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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in New York. Degree required: Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program registered in New York. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
81% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. 3 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 registered in New York
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
Varies
Total Initial Fees
24 CE hours per triennial renewal period (max 12 via distance learning) 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
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited registered NY program, NBDHE, accepted clinical exam
Supervision
Direct and general supervision
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia requires separate certification. Nitrous oxide authorized for monitoring only. Restorative and laser not authorized. No expanded or independent practice designations.
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 and general supervision; NOT direct access. No expanded or independent practice pathway available.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee $179 | $294 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Renewal Fee Triennial renewal fee $169 | $148 |
Total Initial Fees Approximately $779+ including application and NBDHE fees | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years (triennial)
Renewal Period
24 CE hours per triennial renewal period (max 12 via distance learning) hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
169
Triennial renewal fee $169
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/endorsement
Transfer Details
Licensure by credentials or endorsement available for out-of-state applicants
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.
Separate LA certification required for local anesthesia administration
One of the most unusual regulatory structures: no CPR requirement, no background check, no jurisprudence exam; regulated by the State Education Department rather than a dental board; triennial renewal with only 24 CE hours (8/year equivalent, among lowest); LA requires separate certification
NO CPR/BLS requirement for licensure
NO background check required
NO jurisprudence exam required
Regulated by the State Education Department, not a dental board
Triennial renewal with only 24 CE hours (low for a 3-year cycle)
Maximum 12 CE hours via distance learning
Local anesthesia requires separate certification
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 York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#38 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$80,140
25th percentile
Median
$95,560
+1% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$107,740
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
10,350 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+249% salary growth potential
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Dental Hygienist
$95,560
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$47,020
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$95,560
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$164,060
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 York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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New York requires a Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program registered in New York from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.