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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Rhode Island. 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
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67% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. 6 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
20 CE hours per biennial renewal period (all may be home study) 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
Rhode Island 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
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 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial, even years)
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.
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 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
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#36 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$81,770
25th percentile
Median
$82,870
-12% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$85,560
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
850 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
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$82,870
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$48,060
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$82,870
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
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: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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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.