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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Texas. Degree required: Degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited school or college of dental hygiene. 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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60% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. 8 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 school or college of dental hygiene
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
Varies
Total Initial Fees
24 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
No state-specific clinical exam. Clinical exam must have been completed within 7 years of application date.
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
TSBDE Jurisprudence Assessment
Passing Score
75%
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 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial)
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Licensure 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.
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)
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$82,830
25th percentile
Median
$94,490
At national averageExperienced
$103,420
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
16,010 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+272% salary growth potential
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Dental Hygienist
$94,490
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$42,270
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$94,490
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$157,370
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
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) — Licensing Requirements
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Texas requires a Degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited school or college of 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.