Loading...
Loading...
Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $75
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
$75
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. New Jersey accepts: NERB, Other state/regional exams (via credentials pathway).
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, LA permit (infiltration, mandibular/mental/long buccal block), Fingerprint background check (may waive if printed after November 2003), No separate jurisprudence exam -- covered via mandatory 1 hr ethics/NJ law CE.
Submit your application to the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. Application fee: $75. Total initial fees: $75.
Renew your license every Biennial (2 years). 20 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $390.
CE Hours Required
20 hours
Per biennial (2 years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (2 years)
Required CE Topics
6 topic areas
3 hours CPR (mandatory), 1 hour infection control (mandatory), 1 hour ethics/NJ law (mandatory -- substitutes for jurisprudence exam), +3 more
Renewal Fee
$390
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
Browse Dental Hygienist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Not 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
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
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.
Prepare with realistic NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE (75 passing), NERB or state/regional clinical exam, CPR, fingerprint background check; NO separate jurisprudence exam (covered via mandatory CE)
Supervision
DIRECT SUPERVISION ONLY -- dentist must be on premises at all times (most restrictive)
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Licensed DH with LA Permit
Requirements
Licensed DH plus LA permit; allows infiltration, mandibular/mental/long buccal block; dentist determines anesthetic agent; direct supervision required
Supervision
Direct supervision (dentist on premises)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with permit (infiltration, mandibular/mental/long buccal block); dentist determines anesthetic agent; N2O: hygienists may assist/monitor ONLY -- dentist must be in operatory at ALL times; no restorative or laser privileges; DIRECT SUPERVISION ONLY for all practice (most restrictive state)
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
DIRECT SUPERVISION ONLY for ALL practice -- dentist must be on premises at all times (most restrictive state); NO general supervision; for N2O: dentist must be in the operatory at all times (not just on premises)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Standard application; $125 for credentials pathway | $75 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal (highest renewal fee among states) | $390 |
Total Initial Fees Standard application $75 (or $125 credentials); excludes NBDHE exam fee and LA permit fee | $75 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$390
Biennial (highest renewal fee among states)
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 (three pathways available)
Transfer Details
New Jersey accepts out-of-state licenses by credentials with three pathways available; application fee $125 for credentials pathway
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 Jersey with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA permit (infiltration, mandibular/mental/long buccal block)
Fingerprint background check (may waive if printed after November 2003)
No separate jurisprudence exam -- covered via mandatory 1 hr ethics/NJ law CE
Direct supervision ONLY for all practice (most restrictive state); highest renewal fee ($390 biennial); no jurisprudence exam (covered via mandatory CE); mandatory opioid CE; N2O = dentist must be in operatory at all times; LA agent determined by dentist
New Jersey requires DIRECT SUPERVISION ONLY for ALL practice -- the most restrictive supervision state. No general supervision is permitted.
Renewal fee of $390 biennial is the highest among states.
No separate jurisprudence exam -- NJ law/ethics is covered through mandatory 1-hour CE requirement.
Mandatory opioid prescribing/drug diversion CE (1 hour per renewal cycle).
N2O: dental hygienists may only assist/monitor -- dentist must be in the operatory at ALL times (not just on premises).
LA permit allows infiltration, mandibular/mental/long buccal block, but dentist determines anesthetic agent.
LA permit holders must complete 4 hours LA CE every 4 years.
Fingerprint background check may be waived if fingerprints were taken after November 2003.
Three credentials pathways available for out-of-state applicants.
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.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (you) | $75 | 112–226 wks | |
| Connecticut | $150 | 112–226 wks | → |
| Delaware | $210+ | 112–226 wks | → |
| New York | — | 112–226 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | — | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in New Jersey
See how New Jersey compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all states →
Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure dental hygienist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does New Jersey compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dental hygienist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
Dental Hygienist Schools in New Jersey
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to New Jersey? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to New Jersey →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from New Jersey to: Delaware → | New York → | Pennsylvania →
New Jersey 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 Jersey State Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.