Dental Hygienist / Kentucky
2026 data Kentucky board official source

Kentucky Dental Hygienist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides preventive dental care and examines patients for oral disease.

What the Kentucky data shows for Dental Hygienists

To practice as a dental hygienist in Kentucky, the state licensing board requires 2,770 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 Kentucky's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Budget $149 to get started, plus $91 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
2,770 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$149
Renewal Fee
$91
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky requires 2770 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)), and an initial fee of $149. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Kentucky? ▼
Certification as a dental hygienist in Kentucky means clearing the state's checklist: 2770 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Kentucky licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
For dental hygienists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Kentucky licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the dental hygienist licensing process in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky? ▼
Licensed dental hygienists in Kentucky must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $91.

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.