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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.
Graduate of a Board-accredited school of dental hygiene (CODA-accredited program)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
Varies
Total Initial Fees
6 CE hours per year (12 per 2-year period) -- lowest nationally hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduate of a Board-accredited school of dental hygiene (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. North Carolina accepts: ADEX (post 9/25/2013 only, must include optional periodontal scaling component).
Pass the North Carolina dental jurisprudence exam. North Carolina Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Exam.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, LA permit (direct supervision), N2O permit.
Submit your application to the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners.
Renew your license every Annual — renewal application due electronically before midnight January 31 each year. 6 CE hours per year (12 per 2-year period) -- lowest nationally CE hours required.
State CE Hours
See state board
Renewal Cycle
Annual — renewal application due electronically before midnight January 31 each year
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
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
Mostly verifiedExam Name
North Carolina Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Exam
Overall licensing difficulty: 10/100
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, ADEX with perio scaling component, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Community Service License
Requirements
RDH license plus collaborative agreement for public health settings
Supervision
Limited direct access in public health 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 requires permit and direct supervision. Nitrous oxide requires permit. Restorative and laser not authorized.
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; Community Service License provides limited direct access in public health settings.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Total Initial Fees Contact board for current fee schedule | Varies |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual — renewal application due electronically before midnight January 31 each year
Renewal Period
6 CE hours per year (12 per 2-year period) -- lowest nationally 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 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 North Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA permit (direct supervision)
N2O permit
ANNUAL renewal with only 6 CE hours/year (lowest nationally); ADEX only clinical exam accepted (post 9/25/2013) and must include optional periodontal scaling component; Community Service License for limited public health direct access
ANNUAL renewal cycle with only 6 CE hours per year -- lowest CE requirement nationally
ADEX is the ONLY accepted clinical exam (post 9/25/2013)
ADEX must include the optional periodontal scaling component
Community Service License provides limited direct access in public health settings
LA and N2O both require separate permits
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
Other professional licenses in North Carolina
See how North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
Dental Hygienist Schools in North Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to North Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to North Carolina →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from North Carolina to: Georgia → | South Carolina → | Tennessee → | Virginia →
North Carolina requires a Graduate of a Board-accredited school of dental hygiene (CODA-accredited program) from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.