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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $265
Governing Authority
New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners, under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
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.
Graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CODA
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$265
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CODA 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. New Hampshire accepts: Board-approved regional/state exams.
Pass the New Hampshire dental jurisprudence exam. NH jurisprudence exam covering RSA 317-A Dental Practice Act, administrative rules Den 100 through Den 500, the ADA's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, and the ADHA Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, BLS-HCP with hands-on component required (online-only BLS is NOT sufficient), LA Board permit, Criminal background check consent, CPHDH designation (optional, for public health), EFDA designation (optional, for expanded functions).
Submit your application to the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners, under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Application fee: $100. License fee: $165. Total initial fees: $265.
Renew your license every Biennial; licenses renewed between February and April of odd-numbered years. 20 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $165.
CE Hours Required
20 hours
Per biennial; licenses renewed between february and april of odd-numbered years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial; licenses renewed between February and April of odd-numbered years
Required CE Topics
4 topic areas
15 hours clinical CE (mandatory minimum), 2 hours infection control (mandatory), 2 hours medical emergency (mandatory), +1 more
Renewal Fee
$165
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
NH jurisprudence exam covering RSA 317-A Dental Practice Act, administrative rules Den 100 through Den 500, the ADA's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, and the ADHA Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists
Passing Score
75%
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
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
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE (75 passing), Board-approved clinical exam, jurisprudence exam (covers RSA 317-A, Den 100-500, ADA/ADHA ethics), BLS-HCP with hands-on, criminal background check consent
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Certified Public Health Dental Hygienist (CPHDH)
Requirements
RDH license plus CPHDH designation; provides scaling, root planing, fluoride varnish, and sealants in public health settings with greater independence
Supervision
Greater independence in public health settings
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)
Requirements
RDH license plus EFDA designation; direct supervision required for expanded functions
Supervision
Direct supervision for expanded functions
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with Board permit; N2O permitted; no restorative or laser privileges; CPHDH can provide scaling, root planing, fluoride varnish, and sealants in public health settings; EFDA designation available for expanded functions under direct supervision
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; CPHDH has greater independence in public health settings; EFDA requires direct supervision for expanded functions
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $100 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee Biennial registration (active); $65 inactive | $165 |
Renewal Fee Biennial active registration; $65 inactive | $165 |
Total Initial Fees Application $100 + biennial registration $165 (excludes NBDHE exam fee) | $265 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial; licenses renewed between February and April of odd-numbered years
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$165
Biennial active registration (Feb-Apr, odd years); $65 inactive
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
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Endorsement requires a current, unsuspended, unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in another state and practice of clinical dental hygiene in one or more states within the last 3 years; endorsement applicants must also have completed ADEX or equivalent clinical 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 New Hampshire with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
BLS-HCP with hands-on component required (online-only BLS is NOT sufficient)
LA Board permit
Criminal background check consent
CPHDH designation (optional, for public health)
EFDA designation (optional, for expanded functions)
Jurisprudence covers both ADA + ADHA ethics codes (uncommon); first renewal is CE-exempt; BLS hands-on required (online-only insufficient); three designations: RDH, CPHDH, EFDA; board under OPLC
Jurisprudence exam uniquely covers both ADA AND ADHA ethics codes, plus RSA 317-A and Den 100-500.
First renewal is CE-exempt (unusual provision).
BLS-HCP with hands-on component is required -- online-only BLS is NOT sufficient.
Three designations available: RDH, CPHDH (public health), and EFDA (expanded functions).
CE requires minimum 15 clinical hours, 2 infection control, and 2 medical emergency.
Board is under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).
Inactive registration available at reduced $65 rate.
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Moving to New Hampshire? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from New Hampshire to: Maine → | Massachusetts → | Vermont →
New Hampshire requires a Graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CODA from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners, under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.