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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Louisiana. Degree required: Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (accredited university curriculum). NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $280+. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
86% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 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 (accredited university curriculum)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$280+
Total Initial Fees
24 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
Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75 correct out of 100 questions%
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, ADEX clinical exam, jurisprudence exam (75/100), fingerprint background check
Supervision
Under supervision of a licensed dentist
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia each require a special endorsement (permit). Both require direct on-premises supervision of a dentist. Nitrous oxide permit requires 14 hours didactic instruction plus 6 clinically-oriented experiences demonstrating competency. Endorsements expire with the hygiene license. Permit fee: $50 each.
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 on-premises supervision required for local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Standard dental hygiene duties under supervision of a licensed dentist.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Licensure by examination | $280 |
License Fee | Included in application |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $230 |
Total Initial Fees $280 application + fingerprint background check fee + exam fees to testing agencies | $280+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$230
Biennial
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
Transfer Details
Louisiana offers licensure by credentials for $930 (significantly higher than examination route at $280). All applicants must still pass the Louisiana jurisprudence exam and fingerprint background check.
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
Fingerprint background check at service center (mandatory)
14 hours didactic + 6 clinical experiences for nitrous oxide permit
Complete exam history from ALL regional testing agencies if >6 months post-graduation
Louisiana is among the most restrictive states for clinical exam acceptance - ONLY the ADEX examination is accepted (regardless of testing agency). The ADEX validity window is only 3 years (vs. 5 years in most states). The credentials fee ($930) is more than triple the examination fee ($280), creating a significant financial barrier for out-of-state transfers. Louisiana requires a complete exam history from ALL regional testing agencies if applying more than 6 months after graduation. Background check results are rejected if received before the application and fee are submitted.
Louisiana ONLY accepts the ADEX examination (regardless of which testing agency administers it) - this is more restrictive than most states.
The ADEX must be completed within 3 years of application (shorter validity than most states' 5-year window).
The credentials fee ($930) is more than triple the examination fee ($280).
Complete exam history from ALL regional testing agencies is required if >6 months post-graduation.
The jurisprudence exam is 100 questions (true/false and multiple-choice) requiring 75 correct answers.
Background check results will NOT be accepted if received before the application and fee.
Fingerprinting is mandatory (not just a background check).
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 Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#29 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$57,810
25th percentile
Median
$80,900
-14% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$96,280
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,720 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+371% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$80,900
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$38,150
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$80,900
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$179,600
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: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Louisiana requires a Associate's degree or higher from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (accredited university curriculum) from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.