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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Michigan. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $118.80. 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
$118.80
Total Initial Fees
36 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)
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
Michigan Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE (75 passing), ADEX clinical exam only, jurisprudence exam, CPR, background check
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
RDH with Specialty Certification (LA/N2O)
Requirements
RDH license plus specialty certification; $10 per certification; patients 18+ only; direct supervision required
Supervision
Direct supervision for LA and N2O
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with $10 specialty certification, patients 18+ ONLY, direct supervision required; N2O permitted with $10 specialty certification, patients 18+ ONLY, maximum 50% concentration, direct supervision required; no restorative or laser privileges
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 and N2O; NOT a direct access state
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $98.80 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee Per specialty certification (LA or N2O, $10 each) | $10 |
Renewal Fee Triennial (3-year) renewal | $118.80 |
Total Initial Fees Application $98.80 + LA cert $10 + N2O cert $10 (excludes NBDHE exam fee) | $118.80 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedTriennial (3 years)
Renewal Period
36 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$118.80
Triennial renewal
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
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Michigan accepts out-of-state licenses through endorsement; applicants MUST have ADEX scores -- no other clinical exams accepted; fee is $98.80
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
LA specialty certification ($10, patients 18+ only)
N2O specialty certification ($10, patients 18+ only, 50% max concentration)
Background check waived for relicensure within 3 years
Triennial (3-year) renewal cycle; ADEX is the ONLY accepted clinical exam; LA and N2O restricted to patients 18+ only; mandatory implicit bias CE (1 hr/yr) and human trafficking CE (one-time)
Michigan has a TRIENNIAL (3-year) renewal cycle, which is uncommon.
ADEX is the ONLY clinical exam accepted -- CRDTS, SRTA, and other exams are NOT accepted.
LA and N2O are restricted to patients 18 years and older only.
N2O maximum concentration is 50%.
Required CE includes 1 hour implicit bias per year and 1 hour human trafficking (one-time).
Background check is waived for relicensure within 3 years.
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 Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#11 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$77,030
25th percentile
Median
$80,990
-14% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$83,010
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,320 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+277% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$80,990
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$47,030
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$80,990
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$177,080
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: Michigan Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Michigan Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Michigan 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 Michigan Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.