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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in New Hampshire. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $265. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
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92% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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
$265
Total Initial Fees
20 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
New Hampshire Dental Jurisprudence Examination (covers RSA 317-A, Den 100-500, ADA and ADHA ethics codes)
Passing Score
75%
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 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (February-April, odd 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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
New Hampshire accepts out-of-state licenses by endorsement; applicants must hold current license and have practiced within the past 3 years
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
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Hampshire.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#17 of 51
Cost
#28 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$91,120
25th percentile
Median
$96,740
+3% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$99,510
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,540 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+222% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$96,740
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$50,260
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$96,740
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$162,040
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: New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (OPLC) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (OPLC) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (OPLC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.