California dental hygienist license
What California requires to license a dental hygienist, what a licensed hygienist may do, and how to keep the license current, taken from Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) and state code pages.
| Licensing board | Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
|---|---|
| How to apply | The DHBC applicant page lists the eligibility routes (clinical exam, California graduate, licensure by credential) and links to each application; applications can be filed online through BreEZe. Open the page Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Education | Completion of a dental hygiene program approved by the DHBC, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and run by a degree-granting postsecondary institution. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| National written exam | Applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Clinical exam | California accepts a board-approved dental hygiene clinical exam (WREB, ADEX, or CRDTS) passed within the last three (3) years before the application date. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| State law exam | Applicants must pass the California RDH law and ethics written examination, given at PSI computer-based testing centers. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Fees | $200.00 for licensure by exam: a $100 application fee plus a $100 license issuance fee. Fees are nonrefundable. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Licensed in another state | Hygienists licensed in another state for at least five (5) years immediately before applying, with at least 750 clinical practice hours per year, may apply for Licensure by Credential (LBC). Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Local anesthesia | Yes. RDHs may administer local anesthesia under direct supervision of a dentist after showing completion of a DHBC-approved course. The course is also required for initial RDH licensure. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Nitrous oxide | Yes. RDHs may administer nitrous oxide and oxygen under direct supervision of a dentist after completing a DHBC-approved course. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Supervision and direct access | Prophylaxis, scaling, and root planing are done under general supervision of a dentist. Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and soft tissue curettage require direct supervision. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Renewal | Licenses renew every two years, by the last day of the licensee's birth month. No CE is required for the first renewal. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Continuing education | RDHs need 25 CE units per two-year renewal, including the mandatory courses (California Dental Practice Act, Infection Control, and Basic Life Support). Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
| Background check | Fingerprints are required (Live Scan in California or ink cards). No license is issued until DOJ and FBI clearance is received. Source: dhbc.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-29. |
Rules and fees change. Confirm with Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) before you rely on them.
Licensed hygienists in California earn a median $60.06 an hour ($124,930 a year). See California pay by metro.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries.
Hiring a dental hygienist in California?
Short on hygiene coverage for a day, a leave or for good? Send the details once. A dental staffing service or recruiter that covers your area follows up with you directly.
- Temp days, ongoing part time, or a permanent hire
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire
Are you a hygienist in California?
Tell us what you want, temp days or a permanent seat, and we pass your details to offices and staffing services hiring near you. Get matched