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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $140+
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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 in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited U.S. dental hygiene 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, computer-based. Passing score: 75.
Pass a clinical board examination. South Dakota accepts: CRDTS, WREB, CDCA, CITA, SRTA. None; must pass board-approved patient-based, simulation-based, or manikin-based clinical competency psychomotor examination within 5 years of application
Pass the South Dakota dental jurisprudence exam. South Dakota Board of Dentistry written examination on administrative rules and statutes. Passing score: 70.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, 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), nitrous oxide sedation and analgesia permit, permit to monitor patients under general anesthesia/deep sedation/moderate sedation — all confirmed as separate applications.
Submit your application to the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. Application fee: $140. Total initial fees: $140+.
Renew your license every 5-year CE cycle. 75 CE hours required.
CE Hours Required
75 hours
Per 5-year ce cycle renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
5-year CE cycle
Required CE Topics
4 topic areas
Dental radiography (5 hours per 5-year cycle required), CPR/BLS certification must be maintained current, Minimum 5 hours dental radiography per 5-year cycle, +1 more
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, 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%
Overall licensing difficulty: 19/100
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
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+ |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5-year 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.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Credential Verification
Transfer Details
Applicants licensed in another state may apply via credential verification with a minimum of 3,000 clinical practice hours within the five years preceding application; accepted exams are CRDTS, WREB, CDCA, CITA, or SRTA.
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 South Dakota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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)
nitrous oxide sedation and analgesia permit
permit to monitor patients under general anesthesia/deep sedation/moderate sedation — all confirmed as separate applications
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%).
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in South Dakota
See how South Dakota compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Moving to South Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to South Dakota →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from South Dakota to: Iowa → | Minnesota → | Montana → | Nebraska → | North Dakota → | Wyoming →
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.