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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 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
Associate's degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program registered in New York 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 York accepts: ADEX, CDCA, CRDTS, NERB, WREB.
Separate LA certification required for local anesthesia administration.
Submit your application to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Application fee: $294.
Renew your license every 3 years (triennial). 24 CE hours per triennial renewal period (max 12 via distance learning) CE hours required. Renewal fee: 169.
State CE Hours
See state board
Renewal Cycle
3 years (triennial)
Renewal Fee
169
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
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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
Overall licensing difficulty: 14/100
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 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 |
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
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.
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/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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New York with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | — | 112–226 wks | |
| Connecticut | $150 | 112–226 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $126 | 112–226 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $75 | 112–226 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | — | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in New York
See how New York 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 →
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How does New York 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 York.
Dental Hygienist Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to New York? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to New York →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →
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.