Dental Hygienist / California
2026 data California board official source

California Dental Hygienist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides preventive dental care and examines patients for oral disease.

What the California data shows for Dental Hygienists

California sets the entry bar for dental hygienists at 3,486 training hours and a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under California's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Upfront cost is $346, with renewal running $198 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in California

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
3,486 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$346
Renewal Fee
$198
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 California licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with California licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in California? ▼
California's requirements cover 3486 hours of education or training, the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $346. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in California? ▼
To become a licensed dental hygienist in California, you must meet the state's requirements including 3486 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the California licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to California from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for dental hygienists: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the California licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does California require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the dental hygienist licensing process in California. 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 California? ▼
California ties continued dental hygienist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $198 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.