 (if required by your state)
- Background check / fingerprinting: $25–$75
Education & Other Costs
Costs that vary by program, school type, and state. These are generally not tracked on state pages but are the largest portion of total spending.
- Associate’s degree (community college): $8,000–$30,000
- Associate’s degree (private school): $25,000–$60,000
- Bachelor’s degree: $40,000–$100,000+
- Textbooks & instruments: $1,500–$3,000
- Uniforms & clinical supplies: $300–$800
- CPR/BLS certification: $25–$80
5 Cheapest States (Government Fees)
Renewal: 2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of even-numbered years • CE: 30 hrs
5 Most Expensive States (Government Fees)
Full State Table — Sorted Cheapest First
Government fees only. Education and exam costs are additional.
| State | Gov’t Fees | NBDHE | Clinical Exam | CE Hours | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $150+ | Yes | Yes | 12 hrs | Annual |
| Alaska | $300+ | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Arizona | $155 | Yes | Yes | 45 hrs | Triennial (every 3 years) |
| Arkansas | — | Yes | Yes | 40 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| California | $200+ | Yes | Yes | 25 (RDH/RDHEF); 35 (RDHAP) hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Colorado | $150 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Connecticut | $150 | Yes | Yes | 16 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Delaware | $210+ | Yes | Yes | 24 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| District of Columbia | — | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Florida | Up to $325+ | Yes | Yes | 24 hrs | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Georgia | $100 | Yes | Yes | 22 hrs | 2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Hawaii | $120-$188 | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | 2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Idaho | $280 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial; due by March 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Illinois | $100 | Yes | Yes | 36 hrs | 3 years |
| Indiana | $25 | Yes | Yes | 19 hrs | 2 years (biennial); expires March 1 of even-numbered years |
| Iowa | $146-$246 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | 2 years (biennial); September 1 - August 31 cycle; dental hygiene licenses expire in odd-numbered years |
| Kansas | Up to $100 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial; expires December 1 of the year specified by the board |
| Kentucky | $75-$125 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | 2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of even-numbered years |
| Louisiana | $280+ | Yes | Yes | 24 hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| Maine | $150-$220 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | 2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of even-numbered years |
| Maryland | $325 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial (2 years) |
| Massachusetts | $126 | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | Biennial (April 1 - March 31, odd years) |
| Michigan | $118.80 | Yes | Yes | 36 hrs | Triennial (3 years) |
| Minnesota | $115 | Yes | Yes | 25 hrs | Biennial (2 years) |
| Mississippi | $400 | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | Biennial (even years) |
| Missouri | $150 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial (2 years) |
| Montana | $185 | Yes | Yes | 36 hrs | Triennial (3 years) |
| Nebraska | $180.25 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial (March 1, odd years) |
| Nevada | $625 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | Biennial (even years, June 30 deadline) |
| New Hampshire | $265 | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | Biennial (February-April, odd years) |
| New Jersey | $75 | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | Biennial (2 years) |
| New Mexico | — | Yes | Yes | 45 CE hours per triennial renewal period hrs | 3 years (triennial) |
| New York | — | Yes | Yes | 24 CE hours per triennial renewal period (max 12 via distance learning) hrs | 3 years (triennial) |
| North Carolina | — | Yes | Yes | 6 CE hours per year (12 per 2-year period) -- lowest nationally hrs | 1 year (annual) |
| North Dakota | — | Yes | Yes | 18 CE hours per biennial renewal period hrs | 2 years (biennial, odd years) |
| Ohio | — | Yes | Yes | 24 CE hours per biennial renewal period hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| Oklahoma | — | Yes | Yes | 20 CE hours per annual renewal hrs | 1 year (annual) |
| Oregon | — | Yes | Yes | 30 CE hours per biennial renewal period hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| Pennsylvania | — | Yes | Yes | 30 CE hours per biennial renewal period hrs | 2 years (biennial, odd years) |
| Rhode Island | — | Yes | Yes | 20 CE hours per biennial renewal period (all may be home study) hrs | 2 years (biennial, even years) |
| South Carolina | — | Yes | Yes | 16 CE hours per biennial renewal period hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| South Dakota | $140+ | Yes | Yes | 75 hrs | 5 years (CE cycle) |
| Tennessee | $86.25+ | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| Texas | — | Yes | Yes | 24 hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| Utah | $464 | Yes | Yes | 30 hrs | 2 years (biennial, expires May 31 of even years) |
| Vermont | $200+ | Yes | Yes | 18 hrs | 2 years (biennial, fixed 2-year periods) |
| Virginia | — | Yes | Yes | 15 hrs | 1 year (annual, in licensee's birth month) |
| Washington | $100+ | Yes | Yes | 15 hrs | 1 year (annual, expires on credential holder's birthday) |
| West Virginia | — | Yes | Yes | 20 hrs | 2 years (biennial) |
| Wisconsin | $78+ | Yes | Yes | 12 hrs | 2 years (biennial, due September 30 of odd-numbered years) |
| Wyoming | $200+ | Yes | Yes | 16 hrs | 2 years (biennial, odd-numbered years, October 1 - December 31) |
How to Reduce Your Total Cost
Attend a community college program
Community college associate’s programs in dental hygiene cost a fraction of private school programs and lead to the same license. The credential is identical regardless of program cost.
Apply for ADHA scholarships
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and its Institute for Oral Health offer scholarships for dental hygiene students. State component societies also offer local scholarships.
Choose an ADEX-accepting state for your clinical exam
The ADEX exam is widely accepted and can be taken in many locations. Scheduling in a location where it is more available can reduce travel costs compared to state-specific exams.
Consider states with lower fees if relocating
If you’re flexible about where you practice, states with lower government fees reduce your upfront licensing cost. Check the full requirements before deciding, since lower fees sometimes correlate with fewer allowed scope expansions.
Use employer-sponsored CE
Many dental practices cover CE course costs as part of employment benefits. Negotiating this upfront can save hundreds of dollars per renewal cycle, given the average CE requirement of 26 hours.
Next Steps
How to Become a Dental Hygienist →
Step-by-step guide: education, exams, and licensure
Easiest States for Dental Hygienist Licensure →
Ranked by fees, exam burden, and CE requirements
Sources
- State dental board websites (all 51 jurisdictions)
- Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) — NBDHE fee schedule
- American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) — adha.org
- Data last verified March 2026
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Professional Equipment & Supplies
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Ready to Become a Dental Hygienist?
Check your state's dental hygienist licensing requirements, education, NBDHE exam, and scope of practice details.