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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Connecticut. Degree required: Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $150. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. 2 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Graduate of a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$150
Total Initial Fees
16 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
Minimum 2 years
Program Length
Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Not 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
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, accepted regional clinical exam
Supervision
General supervision of a licensed dentist, OR unsupervised practice in public health facilities (with 2+ years experience)
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Facility Practice (no separate license - built into standard license)
Requirements
Licensed dental hygienist with at least 2 years of experience may practice in public health facilities without dentist supervision
Supervision
None in public health facility settings with 2+ years experience
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Connecticut allows local anesthesia (infiltration and mandibular blocks) under indirect supervision after completing 20 hours didactic and 8 hours clinical training. Dental hygienists with 2+ years experience can practice without dentist supervision in public health facilities. Standard practice is under general supervision.
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 practice is under general supervision. For local anesthesia, indirect supervision is required (dentist authorizes, prescribes, and remains in the building). Dental hygienists with at least 2 years experience can practice without supervision in public health facilities. Connecticut is a direct access state for public health settings.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $150 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $105 |
Total Initial Fees Application/license fee | $150 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$105
Biennial renewal
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Licensure by Endorsement
Transfer Details
DPH may issue a license by endorsement of an out-of-state license if the applicant holds a current, valid license in good standing in another state or territory and the licensing standards are equal to or higher than Connecticut's requirements.
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.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Local anesthesia training (optional; 20 hours didactic + 8 hours clinical required to administer)
Connecticut is notable for having no jurisprudence exam requirement, relatively low CE requirements (16 hours per biennium), and a built-in direct access provision allowing hygienists with 2+ years experience to practice unsupervised in public health facilities without needing a separate permit or license type. The state also has a specific local anesthesia training mandate of exactly 20 hours didactic plus 8 hours clinical, with indirect supervision required (dentist must be in the building). All applications must be submitted online through eLicense.
Connecticut does NOT require a jurisprudence examination.
Applications are only accepted online through the Connecticut eLicense portal.
Dental hygienists with 2+ years experience can practice without dentist supervision in public health facilities.
Local anesthesia limited to infiltration and mandibular blocks only, under indirect supervision.
The local anesthesia training requirement (20 hours didactic + 8 hours clinical) is relatively specific.
16 CE hours per biennium is among the lower requirements nationally.
Contact: dph.dentalteam@ct.gov
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#20 of 51
Cost
#16 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$95,150
25th percentile
Median
$96,270
+2% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$98,450
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,320 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Hygienists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+10,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
12,200
per year (avg.)
218,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+280% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$96,270
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$50,820
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$96,270
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$193,230
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Connecticut requires a Graduate of a 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 Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.