How to Become a Dental Hygienist in IllinoisLicense Requirements & Costs (2026)

CPR/BLS Certification Required

Background Check Required

Malpractice Insurance Required

Mandated Reporter Training (within 3 months of initial licensure)

12-hour nitrous oxide analgesia course + 2-hour additional course (for nitrous oxide administration)

Proof of malpractice insurance required

Illinois has a 3-year renewal cycle (uncommon among states, which typically use 2-year cycles) with $150 renewal fee ($50/year). The state requires proof of malpractice insurance, which is unusual. Multiple mandatory CE topics including Implicit Bias Training, Cultural Competency, and Sexual Harassment Prevention. Mandated Reporter Training must be completed within 3 months of initial licensure. The endorsement fee ($300) is triple the initial application fee ($100).

Illinois uses a 3-YEAR renewal cycle, unlike most states that use 2-year cycles.

IDFPR launched CORE, a new online licensing system, on October 30, 2024.

Mandated Reporter Training is required within 3 months of initial licensure and every 6 years thereafter.

New Cultural Competency CE requirement (1 hour) began with renewals on/after January 1, 2025.

Malpractice insurance is a requirement (uncommon among states).

Nitrous oxide requires 12-hour course plus additional 2-hour course.

Endorsement fee ($300) is significantly higher than initial application fee ($100).

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.