Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.
Jobs (RI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental hygienist in Rhode Island
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry. A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold current CPR certification. Reciprocity may be granted to dental hygienists licensed in other states for at least five years, provided specific examination criteria are met.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Rhode Island requirements
| Licensing body | Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA) ($465) |
| Application fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Rhode Island licenses experienced hygienists from states that required a clinical exam outside training.Reciprocal states: Rhode Island may issue a license to a dental hygienist licensed in another state for five years immediately prior to submitting an application, provided the other state required a clinical exam not part of the applicant's training program. Verification of good standing from other states where licensed is required. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a background investigation and current CPR certification. Renewal is by May 1 of even-numbered years. Must complete 1 hour of an accredited OSHA course per year as part of CE. Applicants must be of good moral character and in good standing in any other state where they hold a license. Applications are valid for 1 year. |
Source: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Rhode Island? See whether Rhode Island 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_circleRhode Island 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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