Pathway to Licensure

In general, Oregon Tech's online BS in Dental Hygiene does not provide a direct pathway to state licensure as a dental hygienist. Our online degree requires all applicants have completed a CODA accredited dental hygiene certificate or associate program, passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, and be eligible for state licensure in their state.  A common theme with state licensure is also completion of a CODA accredited program and passage of the NBDHE. Official state websites should always be used as the primary source of information when reviewing license requirements.

As part of an an ongoing project, we are researching each state's licensure requirements. If you do not see your state's license information yet, please check that licensing board for more information. This page only references eligibility for our online degree completion program and is not related to our campus-based program designed for people not already in dental hygiene.

State Licensure Requirements

Alabama's licensure requirements fall under two categories: license by national regional exam and license by credentials. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists requires passage of the NBDHE prior to joining the program. Oregon Tech's online program does not qualify you for Alabama licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 12/18/23

Alaska's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional or state board exam, and completion of a CODA accredited program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Alaska licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 12/18/23

The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners issues licenses to hygienists practicing in the state. The requirements for a state licensure include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional clinical examination. Since Oregon Tech's online program is for working dental hygienist and also requires passage of the NBDHE, the RDH to BSDH program is not a pathway to Arkansas license eligiblity.

Reviewed 5/20/24.

Arizona's dental hygiene license requirements fall under two main categories: license by examination (passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a state or regional exam) or license by credential (hold a license in another state, or other country). Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Arizona licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 12/18/23

California has several licensure pathways. Pathways include sending proof of passing a national or regional board exam, and completion of a dental hygiene education program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for California licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 12/18/23

Colorado's dental hygiene license requirements include passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, among other requirements. Oregon Tech's online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 4/23/24

The Department of Public Health approves licenses for dental hygienists desiring to practice in Connecticut. License eligibility includes graduating from a CODA accredited program, passing the NBDHE and a clinical exam, along with other documents. Oregon Tech's online RDH to BSDH program for current dental hygienists requires all candidates have passed the NBDHE and be eligible for licensure in their state of residence. Oregon Tech's online program is not an eligibility pathway for Connecticut licensure.

Reviewed 5/20/24.

Delaware's Division of Professional Regulation issues dental hygiene licenses to those who meet their eligibility criteria. Requirements include, but are not limited to, completion of a CODA accredited program and passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Oregon Tech's online program for current hygienists also requires passage of the NBDHE prior to program acceptance.

Reviewed 5/15/24.

Florida's Board of Dentistry's license requirements include a passing score on the National Board Dental Examination. Oregon Tech's online program also includes a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination prior to program acceptance; this online degree does not qualify you for a dental hygiene license in Florida.

Reviewed 4/23/24

The Georgia Board of Dentistry processes dental hygiene license applications for the state. License requirements include a passing score on the NBDHE, graduation from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program, and more. Because Oregon Tech's online program is designed for hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are licensed, or eligible for licensure, in their state of residence, Oregon Tech's online degree is not an eligibility pathway.

Reviewed 5/15/24.

Hawai'i's Professional & Vocational Licensing Division issues dental hygiene licenses. Because the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is part of Hawai'i's license requirements and is also required for the RDH to BSDH, Oregon Tech's online degree completion program for dental hygienists is not a pathway to this state's license eligibility.

Reviewed 5/15/24.

Idaho's dental hygiene license pathway for new hygienists includes a passing score on the NBDHE examination. Oregon Tech's online degree program is not a pathway to licensure since we also require a passing score on the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 4/23/24

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues dental hygiene licenses within the state. One state license requirement is the passage of the NBDHE. Oregon Tech's online program also requires the NBDHE therefore the online RDH to BSDH is not an eligibility pathway to Illinois licensure.

Dental Hygienists seeking licensure in Indiana must apply to the Professional Licensing Agency. The 'by Examination' pathway includes passage of the NBDHE and a clinical exam, background check, CPR card, and graduation from an accredited program. Because Oregon Tech's online degree program requires all applicants have passed the NBDHE and be eligible for licensure in their state, this program is not an eligiblity pathway.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Iowa's Dental Board, through the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing approves applications for dental hygiene licenses. Eligibility requirements including graduation from a CODA accredited program and completion of a board approved clinical examination. Oregon Tech's online degree program is not an eligibility pathway since we also require completion of an accredited program and passage of the NBDHE prior to program acceptance.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Dental Hygienists seeking a license to practice dental hygiene in Kansas will apply to the Kansas Dental Board and provide proof of passing the NBDHE, additional clinical exams, a CPR card, and more. Oregon Tech's online program requires all applicants pass the NBDHE and be licensed, or eligible for license, in the state they are practicing in. Because of the overlap in state license and program admission requirements, Oregon Tech's RDH to BSDH is not an eligibility pathway to licensure.

