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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
24 CE hours per biennial 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. Ohio accepts: Board-approved clinical exam.
Pass the Ohio dental jurisprudence exam. Ohio Dental Jurisprudence Exam.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, LA certification requires approved course + written exam within 18 months.
Submit your application to the Ohio State Dental Board. Application fee: 184.
Renew your license every 2 years (biennial). 24 CE hours per biennial renewal period CE hours required.
State CE Hours
See state board
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial)
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
4 hours CPR, 1 hour infection control, 1 hour implicit bias
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
Ohio Dental Jurisprudence Exam
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 education, NBDHE, board-approved clinical exam, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Ohio Access to Health and Safety Program (OHASP)
Requirements
RDH license; OHASP authorization for direct access in underserved settings
Supervision
Direct access in underserved settings under OHASP
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia requires approved course + written exam within 18 months of course completion. Nitrous oxide authorized. 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; OHASP provides direct access in underserved settings without dentist supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee $184 | 184 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Total Initial Fees Approximately $784+ including application and NBDHE fees | Varies |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
Renewal Period
24 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.
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
Credentials-based reciprocity for out-of-state licensees
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 Ohio with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA certification requires approved course + written exam within 18 months
OHASP provides direct access in underserved settings; LA requires approved course + written exam within 18 months of course completion; mandatory implicit bias CE requirement; detailed CE topic mandates (4 CPR, 1 infection control, 1 implicit bias out of 24 total)
OHASP (Ohio Access to Health and Safety Program) provides direct access in underserved settings
Local anesthesia requires approved course + written exam within 18 months of course completion
CE requirements include mandatory 1 hour implicit bias training
24 CE hours per biennium with specific topic mandates (4 CPR, 1 infection control, 1 implicit bias)
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 Ohio
See how Ohio compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Ohio compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
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Dental Hygienist Schools in Ohio
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Ohio? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Ohio →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Ohio to: Indiana → | Kentucky → | Michigan → | Pennsylvania → | West Virginia →
Ohio 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 Ohio State Dental Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.