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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in North Dakota. 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
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
52% of data points are verified against official sources. 14 fields based on preliminary research. 9 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
18 CE hours per biennial 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
VerifiedExam Name
North Dakota Dental Jurisprudence Exam (free, online)
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited education, NBDHE, board-approved clinical exam, free online jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
RDH with Expanded Function Permits (LA, N2O, laser, SDF, restorative)
Requirements
RDH license plus approved coursework for each expanded function permit; all permits are FREE
Supervision
General supervision; limited direct access in public health settings
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Allowed
Restorative Duties
Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Broadest expanded functions nationally: LA, N2O, restorative, laser, and SDF all available via free expanded function permits. Each requires approved coursework.
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
Mostly 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; limited direct access in public health settings. All expanded function permits available under general supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Total Initial Fees Contact board; all expanded function permits are FREE | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial, odd years)
Renewal Period
18 CE hours per biennial 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
Standard credentials-based reciprocity process
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
Expanded function permits available: LA, N2O, laser, SDF, restorative (all FREE)
All expanded function permits are FREE; free online jurisprudence exam; broadest expanded scope nationally with LA, N2O, laser, SDF, and restorative all available via individual permits; biennial renewal (odd years)
All expanded function permits are FREE of charge
Free online jurisprudence exam
Broadest expanded scope nationally: LA, N2O, laser, SDF, and restorative all available via permits
Biennial renewal on odd years with 18 CE hours
Limited direct access available in public health settings
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#35 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$80,790
25th percentile
Median
$83,010
-12% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$91,690
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
580 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+292% salary growth potential
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Dental Hygienist
$83,010
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$51,310
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$83,010
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$201,280
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: North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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North Dakota 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 North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.