Reviewed 5/15/24.

Kentucky's Board of Dentistry approves dental hygiene licenses to practice within the state. Hygienists wishing to work in the state must have passed the NBDHE, passed another regional examination, graduated from an accredited program, and more. Oregon Tech's online program requires many of the same items therefore we are not an eligibility pathway to Kentucky licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Hygienists seeking state licensure will apply to the Board of Dentistry. Oregon Tech and the Board of Dentistry have similar requirements, including completion of an accredited program and passage of the National Board examination, therefore the online program is not an eligibility pathway.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Maine's Board of Dental Practice requires dental hygienists seeking state licensure to have passed the NBDHE and graduated from a CODA accredited program. Since Oregon Tech's online program requires these same items, this program is not an eligibility pathway to Maine licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The Maryland Board of Dental Examiners processes the state's dental hygiene licenses. License requirements include proof of passage for the National Board Dental Hygiene; passage of the NBDHE is also an Oregon Tech requirement. Oregon Tech's online RDH to BSDH program is not an eligibility pathway to Maryland licensure since we have the same exam requirement.

Reviewed 5/10/24

Dental Hygienists seeking approval to practice dental hygiene in Massachusetts meet eligibility requirements including a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Oregon Tech's online degree program is not a pathway to licensure since we also require a passing score on the NBDHE prior to program acceptance.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Michigan's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional or state board exam, and completion of a CODA accredited program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Michigan licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. 

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The Minnesota Board of Dentistry issues licenses for dental hygienists to work in the state. License requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the NBDHE plus a regional board exam, and graduation from a dental hygiene program.

Oregon Tech's online RDH to BSDH program requires all applicants have passed the NBDHE and be eligible for, or hold, a state license. This online program is not a pathway to Minnesota licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Dental Hygienists seeking licensure in Mississippi will apply through the state's Board of Dental Examiners. Application requirements include passage of the NBDHE and completion of a dental hygiene program. Because Oregon Tech's online program is reserved for dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and meet eligibility for state licensure, our online degree is not a pathway to Mississippi state licensure.

Reviewed 5/15/24

Missouri's Dental Board requires dental hygienists seeking state licensure to have passed the NBDHE and graduated from a CODA accredited program. Since Oregon Tech's online program requires these same items, this program is not an eligibility pathway to Missouri licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The Montana Board of Dentistry processes license applications for dental hygienists wishing to practice their craft in the state. Applying for licensure requires graduation from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program, passage of the NBDHE and two other exams, plus additional items.

Because the Montana Board of Dentistry and Oregon Tech both require passage of the NBDHE prior to applying, Oregon Tech's online RDH to BSDH program is not an eligibility pathway to Montana licensure.

Reviewed 5/15/24

 

Dental Hygienists seeking licensure in Nebraska will apply through the state's Department of Health and Human Services. Application requirements include passage of the NBDHE and completion of a dental hygiene program. Because Oregon Tech's online program is reserved for dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and meet eligibility for state licensure, our online degree is not a pathway to Nebraska state licensure.

Reviewed 5/15/24

Nevada's Board of Dental Practice requires dental hygienists seeking state licensure to have passed the NBDHE and graduated from a CODA accredited program. Since Oregon Tech's online program requires these same items, this program is not an eligibility pathway to Nevada licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

New Hampshire's Office of Professional Licensure and Certification issues dental hygiene licenses. Because the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is part of New Hampshire's license requirements and is also required for the RDH to BSDH, Oregon Tech's online degree completion program for dental hygienists is not a pathway to this state's license eligibility.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The State Board of Dentistry approves licenses for dental hygienists desiring to practice in New Jersey. License eligibility includes graduating from a CODA accredited program, and passing the NBDHE, along with other documents. Oregon Tech's online RDH to BSDH program for current dental hygienists requires all candidates have passed the NBDHE and be eligible for licensure in their state of residence. Oregon Tech's online program is not an eligibility pathway for New Jersey licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department issues licenses to hygienists practicing in the state. The requirements for a state licensure include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional clinical examination. Since Oregon Tech's online program is for working dental hygienist and also requires passage of the NBDHE, the RDH to BSDH program is not a pathway to New Mexico license eligiblity.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Those seeking a Dental Hygiene license in New York must meet eligibility requirements including a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Oregon Tech's online degree program is not a pathway to licensure since we also require a passing score on the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to the online program, not the campus-based programs.

