Dental Hygienist in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, California.
Jobs (CA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | California offers licensure by credential for hygienists licensed in another state for five or more years.Reciprocal states: California offers 'Licensure by Credential' for applicants licensed in another state for 5 or more years with a minimum of 750 hours of clinical practice per year. Dental hygiene education and licensure from other countries are not recognized. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to California? See whether California recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Dental Hygienist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleCalifornia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
Compare Dental Hygienist head-to-head
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