Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Indiana. Degree required: Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $25. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Governing Authority
Indiana State Board of Dentistry, Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$25
Total Initial Fees
19 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-4 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
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Indiana Laws and Rules Examination (Ethics, Professional Responsibility, and Indiana Statutes/Administrative Rules)
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, clinical exam, jurisprudence exam, BLS certification
Supervision
Direct supervision or prescriptive supervision of a licensed dentist
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia requires a separate Dental Hygiene Local Anesthesia Permit ($25), approved educational course (minimum 15 hours didactic + 14 hours lab), CPR training, and direct supervision of a dentist. Hygienists may practice in dental offices, clinical settings, health facilities, and public/parochial/private school dental clinics. Public health settings (mobile health care vehicles, government/charity-sponsored locations) are also permitted.
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
Indiana uses 'direct supervision' and 'prescriptive supervision' terminology. Prescriptive supervision allows certain delegated duties. Direct supervision requires the dentist to be on premises. Practice settings include dental offices, clinical settings, health facilities, school clinics, dental/dental hygiene schools, and public health settings.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application by examination | $25 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $70 |
Total Initial Fees Application fee only; exam fees paid separately; endorsement applicants pay $100 | $25 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial); expires March 1 of even-numbered years
Renewal Period
19 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$70
Biennial; non-compliance civil penalty up to $1,000
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
Endorsement and Reciprocity
Transfer Details
Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicants. IC 25-13-1-17 provides for license by reciprocity.
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 permit ($25) requires 15 hours didactic + 14 hours lab from approved course
CPR and emergency training required for LA permit
Indiana has one of the lowest initial application fees at just $25 (endorsement $100). The state requires exactly 19 CE hours per renewal period, an unusual odd number. Indiana uses 'prescriptive supervision' terminology rather than the more common 'indirect' or 'general' supervision. At least half of CE hours must be from live presentations/workshops, and no more than 5 hours can be in practice management. License expiration is March 1 of even years, an unusual renewal date.
Indiana has one of the lowest initial application fees at $25.
Indiana uses 'prescriptive supervision' as a unique supervision category.
Exactly 19 CE hours required (unusual odd number among states).
At least half of CE hours must be live presentations or workshops.
Maximum 5 hours of practice management CE allowed per period.
Non-compliance with CE can result in civil penalty up to $1,000.
License expires March 1 of even-numbered years (unusual date).
Indiana accepts all six major regional clinical exams.
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 Indiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#25 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$80,550
25th percentile
Median
$90,290
-4% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$96,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,110 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+269% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$90,290
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$47,980
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$90,290
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$176,990
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: Indiana State Board of Dentistry, Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Indiana State Board of Dentistry, Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) — Licensing Requirements
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.
NBDHE prep tips, clinical exam guides, state-by-state scope of practice, CE requirements, and career pathways — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Indiana requires a Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Indiana State Board of Dentistry, Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.