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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Wisconsin. Degree required: Graduate of a school of dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $78+. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board (Department of Safety and Professional Services - DSPS)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
65% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 fields based on preliminary research. 5 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Graduate of a school of dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$78+
Total Initial Fees
12 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 exam; Board determines if examination is substantially equivalent to a board-approved testing service exam
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Wisconsin Jurisprudence Examination on statutes and administrative rules relating to dentistry and dental hygiene
Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, board-approved clinical exam, jurisprudence exam, CPR/AED certification
Supervision
Under supervision of a licensed dentist or dental therapist
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Dental Hygienist with Local Anesthesia Delegation
Requirements
Standard license plus evidence of successful completion of didactic and clinical program from CODA-accredited dental or dental hygiene program in local anesthesia
Supervision
Delegation and supervision of a licensed dentist or dental therapist
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia may be delegated by a dentist or dental therapist to a dental hygienist with proper CODA-accredited training. Dental hygienists may NOT diagnose dental disease, determine treatment regimens outside their scope, prescribe or order medication, or perform procedures involving intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue. Wisconsin has dental therapists who may also supervise dental hygienists.
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
Dental hygienists must practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental therapist in a dental facility or facility specified in statute. Wisconsin is NOT a direct access state. Dental therapists (a relatively new provider type in WI) may also supervise dental hygienists.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial credential fee range $75-$150; contact DSPS for exact current amount | $78 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; contact DSPS for exact current amount | $68 |
Total Initial Fees Application fee plus exam fees paid separately | $78+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial, due September 30 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$68
Biennial renewal due September 30 of odd years
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
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Wisconsin accepts out-of-state dental hygienist applications if the applicant has passed an examination substantially equivalent to a board-approved testing service 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
Background Check Required
CPR/AED certification (must include AED training, approved by Wisconsin DHS)
Local anesthesia training from CODA-accredited program (optional, for delegation)
Background check
Wisconsin is notable for having dental therapists who can also supervise dental hygienists, making it one of the few states with this mid-level provider. CPR certification must specifically include AED training and be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (not just any AHA/ARC course). The CE requirement is only 12 hours biennially (one of the lowest in the nation), and all hours may be completed by home study. A minimum of 2 hours must be in infection control. The clinical exam requirement uses a 'substantial equivalency' standard rather than naming specific accepted exams.
Wisconsin has dental therapists who can supervise dental hygienists -- a relatively new provider type.
CPR certification must specifically include AED (automated external defibrillator) training.
CPR instruction must be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Only 12 CE hours required biennially -- lower than most states.
All 12 CE hours may be completed by home study -- very flexible.
Minimum 2 of 12 hours must be in infection control.
Dental hygienists cannot perform procedures involving intentional cutting of soft or hard tissue.
Renewal due September 30 of odd-numbered years.
Wisconsin is NOT a direct access state.
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 Wisconsin.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#31 of 51
Cost
#4 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$80,080
25th percentile
Median
$83,850
-11% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$94,990
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,620 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+331% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$83,850
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$48,000
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$83,850
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$206,650
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.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Wisconsin requires a Graduate of a school of dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board (Department of Safety and Professional Services - DSPS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.