Resources for dental hygienists
Transferring your dental hygiene license to another state requires specific steps. Your professional license doesn't automatically transfer when you move. Despite standardized education and exams nationwide, you'll need to obtain a new license in your destination state. This state-by-state regulatory system requires many hygienists to repeat processes they've already completed. Even with accredited education, standardized exam scores, and clinical experience, you might face duplicate requirements. This guide explains how to transfer your dental hygiene license to another state, from understanding basic license portability to preparing applications, meeting state requirements, and expediting the process.
Understanding How to Transfer Your Dental Hygiene License to Another State
License portability refers to practicing dental hygiene across different jurisdictions without obtaining a completely new license in each state. While full portability doesn't yet exist, progress is being made.
Currently, dental hygienists must obtain a new license in each state where they wish to practice, a process known as "licensure by credential."
License portability matters because it:
Allows career flexibility
Helps address workforce shortages
Supports professional mobility
The Dental and Dental Hygiene (DDH) Compact initiative is a promising development. As of 2024, seven states had enacted legislation forming an interstate compact allowing licensed practitioners to work more easily in member states.
To qualify for compact privileges, dental hygienists must:
Pass an FBI background check
Verify eligibility
Complete jurisprudence requirements
Maintain an active license
Graduate from a CODA-accredited program
This development aims to reduce barriers for qualified professionals who have demonstrated competence.
Researching State-Specific Requirements for Transferring Your License
Start your research 6 to 12 months before your planned move to allow enough time for application processing, exam scheduling, and completing any additional requirements.
Examination Acceptances
While nearly all states require passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), clinical exam requirements can differ widely. Many states accept one or more of the following regional or national clinical exams:
American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX): Recognized by most states and often considered the most widely accepted exam.
Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS): Accepted mainly in central U.S. states.
Western Regional Examining Board (WREB): Common for western states.
Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA): Mostly used in southern states.
Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA): Accepted in select states that participate in this consortium.
Check if the state you are moving to accepts your previous clinical exam or if you will need to take an additional exam.
Clinical Practice Hours
Many states require you to demonstrate active clinical practice before issuing a license. This typically means documenting 2,000 or more hours of patient care within the last 24 to 36 months. Some states may accept clinical hours completed under supervision or as part of continuing education programs. Be prepared to submit detailed verification forms or affidavits from employers.
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education (CE) mandates vary by state and can include both the total number of hours and specific topics. Commonly required courses cover:
Infection control protocols
Ethics and professional conduct
State-specific dental practice laws and regulations
Radiography safety
Patient privacy (HIPAA compliance)
Keep track of your CE credits and confirm whether your completed courses meet the destination state's criteria. Some states also require CE credits within a recent timeframe (e.g., last 2 years).
Jurisprudence Exams
Nearly every state mandates passing a jurisprudence exam, which tests your understanding of that state’s dental hygiene laws, scope of practice, and regulations. These exams are typically online and open-book but must be passed before licensure. Study guides or practice tests are often available through the state dental board website.
Finding Authoritative Information
To get the most accurate and up-to-date details on licensure transfer, use these resources:
State dental board websites: The best source for official requirements, application forms, fees, processing times, and contact information. Look for sections specifically on licensure by reciprocity or endorsement.
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA): Their website offers tools and checklists for transferring licenses, including state-by-state guides.
Direct contact: Reach out to board administrators or licensure specialists via phone or email to clarify confusing or missing details.
Tips for Managing Your Research
Consider creating a side-by-side comparison chart if you are exploring multiple states. Include exam acceptances, clinical hour requirements, CE expectations, fees, and timelines.
Join online forums or professional social media groups dedicated to dental hygienists. Hearing from peers who have recently transferred licenses can provide valuable insights and practical advice.
Keep copies of all correspondence, receipts, and documentation for your records.
Starting early and staying organised helps avoid last-minute surprises and smooths your path to practicing in a new state.
Preparing Your Application for License Transfer
Careful preparation of your application can make the difference between a smooth transfer and frustrating delays. Before you start, review every requirement for dental hygienists in your new state so you don’t miss anything important.
Common Application Components
While specific demands vary, most states ask for the following:
Proof of current license: A valid, unencumbered dental hygiene license from your current state. Some states require verification sent directly from your licensing board.
