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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $150.00 (initial application fee only, as listed)
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (implied by U.S. Graduates licensure pathway)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$150.00 (initial application fee only, as listed)
Total Initial Fees
16 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (implied by U.S. Graduates licensure pathway) 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.
Pass a clinical board examination. Connecticut accepts: CDCA, CITA, SRTA, CRDTS, WREB.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Local anesthesia training (optional; 20 hours didactic + 8 hours clinical required to administer).
Submit your application to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Application fee: $150.00. License fee: $150. Total initial fees: $150.00 (initial application fee only, as listed).
Renew your license every Biennial. 16 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $105.00.
CE Hours Required
16 hours
Per biennial renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
At least 1 hour in infection control in a dental setting, At least 1 hour in cultural competency, 16 contact hours total within the preceding 24-month period
Renewal Fee
$105.00
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
Minimum 2 years
Program Length
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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
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
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
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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
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 | $150.00 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $105.00 |
Total Initial Fees Application/license fee | $150.00 (initial application fee only, as listed) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$105.00
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.
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 Endorsement (confirmed by dedicated endorsement page link)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Connecticut with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (you) | $150 | 112–226 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $126 | 112–226 wks | → |
| New York | — | 112–226 wks | → |
| Rhode Island | — | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Connecticut
See how Connecticut compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Dental Hygienist Schools in Connecticut
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Connecticut? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Connecticut →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Connecticut to: Massachusetts → | New York → | Rhode Island →
Connecticut requires a Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (implied by U.S. Graduates licensure pathway) 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.