Welcome to your one-stop reference for information on dental hygiene licensure and renewal requirements for every state. Choose your map, select your state and visit the links provided for the most current and comprehensive details.
Made possible through a grant from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
Initial Licensure Map
Are you studying to be a dental hygienist or preparing to get your license for the first time? Reference this helpful map to discover the requirements based on where plan to practice.
| State | Entry Level Programs | Accepted Clinical Exams | Scope of Practice | State Rules + Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StateAL | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Alabama, dental hygienists work under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. They can perform certain procedures, but a dentist must make the final diagnosis before treatment begins, Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateAK | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Alaska, dental hygienists are authorized to perform procedures under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. With an advanced practice permit, experienced dental hygienists can provide services without the presence, authorization, or supervision of a dentist. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateAZ | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Arizona, dental hygienists work under general supervision. with certification, they can place interim therapeutic restorations. Affiliated practice relationships allow qualified hygienists to provide care in community settings without a dentist present. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateAR | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Arkansas, dental hygienists perform procedures under the supervison of a licensed dentist. With an appropriate certification, they may administer local anesthesia under the supervision of a dentist. Also, Collaborative Care Permits I and II, allowing qualified dental hygienists to provide services in public settings without the dentist's physical presence. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateCA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS WREB | Scope of PracticeIn California, dental hygienists perform therapeutic, preventive, and educational services under general supervision of a dentist. In addition, Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAPs) can work independently in community settings. California also allows dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under direct supervision. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateCO | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SRTA WREB OSCE | Scope of PracticeIn Colorado, dental hygienists have an expansive scope of practice, allowing them to operate independently without supervision of a dentist. They can also place interim therapeutic restorations (ITRs) and apply silver diamine fluoride.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateCT | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCRDTS SRTA WREB NERB | Scope of PracticeIn Connecticut, dental hygienists are to practice under direct supervision of a licensed dentist or have been practicing as a licensed dental hygienist for at least two years and are practicing in a public health facility, and comply with the requirements of subsection (e) as outlined in the rules and regulations.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateDE | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredDelaware Practical Board Examination & Hygiene | Scope of PracticeIn Delaware, dental hygienists practice under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, either in the office or in public institutions such as schools. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateFL | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX | Scope of PracticeIn Florida, dental hygienists perform various tasks in different settings, such as the office of licensed dentist , public health programs, and institutions under general supervision, as well as in health access settings. Also, they can provide services without supervision, such as, fluoride applications, and oral hygiene instruction. Qualified dental hygienists are also permitted to administer local anesthesia under direct supervision. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateGA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SRTA | Scope of PracticeIn Georgia, dental hygienists primarily operate under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. There are some conditions where they are allowed to practice under general supervision (schools, hospitals, clinics, public health programs, and nursing homes).Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateHI | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Hawaii, dental hygienists practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Also, with appropriate certification, they may administer local anesthesia under supervision. In public health setting, they may work under general supervision, providing education, screenings, and fluoride treatments. However, irreversible procedures and intra-oral block local anesthesia require direct supervision to ensure patient safety. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateIL | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SRTA CDCA-WREB-CITA-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Illinois, dental hygienists are allowed to perform procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. In dental office settings, they may operate under general supervison, provided the patient has been examined by the dentist within the past year and the dentist has authorized the procedures. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateID | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Idaho, dental hygienists perform procedures under varying supervision levels. With certification, they may administer local anesthesia under general supervision. In public health settings they can work under general supervision. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateIN | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCRDTS NERB SRTA CDCA-WREB-ADEX-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Indiana, dental hygienists are authorized to perform procedures under the direct or prescriptive supervision of a licensed dentist. A licensed dental hygienist may provide without supervision screening and referrals for any person in a public health setting. They may administer local dental anesthetics under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist if they completed board approved educational requirements and received a dental hygiene anesthetic permit. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateIA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX AS ADMINISTERED BY CDCA WREB SRTA OR CITA | Scope of PracticeIn Iowa, dental hygienists can perform procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Also, they may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation under direct supervision. In public health settings, they can work under public health supervision. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateKS | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredOSCE ADEX | Scope of PracticeIn Kansas, dental hygienists perform procedures under general supervision provided the patient has been examined by the dentist within the past 12 months. Also, Kansas offers Extended Care Permits (ECP I, II, and III), allowed dental hygienist to provide services in community settings. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateKY | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Kentucky, dental hygienists perform procedures under direct or general supervision. Those with 2 or more years and 3,000 hours of experience can work under general supervision, provided the patient was examined by a dentist within seven months. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateLA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX | Scope of PracticeIn Louisiana, dental hygienists are allowed to perform procedures under general supervision by a licensed dentist. However, in specific settings (schools or public institutions) hygienists can treat a patient without the dentist on-site, provided certain conditions are met. