Dental Hygienist in California

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$121,080

trending_up +28.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, California.

engineering

22,940

Jobs (CA)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$100

Licensing fees

schedule

30-90 days for application processing

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in California

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in California, you must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, or ADEX), and the California Law and Ethics Examination. You will then submit an application to the Dental Hygiene Board of California with a fee of $100. The application processing time typically ranges from 30 to 90 days. California also offers a 'Licensure by Credential' pathway for experienced out-of-state hygienists, but dental hygiene education from other countries is not accepted.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $56,330

25th percentile $106,480

50th (median) $121,080

75th percentile $129,880

90th (experienced) $137,460

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist California requirements

Licensing body	Dental Hygiene Board of California
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the California Law and Ethics Examination
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	25.0 hours per cycle
Notes	California has a separate board for dental hygiene. Specific coursework in infection control (2 hours), California dental law (2 hours), and basic life support is required for renewal. Additional certifications are available for RDH in Alternative Practice (RDHAP), which has different CE requirements (35 hours every two years). All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. If you did not graduate from a California dental hygiene program, you must pass a board-approved clinical examination and complete approved courses in the administration of local anesthesia, soft tissue curettage, and nitrous oxide.

Source: Dental Hygiene Board of California

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleCalifornia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a dental hygienist in California? expand_more

California requires dental hygienists to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the California Law and Ethics Examination, and submit your application ($100 fee).

Does California require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a dental hygienist in California without a state license from Dental Hygiene Board of California. The required exam is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the California Law and Ethics Examination.

What is the average dental hygienist salary in California? expand_more

dental hygienists in California earn a median of $121,080 annually. That's 28% above the national median of $94,260. Wages range from $56,330 (10th percentile) up to $137,460 (90th percentile).

How many months or years does dental hygienist certification take in California? expand_more

The typical timeline in California is 30-90 days for application processing. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does California require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

To keep your license active, California mandates 25.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.