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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Pennsylvania. 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.
69% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. 7 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
30 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
Mostly verifiedExam Name
Pennsylvania Dental Jurisprudence Exam
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited education, NBDHE, board-approved clinical exam, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner (PHDHP)
Requirements
RDH license; PHDHP authorization for direct access in public health settings
Supervision
Direct access in public health settings
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia authorized with permit. Nitrous oxide is NOT authorized for dental hygienists. 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 RDH practice; PHDHP provides direct access in public health settings.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal fee $59 (among lowest nationally) | 59 |
Total Initial Fees Contact board for full initial fee breakdown | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial, odd years)
Renewal Period
30 CE hours per biennial renewal period hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
59
Biennial renewal fee $59 (among lowest nationally)
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
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.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA permit required for local anesthesia
Does NOT authorize nitrous oxide for dental hygienists (one of few states); PHDHP for public health direct access; $59 biennial renewal (among lowest nationally); 30 CE hours with 2 mandatory infection control hours
Nitrous oxide is NOT authorized for dental hygienists -- one of few states without N2O authorization
PHDHP (Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner) provides direct access in public health settings
$59 biennial renewal fee is among the lowest nationally
30 CE hours per biennium with mandatory 2 hours infection control
Biennial renewal on odd years
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 Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$75,250
25th percentile
Median
$81,510
-14% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$98,850
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
8,640 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
$81,510
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$48,290
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$81,510
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$168,740
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: Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.