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateME | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SIMULATED PATIENT TREATMENT CLINICAL EXAMINATION (SPTCE) | Scope of PracticeIn Maine, dental hygienists are allowed to perform procedures under direct supervision. With appropriate certification, they may also administer local anesthesia under general supervision and nitrous oxide analgesia under direct supervision. Also, Maine offers Independent Practice Dental Hygienist (IPDH).Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMD | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX NERB CDCA-WREB-CITA-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Maryland, dental hygienists perform procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. With approriate Board recognition, they may also administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA CDCA-WREB-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Massachusetts, dental hygienists are allowed to perform procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. With proper training and authorization, they may administer local anesthesia under direct supervision. Also, public health dental hygienists can operate in community settings without direct dentist supervision. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMI | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CDCA-WREB-CITA-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Michigan, dental hygienist perform procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. With appropriate training, they may also administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia under the direct supervison of a dentist. Also, Michigan's Public ACT 161 program allows dental hygienist to provide preventive services in public or nonprofit settings. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMN | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCRDTS NERB WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Minnesota, dental hygienists are allow to perform procedures under varying levels of supervision. With appropriate training, they may also administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia. Minnesota permits collaborative practice, allowing them to enter into agreements with licensed dentists to provide community service. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMS | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredDOES NOT SPECIFY "CLINICAL EXAM" ADEX SRTA MS Jurisprudence Exam | Scope of PracticeThe state of Mississippi permits dental hygienists to practice under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. However, in specific settings like public health programs or schools, hygienists employed by the Mississippi State Board of Health may conduct oral hygiene instruction and screenings under general supervision. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMO | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADHLEX INCLUDES CSCE AND PTCE ADEX MO Jurisprudence Exam | Scope of PracticeIn Missouri, dental hygienists must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist in most traditional clinical settings. However, in designated public health settings—such as schools, long-term care facilities, and federally qualified health centers—dental hygienists may perform certain preventive services, including prophylaxis and fluoride treatments, under general supervision.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateMT | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Montana, dental hygienists are authorized to perform procedures under varying levels of supervision depending on the setting and their qualifications. With the proper certification, they may administer local anesthesia under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. Additionally, Montana offers a Limited Access Permit (LAP), which enables qualified dental hygienists to deliver specified preventive services—such as cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments—in public health settings without prior authorization or the physical presence of a dentist.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNE | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Nebraska, dental hygienists may perform procedures under different levels of supervision based on their training and credentials. With additional education and certification, they are permitted to prescribe mouth rinses, adjust dentures, and administer nitrous oxide. Those who qualify as Expanded Function Dental Hygienists (EFDHs) may also place simple restorations under indirect supervision.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNV | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Nevada, dental hygienists work under dentist supervision. Nevada allows for an endorsement for the following items: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, restorative dental hygiene, limited prescriptive authority, immunization administration, and also public health dental hygiene (with no dentist supervision or written agreement required- it is independent practice).Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNH | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX | Scope of PracticeIn New Hampshire, dental hygienists are authorized to perform procedures under various levels of supervision. With appropriate certification, dental hygienists may also administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen minimal sedation. Notably, certified public health dental hygienists can practice under public health supervision in community settings without the dentist.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNJ | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCDCA | Scope of PracticeWith the appropriate certification, dental hygienists in New Jersey may administer local anesthesia under direct supervision. In designated settings such as public health programs or school-based clinics, they may also work under general supervision, allowing them to provide care without the dentist physically present. However, independent practice is not permitted, and all services must remain under a dentist’s overall direction.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNM | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SRTA WREB NERB | Scope of PracticeIn New Mexico, dental hygienists can perform procedures under various levels of supervision based on their certification and experience. With appropriate training, they may administer local anesthesia under indirect supervision, and after meeting additional requirements—such as completing a set number of supervised cases—they may administer local anesthesia under general supervision, allowing them to do so without the dentist physically present. New Mexico also offers a Collaborative Practice model, where qualified dental hygienists can enter into a collaborative agreement with a consulting dentist to provide preventive services, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, in public health settings like schools and community clinics without direct dentist oversight.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNY | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CDCA | Scope of PracticeIn New York, dental hygienists perform procedures under varying levels of supervision. Under general supervision, dental hygienists can provide services such as prophylaxis, radiographs, and patient education, as long as a licensed dentist has authorized the procedure and is available for consultation. In some cases, they may also work under personal supervision, where the dentist must be present in the office and personally authorize and review the work. Additionally, New York allows for collaborative practice agreements, enabling dental hygienists to provide preventive services in certain settings, such as public health programs, without the dentist being physically present, as long as specific conditions are met. However, independent practice is not permitted, and dental hygienists must always operate within the parameters of their supervisory arrangements.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateNC | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA | Scope of PracticeIn North Carolina, dental hygienists perform procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists. With appropriate certification, they are permitted to administer local anesthetics by infiltration and block techniques under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateND | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA CRDTS CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn North Dakota, dental hygienists perform procedures under dentist supervision. With certification, they may administer local anesthesia under direct supervision. Qualified hygienists can also obtain permits for expanded functions. