Loading...
Loading...
Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $210 minimum (application fee $110 + exam fee $100)
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Official transcript from Board-approved dental hygiene program showing degree and date of graduation; plus official high school transcript showing graduation OR copy of GED
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$210 minimum (application fee $110 + exam fee $100)
Total Initial Fees
24 hrs
CE Hours
Not Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Official transcript from Board-approved dental hygiene program showing degree and date of graduation; plus official high school transcript showing graduation OR copy of GED 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: $100.
Pass a clinical board examination. Delaware accepts: Delaware Practical Board Examination. Delaware Practical Board Examination in dental hygiene
Pass the Delaware dental jurisprudence exam. Jurisprudence Examination for Dental Hygienist Candidates.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Character reference letter required.
Submit your application to the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. Application fee: $110. License fee: $110. Total initial fees: $210 minimum (application fee $110 + exam fee $100).
Renew your license every Biennial. 24 CE hours required.
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Per biennial renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
10 of 24 hours may be completed by self-study, Minimum 2 hours must be in infection control, Remaining hours in clinically relevant dental hygiene topics
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
Minimum 2 years
Program Length
Browse Dental Hygienist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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
State-Specific Exam
Delaware Practical Board Examination in dental hygiene
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Jurisprudence Examination for Dental Hygienist Candidates
Overall licensing difficulty: 12/100
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.
Prepare with realistic NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, Delaware Practical Board Exam, Delaware Jurisprudence Exam, background check
Supervision
General supervision subject to conditions
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedNot Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Delaware has one of the most restrictive scopes of practice in the nation. Dental hygienists cannot administer local anesthesia or nitrous oxide. Practice is under general supervision with conditions. The state requires its own Delaware Practical Board Examination for licensure.
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
Delaware allows general supervision with specific conditions: patients must receive advance notice that the dentist will not be present, the dentist must review treatment records before and after patient treatment. Delaware is NOT a direct access state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee | $110 |
Exam Fee Delaware Practical Board Exam fee; $50 late exam fee; NBDHE national exam fee is $600 (paid to JCNDE/ADA, separate from state fees) | $100 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $110 |
Total Initial Fees $110 application + $100 exam; additional fees possible | $210 minimum (application fee $110 + exam fee $100) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
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 Reciprocity
Transfer Details
Must hold a current license in another jurisdiction AND have practiced as a Dental Hygienist at least 3 of the past 5 years; reciprocity applicants are exempt from the Delaware Practical Board Exam but must pass the Jurisprudence Examination; proof of practice may include W-2s or other documentation
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 Delaware with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Character reference letter required
Delaware stands out as one of the most restrictive states for dental hygienists: it is one of only a few states that does NOT permit hygienists to administer local anesthesia or nitrous oxide. The state requires its own Delaware Practical Board Examination (all applicants must take it regardless of experience, except reciprocity applicants). Uniquely, Delaware requires a high school diploma or GED in addition to the dental hygiene degree, and the jurisprudence examination must be signed and notarized. Reciprocity requires a specific active practice threshold of 350+ hours per year for 3 of 5 years preceding application.
Delaware is one of the FEW states that does NOT authorize dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia.
Delaware does NOT authorize dental hygienists to administer or monitor nitrous oxide.
Delaware has its own state-specific practical board examination - not just a regional exam.
Requires high school diploma/transcript or GED in addition to dental hygiene degree.
The jurisprudence exam must be signed and NOTARIZED.
Reciprocity applicants are exempt from the Delaware Practical Board Exam.
All fees processed through DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services) are non-refundable.
Licenses expire May 31 of even-numbered years.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (you) | $210+ | 112–226 wks | |
| Maryland | $325 | 112–226 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $75 | 112–226 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | — | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Delaware
See how Delaware compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all states →
Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure dental hygienist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Delaware compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dental hygienist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Delaware
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Delaware? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Delaware →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Delaware to: Maryland → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania →
Delaware requires a Official transcript from Board-approved dental hygiene program showing degree and date of graduation; plus official high school transcript showing graduation OR copy of GED from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. All licensing is managed through the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.