Dental Hygienist / Alabama
2026 data Alabama board official source

Alabama Dental Hygienist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides preventive dental care and examines patients for oral disease.

What the Alabama data shows for Dental Hygienists

To practice as a dental hygienist in Alabama, the state licensing board requires 2,811 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Alabama's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Upfront cost is $160, with renewal running $97 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For dental hygienists, the reciprocity picture is: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Alabama

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
2,811 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$160
Renewal Fee
$97
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Dental Hygienist All Alabama licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alabama licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama requires 2811 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)), and an initial fee of $160. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama licenses dental hygienists who complete its requirements (2811 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Alabama licensing board.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Alabama from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for dental hygienists nationally works like this: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Alabama. Verify the specifics with the Alabama licensing board.
Does Alabama require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the dental hygienist licensing process in Alabama. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist in Alabama? ▼
Alabama ties continued dental hygienist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $97 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.