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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Minnesota. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $115. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
90% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 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
$115
Total Initial Fees
25 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
Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE (75 passing), clinical exam, jurisprudence exam, CPR, professional development portfolio
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Collaborative Practice Dental Hygienist
Requirements
Licensed DH plus collaborative practice agreement; provides direct access in community settings (health facilities, schools, nonprofits)
Supervision
Unsupervised in community settings (health facilities, schools, nonprofits) under collaborative practice agreement
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with certification; N2O permitted under general supervision; no restorative or laser privileges for dental hygienists (dental therapists handle restorative); collaborative practice provides direct access in community settings
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 duties; collaborative practice allows unsupervised practice in community settings (health facilities, schools, nonprofits); Minnesota also authorizes dental therapists
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $115 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee Credentials evaluation fee (for out-of-state applicants) | $235 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; late fee 25% ($50); reinstatement $55 | $200 |
Total Initial Fees Application $115 (excludes NBDHE exam fee and credentials fee for out-of-state) | $115 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
25 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$200
Biennial; late fee 25% ($50); reinstatement fee $55
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
Transfer Details
Minnesota accepts out-of-state licenses by credentials for $235; applicants must pass the Minnesota jurisprudence 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
LA certification (for local anesthesia privileges)
Professional development portfolio
Collaborative practice agreement (for direct access)
Collaborative practice = direct access in community settings (unsupervised); dental therapists authorized; portfolio-based CE system (15 fundamental + max 10 elective); N2O under general supervision
Minnesota's collaborative practice designation provides direct access -- dental hygienists can practice unsupervised in community settings (health facilities, schools, nonprofits).
Minnesota authorizes dental therapists, one of the first states to do so.
CE system is portfolio-based: 15 fundamental hours minimum, maximum 10 elective hours, plus professional development portfolio.
N2O administration is permitted under general supervision.
Late renewal fee is 25% of renewal ($50); reinstatement fee is $55.
Credentials evaluation for out-of-state applicants costs $235.
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 Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#13 of 51
Cost
#10 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$86,230
25th percentile
Median
$98,970
+5% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$101,270
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,660 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+225% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$98,970
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$64,630
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$98,970
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$209,820
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: Minnesota Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Minnesota Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Minnesota 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 Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.