Dental Hygienist / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Dental Hygienist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 Rhode Island data shows for Dental Hygienists

Becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Rhode Island means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,243 training hours, a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Rhode Island regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

The initial price tag is $279, and renewal costs $161 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
37/100
Dental Hygienist · Rhode Island

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
3,243 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$279
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$81/yr
$161 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
3,243 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$279
Renewal Fee
$161
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island? ▼
In Rhode Island, the license path calls for 3243 education/training hours, a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam), and a $279 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island? ▼
To become a licensed dental hygienist in Rhode Island, you must meet the state's requirements including 3243 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Verify the specifics with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Rhode Island does require a background check before issuing a dental hygienist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island ties continued dental hygienist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $161 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this dental hygienist license

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

  • See how Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Rhode Island overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Rhode Island 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.