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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Florida. Degree required: Graduate of a dental hygiene college or school approved by the board or accredited by CODA. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: Up to $325+. 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 dental hygiene college or school approved by the board or accredited by CODA
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
Up to $325+
Total Initial Fees
24 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
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
Florida Laws and Rules Examination (administered by ADEX)
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Florida Laws and Rules Examination
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, ADEX clinical exam, Florida Laws and Rules exam, fingerprinting, CPR/BLS
Supervision
Direct supervision of a licensed dentist
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Florida allows local anesthesia certification with substantial training requirements (30 hours didactic + 30 hours clinical). Local anesthesia is limited to nonsedated patients 18 years of age or older. The certification is one-time and does not need to be renewed with the dental hygiene license. Direct supervision required - dentist must diagnose, authorize, remain on premises, and approve work before patient dismissal.
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
Florida requires direct supervision: a dentist must diagnose the condition, authorize the procedure, remain on the premises while procedures are performed, and approve the work before dismissal of the patient. Florida is NOT a direct access state and does NOT have general supervision provisions for dental hygienists.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Nonrefundable application fee set by board, not to exceed $100 | Up to $100 |
Exam Fee Examination fee set by board, not to exceed $225; NBDHE national exam fee is $600 (paid to JCNDE/ADA, separate from state fees) | Up to $225 |
License Fee For applicants applying in the second year of the biennium | $37.50 |
Total Initial Fees Up to $100 application + up to $225 exam + $43.25 fingerprinting | Up to $325+ |
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
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
None - Florida does NOT have reciprocity with any state
Transfer Details
Florida does NOT issue licenses by endorsement, credentials, or reciprocity. ALL applicants, regardless of licensure in other states, must complete Florida's full examination requirements including the ADEX dental hygiene examination and the Florida Laws and Rules 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
Local anesthesia certification (optional; 30 hours didactic + 30 hours clinical; one-time, no renewal needed)
Florida is one of the most challenging states for out-of-state dental hygienists: it has absolutely NO reciprocity, endorsement, or credentials pathway - every applicant must pass both the ADEX clinical exam and the Florida Laws and Rules exam regardless of experience or licensure elsewhere. The state only accepts ADEX (not WREB, CRDTS, or SRTA). Florida also has one of the highest local anesthesia training requirements (60 hours total: 30 didactic + 30 clinical) but uniquely makes this a one-time certification that never needs renewal. The 2024 electronic fingerprinting mandate (HB 975) adds another layer of requirements. Florida also requires direct supervision for all hygienist activities - no general supervision allowed.
Florida has NO reciprocity, NO endorsement, and NO credentials pathway - all applicants must take Florida exams regardless of other state licensure.
Florida requires the ADEX exam specifically; other regional exams (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA) are NOT accepted.
Electronic fingerprinting became mandatory in 2024 under HB 975.
Local anesthesia certification requires 30 hours didactic AND 30 hours clinical (60 hours total) - one of the highest training requirements in the nation.
Local anesthesia is limited to nonsedated patients who are 18 years of age or older.
The local anesthesia certification is one-time and does NOT need to be renewed.
Florida requires direct supervision - no general supervision provisions for dental hygienists.
Board address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-08, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258.
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 Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#45 of 51
Cost
#32 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$77,000
25th percentile
Median
$81,090
-14% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$93,630
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
13,860 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+246% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$81,090
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$47,060
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$81,090
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$162,870
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.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Florida requires a Graduate of a dental hygiene college or school approved by the board or accredited by CODA from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.