Dental Hygienist / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Dental Hygienist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 Pennsylvania data shows for Dental Hygienists

Pennsylvania's path to dental hygienist licensure runs through 3,068 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Pennsylvania folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Budget $231 to get started, plus $135 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 Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
40/100
Dental Hygienist · Pennsylvania

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,068 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$231
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$68/yr
$135 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
3,068 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$231
Renewal Fee
$135
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania's requirements cover 3068 hours of education or training, the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $231. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania? ▼
To become a licensed dental hygienist in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state's requirements including 3068 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Dental Hygienist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Yes, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
Licensed dental hygienists in Pennsylvania must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $135.

Related Guides

What to do with this dental hygienist license

Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a dental hygienist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Pennsylvania's dental hygienist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Dental Hygienist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state dental hygienist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Pennsylvania's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Pennsylvania overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Pennsylvania licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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