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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in New Mexico. Degree required: Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
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50% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 fields based on preliminary research. 8 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
Varies
Total Initial Fees
45 CE hours per triennial renewal period 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
Clinical Exam
Mostly verifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
Mostly verifiedExam Name
New Mexico Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Exam
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited education, NBDHE, board-approved clinical exam, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Collaborative Practice Dental Hygienist
Requirements
RDH license plus collaborative agreement with a dentist
Supervision
Direct access in community settings under collaborative agreement
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide authorized; restorative and laser not authorized. Collaborative Practice DH has direct access in community settings.
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 practice; Collaborative Practice DH operates with direct access in community settings under collaborative agreement with a dentist.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Exam application fee approximately $350 | 350 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Total Initial Fees Approximately $950+ including exam and application fees | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (triennial)
Renewal Period
45 CE hours per triennial renewal period hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
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
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
By credentials
Transfer Details
Licensure by credentials available for $400 application fee
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
Triennial renewal cycle with 45 CE hours (among highest nationally); Collaborative Practice DH provides direct access in community settings; governed by Board of Dental Health Care under RLD rather than a standalone dental board
Triennial renewal cycle (3 years) with 45 CE hours required -- among the highest CE requirements nationally
Collaborative Practice Dental Hygienist designation allows direct access in community settings
Credentials-based reciprocity application fee is $400
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#19 of 51
Cost
#40 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$83,200
25th percentile
Median
$96,410
+2% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$99,210
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,400 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+342% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$96,410
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$38,840
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$96,410
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$171,730
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 Mexico Board of Dental Health Care — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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New Mexico requires a Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.