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateOH | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB NERB | Scope of PracticeIn Ohio, dental hygienists perform procedures under dentist supervision. With certification, they may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under direct supervision. Through the Oral Health Acess Supervision Program (OHASP), experienced hygienists can provide care in public health settings without a dentist present. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateOK | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Oklahoma, dental hygienists perform procedures under direct or general supervision. Under direct, they may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. With general supervision, experienced hygienists (2 + years) may provide care in public health settings with the dentist present. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateOR | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX | Scope of PracticeIn Oregon, dental hygienists perform procedures under various supervision levels. With certification, they can administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under general supervision. Additionally, the Expanded Practice Permit (EPP) allows qualified hygienists to work without direct dentist supervision in community settings, such as schools or public health programs, where they can provide preventive care and other services independently.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StatePA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA WREB NERB | Scope of PracticeIn Pennsylvania, dental hygienists perform procedures under general supervision, while local anesthesia requires direct supervision. Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioners may work without supervision in schools and public health settings.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateRI | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX | Scope of PracticeA dental hygienist may perform procedures under general supervision of the dentist. A dental hygienist qualified to administer local anesthesia shall do so only under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateSC | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SRTA | Scope of PracticeIn South Carolina, dental hygienists perform procedures under general supervision. Direct supervision is required for local anesthesia. Independent practice is not permitted. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateSD | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn South Dakota, dental hygienists perform procedures under general supervision, meaning they can treat patients of record as long as the dentist has authorized the procedures and will evaluate the patient within 13 months. With a collaborative agreement and specific experience, dental hygienists can also provide services in community settings, such as schools or public health programs, with the dentist's oversight and presence as required.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateTN | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Tennessee, dental hygienists provide services under general supervision as long as the patient was examined by a dentist within the last 11 months. Direct supervision is required for procedures like administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. However, dental hygienists are not authorized to diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgical procedures.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateTX | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Texas, dental hygienists perform procedures under supervision of a licensed dentist. With appropriate training, they may administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation under direct supervision. Also, dental hygienists may use lasers in their practice under direct supervision (with proper training).Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateUT | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CRDTS SRTA CDCA-WREB-CITA-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Utah, dental hygienists perform procedures under general supervision. They can administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation under direct supervision. Also, collaborative agreements allow them to work in public health settings. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateVT | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Vermont, dental hygienists typically perform procedures under direct supervision. With the appropriate certification, hygienists can administer local anesthesia under direct supervision as well. Additionally, Public Health dental hygienists with at least three years of experience are eligible to provide care in community settings—such as schools and public health programs—without the dentist physically present.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateVA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX SRTA CDCA-WREB-CITA-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Virginia, dental hygienists perform procedures under direct supervision. With the proper certification, they can administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under direct supervision as well. Additionally, remote supervision enables dental hygienists in public health settings to provide care, such as preventive services, without the dentist being present.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateWA | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeA dental hygienist may perform several procedures under general supervision of the dentist and others under close supervision. Under appropriate supervision, the placing of restorations and administration of anesthesia and nitrous oxide are included in the full dental hygiene license even if a dental hygienist will not be doing these procedures. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateDC | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredNERB ADEX | Scope of PracticeIn Washington, D.C., dental hygienists are permitted form therapeutic procedures under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. Under direct supervision, they may also monitor nitrous oxide, administer local anesthesia (with proper authorization). Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateWV | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX WREB | Scope of PracticeIn West Virginia, dental hygienists perform procedures under general supervision. With two years and 3,000 hours of experience, they may provide care for up to 15 days without a dentist present. Public health practice permit holders can work in community settings without prior dental exams, provided they have a collaborative agreement and refer patients for an exam within six months. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateWI | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredADEX CITA CRDTS SRTA CDCA WREB | Scope of PracticeIn Wisconsin, dental hygienists perform procedures under direct supervision. They can provide services in public health settings under general supervision. Local anesthesia requires direct supervision. Hygienists cannot diagnose, perform surgery, or prescribe medications. Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
| StateWY | Entry Level ProgramsLearn more > | License RequiredCDCA-WREB-CITA-Credits | Scope of PracticeIn Wyoming, dental hygienists typically perform procedures under direct supervision. However, under general supervision, they are permitted to provide services in public health settings. The administration of local anesthesia must still occur under direct supervision, and dental hygienists are not authorized to diagnose conditions, perform surgical procedures, or prescribe medications.Learn more > | State Rules + RegulationsLearn more > |
RDH License Renewal Map
Every state has its own requirements and renewal process. Deadlines, continuing education requirements and fees are tied to the specific licensing board in for the state in which you are practicing. Take a look at the map below as a guideline for your state and find links to each licensing board website to learn more details.
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Data current as of 5/1/25. ADHA attempts to keep all maps current, and updates are made quarterly.