The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
The compact will let a hygienist licensed in one member state practice in the others with a compact privilege, instead of getting a separate license in each. So far, 13 states have enacted it. The commission isn't issuing privileges yet, so for now you still need each state's license.
Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have compact bills pending.
Moving states: licensure by credentials
Each state sets its own rules for hygienists who are already licensed somewhere else, usually called licensure by credentials, endorsement, or reciprocity. Requirements vary, so start with the new state's page above, then confirm with its board.
Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license walks through the full process, from graduation to your first license.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to get a dental hygiene license?
Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed, and requirements vary by state. In most states that means a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program plus written and clinical exams (BLS). Every state and DC requires the written NBDHE. In 39 jurisdictions, you also pass a jurisprudence exam on state law. How to get a dental hygiene license
Which states are in the dental hygiene compact?
So far, 13 states have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have compact bills pending. Compact map
Which states require a jurisprudence exam for dental hygienists?
In 39 of 51 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Can dental hygienists work in any state?
Not with one license. A dental hygiene license lets you practice in the state that issued it. To work in another state, you apply for that state's license, often through licensure by credentials. Compact member states will accept each other's licenses through compact privileges once the commission starts issuing them. Licensure by credentials, explained
Which clinical exam do most states accept?
ADEX is accepted in 49 of 51 jurisdictions. Many states accept more than one exam, so check your state's page before you register. WREB and CITA are now part of ADEX, and SRTA has merged into CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026. Each state page lists the board and administrative-code sources for that state, and states we've re-verified since show their own date.
- adha.org /licensuremaps
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- bls.gov /ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
Rules change. Confirm with your state board before you rely on them.