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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Delaware. Degree required: Graduate of a Board-approved dental hygiene program; high school diploma or GED also required. NBDHE: required. Total initial fees: $210+. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
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80% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 5 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Graduate of a Board-approved dental hygiene program; high school diploma or GED also required
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$210+
Total Initial Fees
24 hrs
CE Hours
Not Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
Minimum 2 years
Program Length
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
Delaware Jurisprudence Examination for Dental Hygienist Candidates
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+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (every 2 years)
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Licensure by Reciprocity
Transfer Details
Applicants must demonstrate active practice during 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding the application (average of at least 350 hours of direct patient care per year). Reciprocity applicants are exempt from the Delaware Practical Board Exam but must pass the Jurisprudence Examination.
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
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#11 of 51
Cost
#27 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$97,850
25th percentile
Median
$99,720
+6% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$106,470
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
590 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+388% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$99,720
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$46,090
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$99,720
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$224,690
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: Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Delaware requires a Graduate of a Board-approved dental hygiene program; high school diploma or GED also required 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.