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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Kentucky. Degree required: Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $75-$125. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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
$75-$125
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
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
Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, clinical exam, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
Direct supervision (default); general supervision available with separate registration
Additional Requirements
Official Title
General Supervision Registration
Requirements
At least 2 years and 3,000 hours verifiable dental hygiene experience; live 3-hour course in identification/prevention of medical emergencies
Supervision
General supervision (dentist not on premises)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia (block and infiltration) and nitrous oxide analgesia each require separate board-issued registration ($50 each), direct supervision of a dentist, and 46 hours of formal CODA-accredited training. General supervision requires separate registration with 2 years/3,000 hours experience. Kentucky also offers laser debridement registration ($50) and intravenous access line registration ($50) - both unusual among states.
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
Direct supervision is default. General supervision requires separate registration (2 years/3,000 hours experience, live 3-hour emergency course, $50 fee per supervising dentist). A separate application is needed for EACH supervising dentist under general supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Starting November 1 of renewal year, fee increases to $125 | $75 (renewal year) / $125 (non-renewal year) |
License Fee | Included in application |
Renewal Fee Biennial; late fees escalate: $130 (Jan 1-15), $260 (Jan 16-31), $520 (Feb 1+) in addition to renewal fee | $110 |
Total Initial Fees Plus $50 each for optional registrations (LA, nitrous, general supervision, IV access, laser) | $75-$125 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$110
Escalating late penalties: +$130 (Jan 1-15), +$260 (Jan 16-31), +$520 (Feb 1+)
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
Licensure by Credentials (Experience)
Transfer Details
Kentucky offers licensure by credentials based on qualifying experience in another U.S. jurisdiction or by examination (approved regional clinical exam).
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
46 hours formal CODA-accredited training for LA and/or nitrous oxide registration
Live 3-hour emergency course for general supervision registration (required each biennial period)
Kentucky has one of the most extensive special registration systems - offering 5 separate optional registrations at $50 each: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide analgesia, general supervision (per supervising dentist), intravenous access line, and laser debridement. The laser debridement and IV access registrations are particularly unusual among states. General supervision requires a separate application for EACH supervising dentist. Late renewal penalties escalate dramatically from $130 (Jan 1-15) to $520 (Feb 1+). Kentucky also accepts the DHLOSCE in addition to all major regional exams.
Kentucky accepts the DHLOSCE (manikin-based JCNDE exam) in addition to all regional clinical exams.
Kentucky has an extensive special registrations system with 5 separate optional registrations at $50 each.
General supervision requires 2 years/3,000 hours experience AND a separate registration per supervising dentist.
The jurisprudence exam is open-book and completed on your own time.
Late renewal penalties escalate dramatically: $130 to $520 depending on how late.
46 hours of formal training required for local anesthesia/nitrous oxide registration.
Laser debridement registration is unusual among states.
IV access registration for dental hygienists is unique.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$66,020
25th percentile
Median
$77,440
-18% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$83,020
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,140 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+191% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$77,440
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$46,520
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$77,440
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$135,550
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: Kentucky Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Kentucky Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Kentucky 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 Kentucky Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.