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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $146 (exam basis: $100 + $46 background check) to $246 (credentials/verification: $200 + $46 background check)
Governing Authority
Iowa Dental Board, Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$146 (exam basis: $100 + $46 background check) to $246 (credentials/verification: $200 + $46 background check)
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-4 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based. Passing score: 75.
Pass a clinical board examination. Iowa accepts: CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service), WREB (Western Regional Examining Board), SRTA (States Resources for Testing & Assessments), CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments), CITA (Council of Interstate Testing Agencies), ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners).
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Background check packet ($46) required for initial licensure and reinstatement, Fee waiver available for household income under 200% federal poverty level.
Submit your application to the Iowa Dental Board, Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL). Application fee: $100 (by exam) / $200 (by credentials or verification). License fee: Included in application. Total initial fees: $146 (exam basis: $100 + $46 background check) to $246 (credentials/verification: $200 + $46 background check).
Renew your license every 2 years (biennial); September 1 - August 31 cycle; dental hygiene licenses expire in odd-numbered years. 30 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $150.
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per 2 years (biennial); september 1 - august 31 cycle; dental hygiene licenses expire in odd-numbered years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial); September 1 - August 31 cycle; dental hygiene licenses expire in odd-numbered years
Required CE Topics
2 topic areas
30 hours total for active status renewal, Details in Iowa Administrative Code 481 Chapter 573
Renewal Fee
$150
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-4 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Not 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
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
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
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, clinical exam, background check
Supervision
Under supervision of Iowa-licensed dentist; general, direct, and public health supervision available
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Supervision Dental Hygienist / Collaborative Practice
Requirements
Standard RDH license plus public health supervision agreement or collaborative practice permit
Supervision
Public health supervision under standing orders; collaborative practice
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia requires separate permit ($70 application, $25 renewal) per rule 481-572.10. Nitrous oxide requires board-approved training but NO separate permit; dentist must provide direct supervision and establish written office protocol. Expanded functions available with training. Services include oral prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, sealants, fluoride, silver diamine fluoride, phlebotomy, and application of medicaments. Public health supervision does NOT permit LA or nitrous oxide.
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
Three supervision levels: direct, general, and public health. LA and nitrous oxide require direct supervision only. Public health supervision allows educational, therapeutic, preventive, assessment services under standing orders. Collaborative practice permits also available for dental hygiene treatment planning under general supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Background check packet: $46 additional | $100 (by exam) / $200 (by credentials or verification) |
License Fee | Included in application |
Renewal Fee Biennial; late fee $100 (September) or $150 (October) | $150 |
Total Initial Fees $100-$200 application + $46 background check | $146 (exam basis: $100 + $46 background check) to $246 (credentials/verification: $200 + $46 background check) |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial); September 1 - August 31 cycle; dental hygiene licenses expire in odd-numbered years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$150
Late: $100 (September) or $150 (October)
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 Credentials/Verification
Transfer Details
Applicants with active license in another state for 12+ months must apply by credentials/verification ($200). Those with 3+ years current active practice or license based on clinical exam may apply by credentials.
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 Iowa with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Background check packet ($46) required for initial licensure and reinstatement
Fee waiver available for household income under 200% federal poverty level
Iowa includes phlebotomy and silver diamine fluoride application in the dental hygienist scope of practice, which is unusual. The state offers a fee waiver for initial application fees for applicants with household income under 200% of the federal poverty level. Iowa also accepts all six major regional clinical exams. Applicants who fail the clinical exam twice or more must complete formal remedial education before subsequent attempts. New rules became effective April 9, 2025.
Iowa accepts all six major regional clinical exams.
Local anesthesia requires a separate permit ($70 application, $25 renewal).
Nitrous oxide requires training but NO separate permit.
Public health supervision allows practice under standing orders but excludes LA and nitrous.
Collaborative practice permits available for treatment planning under general supervision.
Fee waiver available for low-income applicants (under 200% federal poverty level).
Applicants failing clinical exam twice must complete formal remedial education.
New rules became effective April 9, 2025.
Iowa includes phlebotomy and silver diamine fluoride in hygienist scope.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Iowa
See how Iowa compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Iowa? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Iowa →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Iowa to: Illinois → | Minnesota → | Missouri → | Nebraska → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Iowa 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 Iowa Dental Board, Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.