Kentucky Dental Hygienist Requirements

Becoming a dental hygienist in Kentucky is a rewarding career choice, offering you job stability, a decent salary, and the opportunity to make a real impact on patient care. If you’re just starting your career or looking to move to Kentucky, understanding the state requirements is key.

This page will walk you through everything you need to know about dental hygienist education, certification, licensure, and continuing education requirements in Kentucky.

To become a licensed dental hygienist in Kentucky, you must complete a formal education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). These programs are typically offered at community colleges or universities and can take around two to three years to complete.

To become a dental hygienist in Kentucky, you must earn at least an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (ASDH). Your program will include courses in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, along with clinical practice.

After completing the education requirements, you must pass a few licensing exams to become a dental hygienist in Kentucky:

• The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge in areas like patient care, dental hygiene, and health education.
• You’ll also need to pass a clinical exam through a regional testing agency. Kentucky recognizes multiple testing agencies, including the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), and the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA).
• You’ll need to pass the Kentucky jurisprudence exam, which covers state laws and regulations surrounding dental hygiene.

Once you have completed those exams, you can apply for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.

Kentucky dental hygienists are required to renew their licenses every two years. As part of the renewal process, you must complete continuing education (CE) courses to ensure your skills and knowledge stay current. Dental hygienists in Kentucky must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years through accredited institutions or organizations approved by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.

In conclusion, becoming a dental hygienist in Kentucky involves completing an accredited program, passing required exams, and maintaining licensure. With a strong job market and competitive pay, becoming a dental hygienist in Kentucky offers you stability and the opportunity to make a positive impact.