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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Iowa. Degree required: Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $146-$246. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Governing Authority
Iowa Dental Board, Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. 2 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
$146-$246
Total Initial Fees
30 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
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
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/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-$246 |
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#37 of 51
Cost
#15 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$79,710
25th percentile
Median
$82,770
-12% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$92,270
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,020 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+266% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$82,770
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$47,820
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$82,770
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$174,990
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: Iowa Dental Board, Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Iowa Dental Board, Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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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, and Licensing (DIAL).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.