Dental Hygienist / Delaware
2026 data Delaware board official source

Delaware 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 Delaware data shows for Dental Hygienists

Becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Delaware means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,054 training hours, a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Delaware regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Budget $227 to get started, plus $133 at each renewal 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 Delaware

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
3,054 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$227
Renewal Fee
$133
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 Delaware licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Delaware licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Delaware? ▼
Delaware requires 3054 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)), and an initial fee of $227. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Delaware? ▼
Delaware licenses dental hygienists who complete its requirements (3054 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Delaware licensing board.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Delaware 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 Delaware. Verify the specifics with the Delaware licensing board.
Does Delaware require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for dental hygienist licensing in Delaware. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist in Delaware? ▼
Licensed dental hygienists in Delaware must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $133.

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.