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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $126
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$126
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
CODA-accredited dental hygiene program Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-3 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) -- Parts I and II required. Format: 350 multiple-choice questions (200 discipline-based + 150 case-based), computer-based, 9 hours, administered by Pearson VUE. Passing score: 75. Exam fee: $560.
Pass a clinical board examination. Massachusetts accepts: CDCA, Board-approved regional/state exams.
Pass the Massachusetts dental jurisprudence exam. Massachusetts Dental Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Physician health statement (uncommon requirement), 2 character references, NPDB self-query, CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form, LA Permit L (optional, for local anesthesia).
Submit your application to the Board of Registration in Dentistry. Application fee: $126. License fee: $30. Total initial fees: $126.
Renew your license every Biennial (April 1 - March 31, odd years). 20 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $60.
CE Hours Required
20 hours
Per biennial (april 1 - march 31, odd years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (April 1 - March 31, odd years)
Required CE Topics
2 topic areas
Mandatory infection control, Maximum 10 CEUs from home study
Renewal Fee
$60
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) -- Parts I and II required
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions (200 discipline-based + 150 case-based), computer-based, 9 hours, administered by Pearson VUE
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Massachusetts Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
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
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
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Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE Parts I and II (75 passing), CDCA or Board-approved clinical exam, jurisprudence exam, CPR, physician health statement, 2 character references, NPDB self-query, CORI form
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Dental Hygienist
Requirements
RDH license plus Written Collaborative Agreement (WCA) with a dentist
Supervision
Written Collaborative Agreement (WCA) -- may provide sealants and preventive services in public health settings without dentist exam
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with Permit L under direct supervision only; N2O is NOT permitted for dental hygienists in Massachusetts; no restorative or laser privileges; Public Health DH may apply sealants without prior dentist examination
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
General supervision for standard hygiene duties; direct supervision required for LA (Permit L); Written Collaborative Agreement (WCA) supervision for public health dental hygienists
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $126 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee LA Permit L renewal fee (biennial) | $30 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; late fee $57 | $60 |
Total Initial Fees Application $126 (excludes NBDHE exam fee and Permit L fees) | $126 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (April 1 - March 31, odd years)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$60
Biennial; LA Permit L renewal $30 additional; late fee $57
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.
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
By credentials (234 CMR 4.08)
Transfer Details
Massachusetts accepts out-of-state licenses by credentials under 234 CMR 4.08; applicant must demonstrate 1 year of recent practice experience
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 Massachusetts with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Physician health statement (uncommon requirement)
2 character references
NPDB self-query
CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form
LA Permit L (optional, for local anesthesia)
Physician health statement required (uncommon among states); public health DH can apply sealants without prior dentist examination; N2O not permitted; NBDHE Parts I and II both required; max 10 CEUs home study
Massachusetts requires a physician health statement -- this is uncommon among states.
N2O is NOT permitted for dental hygienists in Massachusetts.
Public Health DH designation allows sealant application without prior dentist examination via Written Collaborative Agreement.
Maximum 10 of the 20 CE hours may be from home study.
NBDHE Parts I and II are both specifically required.
Late renewal fee is $57.
Reciprocity is handled under 234 CMR 4.08 (credentials pathway) with 1 year recent practice requirement.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $126 | 112–226 wks | |
| Connecticut | $150 | 112–226 wks | → |
| Maine | $150-$220 | 112–226 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $265 | 112–226 wks | → |
| New York | — | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Massachusetts
See how Massachusetts compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all states →
Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Massachusetts compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Massachusetts →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →
Massachusetts requires 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 Board of Registration in Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.