Ohio Dental Hygienist Requirements
Starting your career as a dental hygienist in Ohio is a rewarding career path, but it does require you to adhere to strict education and licensure requirements. This page is your guide to help you navigate the process.
Education Requirements for Ohio Dental Hygienists
Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program: To get started on your dental hygienist career, you must complete a dental hygiene program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There are several programs in Ohio for dental hygiene including:
- Ohio State University
- Columbus State Community College
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Hocking College
- Lorain County Community College
- UC Blue Ash
- Lakeland Community College
- Owens Community College
- Rhodes State College
- Sinclair Community College
- Shawnee State University
- Youngstown State University
- Stark State College
Licensure Requirements for Ohio Dental Hygienists
To become a registered dental hygienist you must complete a few licensing requirements.
- National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): After graduating from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) which evaluates your knowledge.
- Regional Clinical Examination: Ohio recognizes several regional clinical exams, including the Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS) and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA).
- Ohio Jurisprudence Examination: The Ohio Jurisprudence Examination tests your knowledge of Ohio dental laws and regulations.
- Submit Application: Compile all the material required to submit the application including exam scores, background check results, and proof of education. Then you can submit it to the Ohio State Dental Board to receive your licensure.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
To maintain your license, you must complete at least 24 credit hours of continuing education every renewal program. This ensures that hygienists are up to date with the latest practices and technologies.
By following these steps and committing to ongoing education, you can establish a successful career as a dental hygienist in Ohio, contributing significantly to the oral health and well-being of your community.