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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Massachusetts. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $126. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$126
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 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) -- 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%
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#13 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$97,950
25th percentile
Median
$100,790
+7% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$104,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,780 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
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$100,790
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$57,960
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$100,790
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
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: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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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 Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.