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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.
Graduated from a CODA-accredited school or college of dental hygiene with a degree in dental hygiene (or from a dental school accredited by CODA with a degree/certificate in dental hygiene)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
Varies
Total Initial Fees
24 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduated from a CODA-accredited school or college of dental hygiene with a degree in dental hygiene (or from a dental school accredited by CODA with a degree/certificate in dental hygiene) Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-3 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) — referred to on the page as 'Completion of National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)'. Format: 350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based. Passing score: 75.
Pass a clinical board examination. Texas accepts: ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, SRTA. No state-specific clinical exam. Clinical exam must have been completed within 7 years of the date of examination.
Pass the Texas dental jurisprudence exam. TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Fingerprint-based background check required, NPDB (National Practitioner Data Bank) Self-Query required, Human trafficking prevention course (required since October 1, 2021), CPR certification with hands-on demonstration of skills, Local infiltration anesthesia certificate (optional, for expanded scope), All confirmed on official page, local anesthesia certificate is indeed a separate optional application under Other Licensing.
Submit your application to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
Renew your license every Biennial (2 years); first license valid 18–30 months. 24 CE hours required.
CE Hours Required
24 hours
Per biennial (2 years); first license valid 18–30 months renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (2 years); first license valid 18–30 months
Required CE Topics
7 topic areas
At least 16 hours technical/scientific coursework related to clinical patient care, Up to 8 hours risk-management courses (ethics, HIPAA, record-keeping), Up to 8 hours self-study formats, +4 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) — referred to on the page as 'Completion of National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)'
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
State-Specific Exam
No state-specific clinical exam. Clinical exam must have been completed within 7 years of the date of examination.
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment
Passing Score
75%
Overall licensing difficulty: 16/100
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 degree, NBDHE, clinical exam within 7 years, TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment within 1 year, 18+ years old, high school diploma/GED
Supervision
General supervision of a licensed dentist
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local infiltration anesthesia only (not block anesthesia) under direct supervision of a TX dentist with current certificate. Dental hygienists cannot turn on or off nitrous oxide but may monitor and record it. Laser procedures allowed with 12 hours in-person CE including 3 hours clinical simulation. Patient must be seen by supervising dentist within 12 months.
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
Texas is NOT a direct access state for independent practice, but does allow general supervision. Local infiltration anesthesia requires direct supervision. Patient must be seen by the supervising dentist within 12 months.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees Application fee plus prorated renewal fee plus exam fees; check TSBDE fee schedule | Varies |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years); first license valid 18–30 months
Renewal Period
24 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
Hygienist License by Credentials
Transfer Details
Applicants currently licensed in good standing in another state, DC, or US territory may apply by credentials. Must have official transcripts from CODA-accredited program and proof of National Boards.
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 Texas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Fingerprint-based background check required
NPDB (National Practitioner Data Bank) Self-Query required
Human trafficking prevention course (required since October 1, 2021)
CPR certification with hands-on demonstration of skills
Local infiltration anesthesia certificate (optional, for expanded scope)
All confirmed on official page
local anesthesia certificate is indeed a separate optional application under Other Licensing
Texas has several distinctive requirements: mandatory human trafficking prevention course (since 2021), NPDB Self-Query report, and fingerprint-based background check. Local anesthesia is limited to infiltration only (not block anesthesia) and was only recently authorized. Dental hygienists cannot administer nitrous oxide but may monitor it. The jurisprudence assessment must be repeated every 4 years. Clinical exams have a 7-year validity window. Laser use is allowed but requires 12 hours of in-person CE including 3 hours of clinical simulation training.
Clinical exam must be within 7 years of application (longer window than most states).
Texas requires a human trafficking prevention course since October 1, 2021 -- unique among most states.
NPDB Self-Query report is a distinctive Texas requirement.
Fingerprint-based background check required (not just a standard background check).
Jurisprudence Assessment must be repeated every 4 years (not just at initial licensure).
Local anesthesia limited to infiltration only (not block) -- more restrictive than many states.
Dental hygienists cannot administer nitrous oxide but may monitor it.
Laser procedures allowed with substantial additional CE (12 hours including clinical simulation).
Paper renewal applications no longer accepted as of September 1, 2024.
Excess CE hours (up to 24) can be banked and carried forward to next renewal period.
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.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
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See how Texas compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Dental Hygienist Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Texas →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
Texas requires a Graduated from a CODA-accredited school or college of dental hygiene with a degree in dental hygiene (or from a dental school accredited by CODA with a degree/certificate in dental hygiene) from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.