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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
20 CE hours per biennial renewal period (all may be home study) 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. Rhode Island accepts: Board-approved clinical exam.
Pass the Rhode Island dental jurisprudence exam. Rhode Island Dental Jurisprudence Exam.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, LA certification (under indirect supervision), N2O certification (under direct supervision).
Submit your application to the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry. Application fee: 65. License fee: 65.
Renew your license every Biennial renewal confirmed; renewal notices sent 60 days before expiration date. 20 CE hours per biennial renewal period (all may be home study) CE hours required.
State CE Hours
See state board
Renewal Cycle
Biennial renewal confirmed; renewal notices sent 60 days before expiration date
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
Mostly verifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
Mostly verifiedExam Name
Rhode Island Dental Jurisprudence Exam
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
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
RDH with LA/N2O Certifications
Requirements
RDH license plus approved coursework for LA and/or N2O certifications
Supervision
LA under indirect supervision; N2O under direct supervision
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA authorized under indirect supervision (unusual -- reverse of many states). N2O authorized under direct supervision. 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. LA under INDIRECT supervision (reverse of typical state requirements where LA is under direct supervision). N2O under direct supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee License fee $65 (among lowest nationally) | 65 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee Base license fee $65 (among lowest nationally) | 65 |
Total Initial Fees Approximately $665+ including license 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
VerifiedBiennial renewal confirmed; renewal notices sent 60 days before expiration date
Renewal Period
20 CE hours per biennial renewal period (all may be home study) 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 Rhode Island with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA certification (under indirect supervision)
N2O certification (under direct supervision)
LA under indirect supervision (reverse of typical -- most states require direct supervision for LA); N2O under direct supervision; $65 base license (among lowest nationally); all 20 CE hours may be home study; biennial renewal on even years
LA performed under INDIRECT supervision (reverse of typical state requirements)
N2O performed under DIRECT supervision
$65 base license fee is among the lowest nationally
All 20 CE hours may be completed via home study
Biennial renewal on even years
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | — | 112–226 wks | |
| Connecticut | $150 | 112–226 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $126 | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Rhode Island
See how Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.