District of Columbia requires a state-level dental hygienist license. The licensing authority is State Board of Dentistry / Dental Hygiene. The median salary is $98,120 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
District of Columbia requires a dental hygienist to hold a state license. Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care and education. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Dentistry / Dental Hygiene.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program (2-3 years) |
| Experience Details | Associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program (2-3 years) |
District of Columbia requires passing the District of Columbia Dental Hygienist Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $500.
| Exam Name | District of Columbia Dental Hygienist Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) + Regional Clinical Exam |
| Application Fee | $500 |
Getting licensed as a dental hygienist in District of Columbia takes 12 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $500 and renewal fees of $500 every 2 years. Continuing education of 20 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $500 |
| License Renewal | $500 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 20 hours |
Dental Hygienists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $98,120, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in District of Columbia |
| National average | $87,150 |
Yes — District of Columbia requires a state-level dental hygienist license. Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care and education.
The required exam is the District of Columbia Dental Hygienist Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $500.
The median annual salary for dental hygienists in District of Columbia is $98,120. The national median is $87,150.
District of Columbia requires 20 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 12 months including experience requirements.