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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Nebraska. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $180.25. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
94% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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
$180.25
Total Initial Fees
30 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
Nebraska Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE (75 passing), clinical exam (CRDTS, WREB, or Board-approved within 5 years -- ADEX not accepted), jurisprudence exam (75%), CPR, fingerprint background check ($45.25)
Supervision
General/indirect/direct supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Expanded Function Dental Hygienist (Restorative Levels I and II)
Requirements
Licensed DH with 1,500+ hours clinical experience; tiered restorative permits (Level I and Level II); direct supervision required for restorative duties
Supervision
Direct supervision for restorative duties
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Dental Hygienist
Requirements
Licensed DH with public health designation; authorized/independent practice; may prescribe mouth rinses and fluoride, perform minor denture adjustments, and provide Interim Therapeutic Restorations
Supervision
Authorized/independent practice (no direct supervision required)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted under indirect supervision ($25 permit); N2O monitoring/titration permitted; Restorative YES with tiered system (Level I and II, requires 1,500+ hrs experience); no laser; Public Health DH can prescribe mouth rinses and fluoride, perform minor denture adjustments, and provide Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR)
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/indirect/direct supervision depending on procedure; LA under indirect supervision; restorative under direct supervision; Public Health DH operates under authorized/independent practice (no direct supervision)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $110 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee LA permit fee | $25 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal (March 1, odd years); late fee $35 | $110 |
Total Initial Fees Application $110 + fingerprint $45.25 + LA permit $25 (excludes NBDHE exam fee) | $180.25 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (March 1, odd years)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$110
Biennial; late fee $35
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 reciprocity
Transfer Details
Nebraska accepts out-of-state licenses by reciprocity; requires 3+ years total experience with at least 1 year recent practice
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
Malpractice Insurance Required
LA permit ($25, indirect supervision)
Fingerprint background check ($45.25)
Restorative Level I and II certifications (requires 1,500+ hrs)
Liability insurance for Public Health DH
Public Health DH can prescribe mouth rinses and fluoride (rare); tiered restorative system (Level I/II, requires 1,500+ hrs); Interim Therapeutic Restorations permitted; does NOT accept ADEX; fingerprint background has separate $45.25 fee
Nebraska does NOT accept ADEX clinical exam -- only CRDTS, WREB, and Board-approved exams.
Public Health DH can prescribe mouth rinses and fluoride (uncommon scope).
Tiered restorative system: Level I and Level II, requiring 1,500+ hours clinical experience.
Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR) are permitted for Public Health DH.
LA is administered under indirect supervision ($25 permit).
Fingerprint background check has a separate $45.25 fee.
Late renewal fee is $35.
Reciprocity requires 3+ years total experience with at least 1 year recent.
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 Nebraska.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 of 51
Cost
#22 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$81,690
25th percentile
Median
$84,400
-10% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$92,080
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,400 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+260% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$84,400
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$46,660
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$84,400
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$168,110
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: Nebraska Board of Dentistry (DHHS) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Nebraska Board of Dentistry (DHHS) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Nebraska 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 Nebraska Board of Dentistry (DHHS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.