Dental Hygienist in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in California
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in California, you must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, or ADEX), and the California Law and Ethics Examination. You will then submit an application to the Dental Hygiene Board of California with a fee of $100. The application processing time typically ranges from 30 to 90 days. California also offers a 'Licensure by Credential' pathway for experienced out-of-state hygienists, but dental hygiene education from other countries is not accepted.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in California
| Detail | California |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Dental Hygiene Board of California |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the California Law and Ethics Examination |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 25.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | California has a separate board for dental hygiene. Specific coursework in infection control (2 hours), California dental law (2 hours), and basic life support is required for renewal. Additional certifications are available for RDH in Alternative Practice (RDHAP), which has different CE requirements (35 hours every two years). All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. If you did not graduate from a California dental hygiene program, you must pass a board-approved clinical examination and complete approved courses in the administration of local anesthesia, soft tissue curettage, and nitrous oxide. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in California
The median dental hygienist salary in California is $121,080 per year, which is 28.5% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $56,330 |
| 25th | $106,480 |
| 50th (median) | $121,080 |
| 75th | $129,880 |
| 90th (experienced) | $137,460 |
California employs approximately 22,940 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in California Worth It?
Factors to consider: California's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.