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) scores: Official score reports must be requested from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and sent to the destination board.
Clinical examination results: Documentation or verification of your passed regional or national clinical exam.
Dental hygiene program transcripts: Official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution, verifying your graduation and coursework.
Verification of clinical practice hours: Letters or affidavits from employers confirming your recent hands-on experience, including dates and hours worked.
Continuing education records: Certificates or transcripts of CE courses completed, with topics and completion dates clearly noted.
CPR certification: Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or equivalent, often required to be from a recognised provider like the American Heart Association.
Professional references: Some states request letters from licensed dentists or hygienists vouching for your competence and character.
Background check authorization: Submission of fingerprints and/or criminal background checks, sometimes through state-approved vendors.
Establish a Realistic Timeline
Transferring your license takes time. Score requests usually take 4 to 6 weeks. License verifications can take 2 to 8 weeks. Background checks often need 2 to 6 weeks, and transcripts usually take 2 to 4 weeks. Since delays happen, add extra time to your plan so you can handle any unexpected requests without stress.
Stay Organised with a Digital Filing System
Keep all your documents in one digital folder with clear file names like “NBDHE_Score_Mar2025.pdf.” Use a simple checklist or spreadsheet to track each item’s request date, submission date, and status. This helps you stay on top of your application and quickly spot any missing paperwork.
Document Authentication and Final Review
Check whether your destination state requires certain documents to be notarized or certified. For example, transcripts may need an official seal, and affidavits may require notarization. Prepare these in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Before submission, carefully review every form and document for accuracy—double-check names, dates, and signatures. Missing or incorrect details often cause application rejections or processing delays.
If possible, have a trusted colleague or mentor review your packet as well.
Meeting Additional State Requirements When Transferring Your License
Some states require fingerprinting and criminal background checks processed through approved vendors. Liability insurance coverage may be mandatory before licensure. Also, if you hold certifications for expanded duties, such as local anesthesia administration or nitrous oxide monitoring, verify whether these require separate state approval or renewal.
Other requirements may include the following:
Jurisprudence Examinations
Most states require passing a jurisprudence exam focused on their specific dental hygiene laws, scope of practice, and regulatory guidelines. These exams are usually online and open-book, but some states set strict time limits or require proctoring.
Clinical Examination Requirements
Certain states may not accept your original clinical exam results, requiring you to retake a clinical exam administered by an approved testing agency such as ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, or SRTA. Confirm the accepted exams early to avoid unexpected retesting.
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education mandates vary widely. Some states specify a minimum number of hours within a renewal period, while others require completion of particular courses like infection control, ethics, or radiography safety. Check whether your prior CE credits qualify or if you need additional coursework.
Provisional or Temporary Licensing Options
Several states provide provisional or temporary licenses that allow you to practice while your full application is being reviewed. These licenses often have restrictions, such as limited duration or supervised practice, so review their conditions carefully.
Tips to Expedite the Process of Transferring Your Dental Hygiene License
Track Verification Documents
Use tracked mail for physical documents
Request email confirmations
Schedule regular check-ins with the board
Document all confirmation numbers
Verification Checklist
Review all materials for completeness and accuracy
Verify signatures and dates
Confirm proper notarization
Check payment confirmation
Verify all supporting documents are attached
Prepare for Contingencies
Research temporary practice and flexible work options
Draft communications for non-responsive agencies
Identify alternative proof options for missing documentation
Prepare explanation letters for unusual circumstances
Find Employment Opportunities with Teero
Transferring your dental hygiene license requires preparation and organization, but thousands of hygienists successfully complete this process yearly. Always verify current information directly with the state dental hygiene board.
For more information:
American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Licensure Resources: Comprehensive information on licensure requirements and portability initiatives.
Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact Website: Updates on interstate compact progress.
State Dental Board Directory: Contact information for each state's dental board.
ADHA CE Requirements by State: Information on continuing education requirements.
While transferring your license takes effort, it opens new professional doors and supports your career growth in your destination state. Platforms like Teero can help you find flexible work opportunities that fit your schedule and lifestyle, making it easier to transition into your new practice environment while maintaining control over your career path.
Call Teero today to learn more about finding flexible work options.