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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $115
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (established in an institution accredited by a U.S. Dept. of Education-recognized agency to offer college-level programs)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$115
Total Initial Fees
25 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (established in an institution accredited by a U.S. Dept. of Education-recognized agency to offer college-level programs) Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-3 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). 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. Minnesota accepts: CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, Board-approved exams.
Pass the Minnesota dental jurisprudence exam. Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, LA certification (for local anesthesia privileges), Professional development portfolio, Collaborative practice agreement (for direct access).
Submit your application to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Application fee: $115. License fee: $235. Total initial fees: $115.
Renew your license every Biennial, according to birth month and year. 25 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $200.
CE Hours Required
25 hours
Per biennial, according to birth month and year renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial, according to birth month and year
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
15 hours fundamental CE (mandatory minimum), Maximum 10 hours elective CE, Professional development portfolio required
Renewal Fee
$200
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)
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%
Overall licensing difficulty: 14/100
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.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial, according to birth month and year
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.
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
Licensure 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Minnesota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (you) | $115 | 112–226 wks | |
| Iowa | $146-$246 | 112–226 wks | → |
| North Dakota | — | 112–226 wks | → |
| South Dakota | $140+ | 112–226 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $78+ | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Minnesota
See how Minnesota 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 Minnesota compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dental hygienist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Minnesota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Minnesota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Minnesota →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Minnesota to: Iowa → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Minnesota requires a Graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (established in an institution accredited by a U.S. Dept. of Education-recognized agency to offer college-level programs) 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.