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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $180.25
Governing Authority
Nebraska Board of Dentistry, administered by Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program (CODA-accredited, requiring not less than two academic years; §38-1103, §38-1118)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$180.25
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program (CODA-accredited, requiring not less than two academic years; §38-1103, §38-1118) 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. Nebraska accepts: CRDTS, WREB, Board-approved exams (within 5 years) -- NOTE: ADEX is NOT accepted.
Pass the Nebraska dental jurisprudence exam. Nebraska Dental Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, 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.
Submit your application to the Nebraska Board of Dentistry, administered by Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit. Application fee: $110. License fee: $25. Total initial fees: $180.25.
Renew your license every Biennial, renewable March 1 of odd-numbered years. 30 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $110.
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per biennial, renewable march 1 of odd-numbered years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial, renewable March 1 of odd-numbered years
Required CE Topics
2 topic areas
2 hours infection control (mandatory), Maximum 10 hours home study
Renewal Fee
$110
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
Nebraska 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
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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 (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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial, renewable March 1 of odd-numbered 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.
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 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Nebraska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
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Moving to Nebraska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Nebraska →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Nebraska to: Colorado → | Iowa → | Kansas → | Missouri → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →
Nebraska requires a Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program (CODA-accredited, requiring not less than two academic years; §38-1103, §38-1118) 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, administered by Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.