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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in New Jersey. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $75. 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
$75
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
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
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Jersey.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$97,510
25th percentile
Median
$102,600
+9% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$103,640
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,030 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+233% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$102,600
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$48,070
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$102,600
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$159,860
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 Jersey State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Jersey State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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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.