Steps to get licensed in Rhode Island
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX dental hygiene exam, including the CSCE, within five years of applying.
- Hold current BLS/CPR certification for healthcare providers.
- Apply to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Examiners in Dentistry.
Board exams for Rhode Island licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Rhode Island accepts ADEX. Your ADEX exam must include the CSCE and be taken within five years before you apply.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Not required
Rhode Island doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Rhode Island issues a separate local anesthesia permit that renews every two years. You need a board-approved course and a local anesthesia exam, and you give it under a dentist's indirect supervision.
Moving to Rhode Island with a license from another state
Rhode Island isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Rhode Island?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. The one school with a dental hygiene program in Rhode Island offers an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Rhode Island
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Rhode Island?
Not automatically. Rhode Island isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Rhode Island require a jurisprudence exam?
No. Rhode Island doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island issues a separate local anesthesia permit that renews every two years. You need a board-approved course and a local anesthesia exam, and you give it under a dentist's indirect supervision.
Which clinical exams does Rhode Island accept?
Rhode Island accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Your ADEX exam must include the CSCE and be taken within five years before you apply. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- health.ri.gov /dentistry
- rules.sos.ri.gov /regulations/part/216-40-05-2
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site