Considering a career in dental hygiene? With the growing demand for dental professionals in Connecticut and nationwide, it’s the perfect time to consider becoming a dental hygienist.

A necessary part of our healthcare system, dental hygienists take care of, and educate about, patients’ oral health. Pursuing this career brings perks like job stability, competitive salaries, and growth opportunities. However, Connecticut has specific educational and licensing requirements that must be followed to practice.

We will walk you through the steps needed to earn your dental hygienist license in Connecticut, covering educational prerequisites, licensing examinations, and the state’s licensure process.

Educational requirements for dental hygienist licensing

To become a dental hygienist in Connecticut, you must earn at least an associate degree in Dental Hygiene. While earning that, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills needed for this career path. Many highly accredited dental hygiene programs in Connecticut will prepare you with advanced training as a dental hygienist. You can view a detailed list of prerequisites for the dental hygiene program or keep reading for a general overview.

Required coursework

Dental hygiene programs cover a range of subjects to prepare students for both patient care and licensure exams. Coursework typically includes anatomy, periodontology, radiology, and pharmacology. The vital part of these programs is the clinical experience, where students gain hands-on practice in real-world settings under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Accreditation and program length

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing a dental hygiene program. To be eligible for licensure in Connecticut, you must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Accredited programs ensure that you receive the appropriate level of training and education.

Typically, dental hygiene programs take two to three years to complete, during which you develop the technical and soft skills needed for this field.

Becoming a dental hygienist in Connecticut is seamless through Goodwin’s career-focused degree program. Learn more!

Dental hygienist license examinations and testing requirements

After completing your dental hygiene degree, the next step in becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Connecticut is passing the required exams. Below are the key exams you’ll need to complete in the licensing process.

National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is a critical step toward becoming a licensed dental hygienist. This exam, administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), is designed to assess your understanding of key concepts in dental hygiene, patient care, and clinical decision-making.

The NBDHE is a comprehensive exam that spans approximately 350 multiple-choice questions, divided into two parts:

1. Discipline-Based Component – This portion covers core subjects like pharmacology, periodontology, community dental health, and more.
2. Case-Based Component – In this part, candidates are presented with case scenarios where they must apply clinical reasoning to answer related questions.

How to Prepare for the NBDHE

• Study Guides and Review Courses. Utilize NBDHE review books, practice exams, and online courses to help you focus on key topics.
• Time Management. Since the exam can last up to nine hours, practicing with mock tests will help improve time management.
• Clinical Applications. Ensure that you’re familiar with real-world applications of theoretical knowledge, as the case-based section will test your ability to handle practical patient scenarios.

Passing this exam is mandatory before moving on to the clinical licensure stage.

Clinical Exam (ADEX/NERB)

Connecticut requires candidates to pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) or the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) clinical exam, which is a hands-on skills assessment. This practical test evaluates your clinical competency in key areas such as scaling and root planing, dental radiography, and patient management.

The ADEX/NERB clinical exam consists of the following parts:

• Patient Care Section. You must demonstrate your ability to perform scaling and root planing on a live patient, showcasing proper technique and patient care.
• Manikin-Based Simulations. This part of the exam tests your ability to perform certain procedures, like restorative techniques, using dental manikins.

How to Prepare for the Clinical Exam

• Practice on Real Patients. Many dental hygiene programs offer clinics where students can practice patient care, which is invaluable in preparing for the live patient portion of the exam.
• Review Clinical Guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the clinical standards outlined by the ADEX/NERB, so you know exactly what the examiners will be evaluating.
• Mock Exams. Practice with simulated exams using manikins to build your confidence and ensure accuracy.

For further details, including test scheduling and preparation, visit the Connecticut Dental Hygienist Licensure page.

Connecticut dental hygienist licensure application

Once you’ve passed the necessary exams, the next step is to apply for your dental hygienist license through the Department of Public Health. The licensure application process includes submitting the following:

• Proof of graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Official exam scores from the NBDHE and clinical exams
• A completed application form

Applying for a dental hygienist license in Connecticut involves certain fees, which typically range from $150 to $200. Additionally, you may be required to undergo a background check and submit your fingerprints as part of the application process. Be sure to review the state’s licensure guidelines to ensure you meet all requirements.

For detailed instructions and to begin your application, visit the Connecticut Dental Hygienist Licensure page.

Continuing education and license renewal as a dental hygienist

To maintain your dental hygienist license in Connecticut, you must complete continuing education (CE) credits. CE courses are designed to keep professionals up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. You will need to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

Dental hygienists in Connecticut must renew their licenses every two years. Along with fulfilling CE requirements, you will need to pay a renewal fee, which varies depending on the specific license.

Dental hygienist career outlook and growth

Dental hygienists enjoy strong job prospects, with consistent demand for professionals in this field. Dental hygienists in the state can expect an annual median salary of around $87,000, with opportunities to grow through experience and further education. For more details on salary expectations and employment trends, refer to Dental Hygienist Job Outlook.

Considering going beyond basic dental hygiene? There are many specializations to consider pursuing, including areas like pediatric dental hygiene, periodontics, or public health. Advancing your education can lead to higher salaries and more specialized roles within the profession.

Moving forward as a licensed professional

Becoming a dental hygienist involves meeting specific educational requirements, passing rigorous exams, and applying for licensure. By following these steps, the beginning of an amazing career is just around the corner.

Ready to take the next step? Visit the Goodwin University Dental Hygiene Program to learn more about how you can start your journey today.