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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in South Dakota. Degree required: Degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited U.S. dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $140+. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
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71% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. 4 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited U.S. dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$140+
Total Initial Fees
75 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, computer-based
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
State-Specific Exam
None; must pass board-approved patient-based, simulation-based, or manikin-based clinical competency psychomotor examination within 5 years of application
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
South Dakota Board of Dentistry written examination on administrative rules and statutes
Passing Score
70%
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, clinical exam within 5 years, state jurisprudence exam (70% minimum), CPR certification
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Collaborative Supervision Dental Hygienist
Requirements
3 years clinical practice, 4,000 practice hours (2,000 within last 2 of 3 years), written collaborative agreement with supervising dentist
Supervision
Collaborative supervision (dentist not present)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide each require separate permits from the Board. Nitrous oxide may be administered to patients 18+ under general supervision with dentist authorization documented in patient record. Dental hygienists must complete Board-approved educational courses and maintain BLS certification for expanded permits.
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
South Dakota is a direct access state since 2011. Under collaborative supervision, hygienists may provide direct preventive and therapeutic services in limited, specified settings without the dentist present. Requires 3 years clinical experience, 4,000 hours (2,000 within last 2-3 years), and a written collaborative agreement with a dentist.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license application fee | $140 |
Total Initial Fees Application fee plus exam fees paid separately to testing organizations | $140+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years (CE cycle)
Renewal Period
75 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
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Credential Verification
Transfer Details
Applicants already licensed in another state may apply through credential verification. Must have a minimum of 3,000 clinical practice hours within the 5 years preceding application. Must have passed CRDTS, WREB, CDCA, CITA, or SRTA clinical exam.
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
CPR certification from AHA Healthcare Provider, ARC Professional Rescuer, or Board-approved equivalent
Local anesthesia permit (separate application)
Nitrous oxide permit (separate application)
Sedation monitoring permit (separate application)
South Dakota uses a 5-year CE cycle with 75 hours required (including 5 hours of radiography), rather than the more common 2-year cycle. The state has offered collaborative supervision (direct access) since 2011, allowing experienced hygienists to provide services in limited settings without a dentist present. The jurisprudence exam has a lower passing threshold of 70% compared to most states. Nitrous oxide can be administered to patients 18+ under general supervision with dentist authorization in the patient record.
South Dakota has a 5-year CE cycle requiring 75 hours, which is more than many states but spread over a longer period.
Clinical exam must have been passed within 5 years of application for new applicants.
Credential verification pathway requires 3,000 clinical hours within the past 5 years.
Collaborative supervision model available since 2011 allows direct access in specified settings.
Separate permits required for local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and sedation monitoring.
Jurisprudence exam requires only 70% passing score (lower than many states requiring 75%).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#14 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$82,370
25th percentile
Median
$84,300
-11% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$92,730
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
730 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+242% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$84,300
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$47,680
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$84,300
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$162,860
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: South Dakota State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Dakota State Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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South Dakota requires a Degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited U.S. dental hygiene program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.