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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $400
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
$400
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). 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. Mississippi accepts: ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA, SRTA, CITA, NERB.
Pass the Mississippi dental jurisprudence exam. Mississippi Dental Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, LA certification (direct supervision only), NPDB/HIPDB self-query, Online renewal mandatory.
Submit your application to the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners. Application fee: $400. License fee: $25. Total initial fees: $400.
Renew your license every Biennial (even years). 20 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $100.
CE Hours Required
20 hours
Per biennial (even years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (even years)
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
Maximum 5 hours home study, Maximum 4 hours per year CPR, Online renewal mandatory
Renewal Fee
$100
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
Mississippi 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, background check, NPDB/HIPDB self-query
Supervision
Direct supervision (primary)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with certification, direct supervision ONLY; N2O permitted with direct supervision ONLY; no restorative or laser privileges; primarily direct supervision state with limited general supervision (patients of record only, max 10 consecutive business days, excludes LA/N2O)
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
Partially verifiable — board has a dedicated 'Resource Page - General Supervision' confirming general supervision is a defined, limited category
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee (one of the highest) | $400 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee LA certification renewal fee | $25 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal (even years) plus mandatory PHN assessment | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Application $400 (excludes NBDHE exam fee); one of the highest initial application fees | $400 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (even years)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
Biennial (even years) plus mandatory PHN assessment; LA cert renewal $25 additional
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
Transfer Details
Mississippi accepts out-of-state licenses by credentials; NPDB self-query required
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 Mississippi with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA certification (direct supervision only)
NPDB/HIPDB self-query
Online renewal mandatory
Primarily direct supervision (most restrictive); general supervision limited to 10 consecutive business days for patients of record only, excludes LA/N2O; mandatory PHN assessment with renewal; $400 application fee (among highest); online renewal mandatory
Mississippi is a primarily direct supervision state -- one of the most restrictive.
General supervision is limited to patients of record only, maximum 10 consecutive business days, and excludes LA/N2O procedures.
Application fee of $400 is one of the highest among states.
Mandatory PHN assessment is required with biennial renewal.
Online renewal is mandatory.
Maximum 5 hours of CE may be from home study; maximum 4 hours per year CPR.
NPDB/HIPDB self-query is required for both initial application and reciprocity.
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.
Professional Health Network (PHN) is a recognized program by the MS board
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Mississippi
See how Mississippi compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Mississippi compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
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Dental Hygienist Schools in Mississippi
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Mississippi? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Mississippi →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Mississippi to: Alabama → | Arkansas → | Louisiana → | Tennessee →
Mississippi 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 Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.