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Dental Hygienist
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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
Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited 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. Passing score: 75. Exam fee: $560.
Pass a clinical board examination. New Mexico accepts: Board-approved clinical exam.
Pass the New Mexico dental jurisprudence exam. New Mexico Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Exam.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check.
Submit your application to the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. Application fee: 350.
Renew your license every 3 years (triennial). 45 CE hours per triennial renewal period CE hours required.
State CE Hours
See state board
Renewal Cycle
3 years (triennial)
Required CE Topics
CPR/BLS
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
Clinical Exam
Mostly verifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
Mostly verifiedExam Name
New Mexico Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Exam
Overall licensing difficulty: 17/100
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 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
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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.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Mexico with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in New Mexico
See how New Mexico compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does New Mexico compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dental hygienist license →
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Dental Hygienist Schools in New Mexico
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to New Mexico? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to New Mexico →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from New Mexico to: Arizona → | Colorado → | Oklahoma → | Texas → | Utah →
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.