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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $200+
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Graduate of a board-approved and CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$200+
Total Initial Fees
25 (RDH/RDHEF); 35 (RDHAP) hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduate of a board-approved and CODA-accredited dental hygiene program Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: Minimum 2 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based. Passing score: 75. Exam fee: $560.
Pass a clinical board examination. California accepts: CRDTS, WREB.
Pass the California dental jurisprudence exam. California Dental Hygiene Law and Ethics Examination.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Local anesthesia course (REQUIRED for initial RDH license), Soft tissue curettage course (REQUIRED for initial RDH license), Nitrous oxide course (REQUIRED for initial RDH license), Approved courses in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide are required for initial RDH licensure.
Submit your application to the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC). Application fee: $250. License fee: $200. Total initial fees: $200+.
Renew your license every Every two years by the last day of the month of the licensee's birthday. 25 (RDH/RDHEF); 35 (RDHAP) CE hours required. Renewal fee: $300 (RDH/RDHEF); $160 (RDHAP).
State CE Hours
See state board
Renewal Cycle
Every two years by the last day of the month of the licensee's birthday
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
No more than 50% may be correspondence courses (RDH/RDHEF: 12.5 max; RDHAP: 17.5 max), Must include courses in clinical dental hygiene topics, Dual licensees (RDH+RDHAP): only need to complete 35 total CE hours to renew both
Renewal Fee
$300 (RDH/RDHEF); $160 (RDHAP)
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
Minimum 2 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
California Dental Hygiene Law and Ethics Examination
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Browse study guides
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, clinical exam (CRDTS or WREB, or CA program waiver), law/ethics exam, approved courses in local anesthesia, soft tissue curettage, and nitrous oxide
Supervision
General supervision of a licensed dentist
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions (RDHEF)
Requirements
Current RDH license plus completion of additional education/training in extended functions approved by the Board
Supervision
May perform all RDH duties plus additional duties under dentist supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP)
Requirements
Current active RDH license, completion of a DHBC-approved RDHAP educational program (about 150 hours), bachelor's degree or equivalent, and 2,000 hours of clinical practice
Supervision
Can practice independently without a dentist's supervision upon a written prescription from a dentist or physician. Can treat patients in residences, schools, residential facilities, and other settings.
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
California is unique in requiring local anesthesia, soft tissue curettage, and nitrous oxide courses as part of initial RDH licensure (not optional). RDHAP is one of the most expansive practice models in the nation - allowing independent practice with a written prescription from a dentist or physician. The RDHEF allows additional restorative duties beyond standard RDH scope.
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
Standard RDH operates under general supervision. RDHAP can practice independently in residences, schools, residential facilities, and other settings upon a written prescription from a dentist or physician. California is a direct access state through the RDHAP model, which is among the most independent practice models in the nation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee RDH application by clinical examination | $250 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA; 350 items; clinical exam (WREB) additional ~$1,600-2,000 | $560 |
License Fee Included in application fee for RDH | $200 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $200 |
Total Initial Fees RDH by clinical exam; additional fees for RDHEF or RDHAP licenses | $200+ |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedEvery two years by the last day of the month of the licensee's birthday
Renewal Period
25 (RDH/RDHEF); 35 (RDHAP) hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$300 (RDH/RDHEF); $160 (RDHAP)
Biennial; 2.3% credit card service fee for online payment
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Licensure by Credential (LBC)
Transfer Details
Applicants licensed as a dental hygienist in another state for 5 years or more may qualify for the LBC pathway rather than completing a clinical examination. Must meet all other requirements including law/ethics exam.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare California with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Local anesthesia course (REQUIRED for initial RDH license)
Soft tissue curettage course (REQUIRED for initial RDH license)
Nitrous oxide course (REQUIRED for initial RDH license)
Approved courses in local anesthesia
nitrous oxide are required for initial RDH licensure
California is unique in multiple ways: it has a standalone Dental Hygiene Board separate from the Dental Board; it REQUIRES local anesthesia, soft tissue curettage, and nitrous oxide training for all initial RDH licenses (not optional); the RDHAP license is one of the nation's most independent practice models allowing treatment in non-traditional settings on a written prescription; and since 2024, California graduates can waive the clinical exam entirely if applying within 3 years. The state also requires dual background checks (both FBI and California DOJ) before any license can be issued.
California has its own independent Dental Hygiene Board (DHBC), separate from the Dental Board of California - one of only a few states with this distinction.
Local anesthesia, soft tissue curettage, and nitrous oxide courses are REQUIRED for initial RDH licensure - not optional like most states.
The RDHAP license is one of the most independent practice models in the nation - allows treatment in homes, schools, and facilities with only a written prescription from a dentist or physician.
Since January 1, 2024, graduates of California CODA-accredited programs can waive the clinical exam if they apply within 3 years of graduation.
Dual FBI and CA DOJ background checks are required; license cannot be issued until both are complete.
RDHAP requires a bachelor's degree in addition to dental hygiene education.
Dental hygienist scope of practice is expanding rapidly across states. Direct access, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, and restorative functions vary significantly by state and may have changed since this data was last verified. Always confirm current scope with your state dental board.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
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Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to California? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to California →
California requires a Graduate of a board-approved and CODA-accredited dental hygiene program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.