Reviewed 5/2/24

North Carolina has several eligibility pathways for dental hygiene licensure. Licensure by Credentials requires passage of the NBDHE, among other requirements. Licensure through Military service requires someone have actively practiced dentistry for a set number of hours, The third option is completion of written and clinical exams including the ADEX clinical dental hygiene examination. Oregon Tech's online program requires a passing score on the NBDHE prior to program acceptance.

Reviewed 5/2/24

The North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners issues licenses to hygienists practicing in the state. The requirements for a state licensure include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and an approved clinical examination. Since Oregon Tech's online program is for working dental hygienist and also requires passage of the NBDHE, the RDH to BSDH program is not a pathway to North Dakota license eligiblity.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Ohio's Dental Board allows applicants who've passed the National or Regional board exams. Oregon Tech's online program does not prepare you for the regional board exams and we only accept students to the online program who've passed the National board exam (NBDHE). This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 4/23/24

The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry issues licenses for dental hygienists to work in the state. License requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the NBDHE plus a regional board exam, and graduation from a dental hygiene program.

Oregon Tech's online RDH to BSDH program requires all applicants have passed the NBDHE and be eligible for, or hold, a state license. This online program is not a pathway to Oklahoma licensure.

Reviewed 5/15/24

Dental Hygienists seeking licensure in Oregon must have passed the NBDHE or other board exam. Oregon Tech's Online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 12/18/23

Pennsylvania's Board of Dentistry requires an associate degree and passage of the NBDHE and a separate (regional) board examination. Oregon Tech's RDH to BSDH offered through the online campus also requires passage of the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. Due to this requirement, Oregon Tech's online program is not a pathway to PA licensure.

Reviewed 5/10/24

Rhode Island's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional board exam, and completion of a CODA accredited program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Rhode Island licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. 

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The South Carolina Board of Dentistry issues licenses to hygienists practicing in the state. The requirements for a state licensure include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical examination. Since Oregon Tech's online program is for working dental hygienist and also requires passage of the NBDHE, the RDH to BSDH program is not a pathway to South Carolina license eligiblity.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

South Dakota dental hygiene license requirements include passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, among other requirements. Oregon Tech's online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Tennessee's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, and completion of a CODA accredited program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Tennessee licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. 

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Texas dental hygiene applicants must have passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and met additional requirements. Oregon Tech's online degree program is not a pathway to Texas licensure since we also require the NBDHE examination prior to program admission. This information is only related to our online program, not our campus-based programs.

Reviewed 5/2/24

Utah's dental hygiene license requirements include passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional examination, and other requirements. Oregon Tech's online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. 

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Vermont's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional board exam, and completion of a CODA accredited program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Vermont licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program. 

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The Virginia Board of Dentistry processes dental hygiene license applications for the state. License requirements include a passing score on the NBDHE, graduation from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program, and more. Because Oregon Tech's online program is designed for hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are licensed, or eligible for licensure, in their state of residence, Oregon Tech's online degree is not an eligibility pathway.

Reviewed 5/15/24.

Washington's dental hygiene license requirements include passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, among other requirements. Oregon Tech's online program does not play a role in an individual's eligibility since all candidates for this degree must pass the NBDHE prior to program acceptance. 

Reviewed 5/21/24.

West Virginia's dental hygiene license requirements include passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for West Virginia licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services issues dental hygiene licenses within the state. One state license requirement is the passage of the NBDHE. Oregon Tech's online program also requires the NBDHE therefore the online RDH to BSDH is not an eligibility pathway to Wisconsin licensure.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

Wyoming's dental hygiene license requirements include, but are not limited to, passage of the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, passage of a regional board exam, and completion of a dental hygiene program. Oregon Tech's online program for current dental hygienists who've passed the NBDHE and are eligible for state license does not qualify you for Wyoming licensure; licensure requirements should be met outside of Oregon Tech's online program.

Reviewed 5/21/24.

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