Dental Hygienist / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia data shows for Dental Hygienists

To practice as a dental hygienist in District of Columbia, the state licensing board requires 3,073 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 District of Columbia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Upfront cost is $233, with renewal running $136 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.

On reciprocity, dental hygienists should know: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
3,073 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$233
Renewal Fee
$136
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia's requirements cover 3073 hours of education or training, the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $233. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in District of Columbia? ▼
To become a licensed dental hygienist in District of Columbia, you must meet the state's requirements including 3073 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the District of Columbia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia. Verify the specifics with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Yes, District of Columbia requires a criminal background check as part of the dental hygienist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist in District of Columbia? ▼
Licensed dental hygienists in District of Columbia must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $136.

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.